ffmpegX/mencoder

[SCB]

Major, I used ffmpegX to convert Star Wars AOTC to DivX (perfectly in sync, BTW). I know you can convert directly from the DVD but I chose to rip to my HD first. When you rip to your HD first, is the option to encode subs still available? I ripped the subs with 0SeX (second set for alien subtitles) and chose the "Encode Subtitles" option and chose subs #2. But, it did not encode them. Do I need to do something different to get them encoded? Also, I've never really messed with DivX before so I was wondering what settings I should use for the highest quality? Does two pass encoding really make a difference?

[major]

When you rip to your HD first, is the option to encode subs still available?

Yes.

I ripped the subs with 0SeX (second set for alien subtitles) and chose the "Encode Subtitles" option and chose subs #2.

If you only ripped one set of subtitles then you should choose subs #1.

what settings I should use for the highest quality?

Presets + set best bitrate by choosing proper image size and using the "Calc best" calculator.

Does two pass encoding really make a difference?

It can optimize file size. I don't use it that much.