I used to know every piece of software out there, the best tool for every job. Now I've not been paying attention to that kind of stuff over the last few years, I'm not sure what to use? I've decided I want to make a backup of all my DVDs and also convert them to a digital format like DivX or similar.

What would you lot recommend is the best software for the job? Bearing in mind it might be a long job backing up all my DVDs, so a 'click-and-go' solution would be ideal. I don't mind paying for something if it's worth it, but it would be good if it was freeware.

So what's the best tool available at the moment, free or otherwise?

MakeMKV is what I use and currently free.

If you want a full backup of the disc something like DVDdecrypter might be better.

Just trying out DVDdecrypter now. I remember I used to use DVDShrink, so I'll compare the two.

Anybody got suggestions for a good video converter then?

God i'm trying to remember what i used when i put all my DVD's onto the NAS.

DYD Decrypter definately.

but then there was other software to re-encode the raw format to an .avi And you have to get the codecs right etc otherwise there's no point!

Hmmm.... I'll get back to you.

Aha MeGUI was the encodign software i used. You'll also need the AviSync plugin i think.

As above I use Make MKV to create uncompressed video files but used to use AutoGK previously which was free and did compression etc.

Thanks guys.

Is there anything free that will convert DVD to DivX in one package? It always seems to be two bits of software, one for ripping then one for converting.

Not sure - I dont use Divx as I keep all my files uncompressed.

How much space do you have available and how many DVDs? If you have plenty of disk space I would use uncompressed files - you can always shrink them later if needed.

About 150 DVDs. I've got about 300GB free at the moment, but might purchase a new HD if required. I'm thinking now that I might just convert to DivX instead of doing full backups. At least it will save space and I'll be able to play it on most things.

I've just downloaded DVDx to see what that's like.

this is a good converter and totally free

http://www.formatoz.com/index.html

DVDFAB is the best software I've used. It's not free but it looks like you can download a free 30 day trial on their site.


http://www.dvdfab.com/download.htm

This is a front runner at the moment. It's very simple, no glossy interface, but does loads and is very easy to use. Good suggestion adder!

I'll let you know how I get on.

i do find it very easy to use.

re the ripping ... http://www.magicdvdripper.com/dvd-ripper.htm

the trial version gives you 5 goes. But I found that if I add a new user to my pc loggin's i get another 5 goes. .i'm upto DVD6 at the mo

and just delete the old user once the 5 goes have run out