Ripping a DVD - Best Quality Filetype

[prodan_d]

I want to rip a section of a DVD. I use DVD2AVI but I want to know what is the best quality output. I don't want to have codecs as I want the file to play on a standalone PC. My filesize limit is 25mb. What is the best filetype output, retaining quality.

[redsox_mark]

Well there will always be a codec involved, regardless of format. I think what you mean is you want one which is commonly supported.
How long is the clip?

[prodan_d]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

Well there will always be a codec involved, regardless of format. I think what you mean is you want one which is commonly supported.
How long is the clip?

1 minute

[redsox_mark]

So that is something like 3 Mbps. So you can't use DV-avi, which I would use for best quality. How about .wmv?

[prodan_d]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

So that is something like 3 Mbps. So you can't use DV-avi, which I would use for best quality. How about .wmv?

Not really a fan of .wmv as the quality isnt that great.

[senu]

WMV can be great, depends on encoding bitrate,
You may have to experiment with
Divx
Xvid and all mpeg4 varieties
mpeg 1 ( urrg!)
or
Mpeg2 but a pixel sizes smaller that 720x 576

There is always Real .. or even Quicktime

All of them can look good or crap...

Be aware though all compressed video there is a quality trade off as what you want is best judged by your own eyes so you cant avoid a bit of trial and error as YMMV

[prodan_d]

Originally Posted by senu

WMV can be great, depends on encoding bitrate,
You may have to experiment with
Divx
Xvid and all mpeg4 varieties
mpeg 1 ( urrg!)
or
Mpeg2 but a pixel sizes smaller that 720x 576

There is always Real .. or even Quicktime

All of them can look good or crap...

Be aware though all compressed video there is a quality trade off as what you want is best judged by your own eyes so you cant avoid a bit of trial and error as YMMV

If I used MPEG-2, will it play on all machines or do they need to install something?

[senu]

mpeg2 should play on most windows or mac without the need to install anything, otherwise any free player (VLC, GOM) should do or any DVD playback software: they are all over the place