I need a simple step by step explanation of how to convert video
already on my hard drive(in separate folders with video and audio sub
folders from NON-Encrypted DVD's), to an mpeg4, divx, xvid, or some
similar alternative using GPL license stuff.

I have burned 20+ home movies to DVD format, but have archived them
onto a external hard drive.  I need the space now, but would still
like to have the backups because the DVD+R media seems easily
scratched and I have children.   I would like to convert them to
MPEG4, or DIVx, or Xvid or someother equivalent.  I have tried
searching the web and have found recommendations for GKnot, AutoGknot,
Ffdshow, virtual dub, XVID.

My problem seems to be understanding how use these. It seems from most
of the programs are geared to using DVD decrypter first from an actual
DVD, but I do not need to as I do not have encrypted videos and they
are already on my hard drive.  They are in separate "Video_TS" and
"Audio_TS" folders in multiple files, just as they were burned to DVD.
 And I don't want to reinsert all the dvd's again because it is a lot
slower, the data is already there, and I already went through the
trouble the first time I decided to back them up.  Ideally I would
like to set up a batch, but one at a time would be fine as well.

I have nero on one computer and that allows me to easily grab the
whole folder and run nero recode and convert it to nero digital, but I
can't watch the videos on another computer, because I guess nero
digital is its own special codec.  So, I want a system that will as
easily and grab the appropriate files from the folder and generate the
xvid equivalent of what nero recode does.

(I have a HP370n Windows media center computer.
There are all .vob, .bup, and .ifo files in the Video directories, the
Audio directories are empty.  Yet I can play them just fine with media
player and hear the audio. )

)

Could you please break down the steps for me? point me to the right
programs to downlaod?

I know what you need. How do I answer instead of commenting?

You'll want to download DVD2AVI and Virtualdub plus divx or xvid developer codec
use DVD2AVI to convert you decrypted dvd data to avi and then set up
virtualdub with your custom codecs and framerate and you might need to
deinterlace (located in filters) depending on the video. you can
calculate the bitrate by hand or using a bitrate calculator. Don't
forget to convert to NTFS when dealing with files >4GB. Some
processors have a flaw when dealing with this method and the video and
audio will be off sync by a little bit. If this occurs you will have
to encode using tmpegenc (another awesome free program) and encode in
mpeg format. I must recommend however this method is obsolete and it
would be more convenient to just burn the dvd as-is. Disclaimer: this
information is not to be used for unauthorized reproduction of
copyrighted material!

Hi, 

Thank you for your help,

I tried dvd2avi and managed to convert the video into one avi,
but there is no audio.  I do not quite understand the settings I guess
to make the dvd2avi keep the audio, or do i grab that from somehwere
else?

As I said my audio folders are empty, so I presume the audio is mixed
with the video file.

Thank you.

If you leave the settings as is, it will leave the audio in 5.1 sound
which you may not be able to decode. You will either need to go to
settings in DVD2AVI and tell it to demux to 44.1khz 2ch or try opening
the AVI with virtualdub and see if it picks up the 5.1 audio and try
setting the audio codec to mp3 and convert a small section using the
tabs at the bottom. Let me know if this works. I know I am not
breaking it down for you step by step. but the truth is, this process
is a difficult and lengthy process and is different for different
CPU's. There is no 1 guide fits all, but once find a system that is
ideal for your machine you will be set.

The easiest way I have found is Easydivx:
http://easydivx.does.it/
It is very automated requiring very little input from the user; also,
with Easydivx it is possible to create a Divx video with only one
program, instead of using several.

Hi!

You can convert your file with Super DVD ripper.
You can choise your file to convert in which format you want.
Also you can make your dvd back-up with DVD Shrink, the best program which I use.

Hi there,

I think a better option is to use the Autogk program. I found the
output files much better than the divx files. Moreover if you have the
option of coding into both divx or xvid files.
Here's the link to the autogk homepage:
http://www.autogk.me.uk/index.php?name=Downloads&d_op=viewdownload&cid=1

But before you can use autogk you will have to rip the dvd to your
hard drive and this you can do by using DVD Decrypter. The link to
that is:
http://www.doom9.org/Soft21/Rippers/SetupDVDDecrypter_3.5.2.0.exe

Happy ripping!

BDB

well its about my last post. For the autogk program you need to click
on the link and move to the new page to download the program form one
of the mirror site.

For DVD Decrypt you can straightway right click and choose to download
the file as it is a direct link to the setup program.

BDB

I had actually found the gordian knot program, but I could not
understand it.  I do have the videos already on my hard drive and
didn't need decrypter because they aren't encrypted.

Can you explain how to use it simply or point me to a link that breaks
it down in simple terms?

Thanks.

I use ImTOO dvd ripper to rip dvd to xvid/avi/divx. You can download
it from: http://www.dvd-tool.com/