DVD files to AVI/Divx

[jfalkingham]

Ok - first off, I'm not trying to illegally rip DVD's and distribute. So please do not lock this thread!

So having toddlers in the house, DVD's are great, but also break easily. I've decided to invest in a lot of storage and back the DVD's up to the disk, then stream via DVR, Extender, XBOX, etc the movies to the tv when its tv time. I have all of the DVD's on the hard drive (dvd decrypter). What software do you use to build out an AVI or WMV file from the video_ts folder? I've done it piece by piece, but have yet to find anything that will take the root folder, and build out a proper AVI / WMV / Mpeg file. Any help is appreciated!

[dorfd1]

ripping dvds is ilegal.

use video conversion software.

[jfalkingham]

I believe ripping a DVD while stripping encryption from the rip is illegal. Making digital copies of DVD's that do not contain encryption is not illegal and as far as I can see has not been challenged in US courts under fair use.

So, to your statement - what video conversion software have you used?

[dorfd1]

avs video will do it but unless you pay you will have a watermark.

I do not know of any freeware video converters that will handle dvd files.

or you do the legal way and plug a dvd player into your av input on your computer and record analog video to your hard disk.

[Stuart Sweet]

dorfd1 is right. I understand you're not trying to profit from your actions, but unfortunately in many cases you're running afoul of the law just by making a digital copy for your computer.

If you think this is unjust, I urge you to seek legal recourse, contact your representatives, etc.

I sincerely apologize but I must close this thread; even though there are times when you have complete legal permission to rip DVDs, there are all too many times when you don't.