Idiot's guide to best format & ripping for the 5?

[OldHooky]

Hi folks

I've recently got myself an Archos 5 - my first PMP - and I'm not sure which is the best format for films (movies) for the 5, or which is the ripper programme of choice?

Thanks in advance

OldHooky

[yavin_master]

I use DVDfab to rip the DVD to file and remove any copy protection, then Handbrake to convert it in to a H.264 compliant MP4 file (you need the relevant plugin for the A5). You have to set the b frames to 0 (or you can get some strange artefacts) and make sure your files are less than 2GB (some longer films need to be split).

I have a decent spec PC so typical 2 hour film takes about 1.5 hours to convert - I tend to run Handbrake in batch mode during the night though.

The files are larger than they need to be using this method - I am sure you could reduce the quality but I use mine on the PS3 and Sumvision Media player also.

Do some searching around - this subject is discussed quite a lot and "my" method is just a collection of what other people have posted.

[Floppyjoe]

l use omg dvd ripper and arista transcader.l tend to run xvid, avi with mpeg 3 audio files.Arista is pretty fast at transcribing most formats to xvid and can be downloaded free on linux systems. l run ubuntu on an old IBM pc, fast and efficient.
regards
floppyjoe

[skydiver119]

I have a mac, but I don't need to rip the dvd. I just use handbrake and the 'ipod low res' setting. Handbrake is a free encoder, you can google for it.
You will need to buy the 19.95 h.264/podcast plug in for the archos.

[wide_inside]

Out of interest, I use DVD fab for the lot, ripping straight to an avi from the dvd. Works fine for me for the majority of the time (apart from the occassional dodgy aspect ratio).

What's the advantage of ripping to VOB and then using handbrake?

wide

[OldHooky]

Thanks guys.

And what's the general consensus on format for downloaded films?

[Floppyjoe]

I'm just in the process of dumping 13 episodes of Spartacus Blood and Sand onto my A5 imt.
They are all AVI,with MP3 audio, each episode uses about 500Mb..
Quality is fine for watching on the Archos.
Can hook it through the USB port on my DVD player and watch on a large screen TV. A bit grainy but perfectly viewable.
Regards

Floppyjoe

[poconojoe]

I use DVD Fab for backing up my DVD's and it's a great program, but I can't seem to get the settings correct to convert DVD's to my A5.
If someone could post the exact settings I would appreciated it.
I have however been using pocket divx encoder (a free program) with great success, so I'm not completely unable to convert.