Precise clip ripping/encoding from dvd video

[tmgilder]

Hiya,

Currently we're using dvdzip to do 'one-click' ripping and encoding of clips from dvds. The problem is, dvdzip doesn't allow you to set exact start and end times, and if you want to rip a small segment (10 seconds say), the slider and start/end markers are too close together to do this accurately.

Of course it would be easy to re-edit the clip in any video editing software, but we're processing a large number of clips in this way and don't really have the time.

Can anyone suggest any software similar to dvdzip (ie load a dvd, vob, or whatever; set start and end markers, set output/encoding options, and it does the rest automatically) that will allow for precise start/end markers to be set? Preferably via textual entry.

Batch processing, where you could set up a load of segments to be ripped beforehand would be a bonus!

Thanks a lot guys

[CWR03]

VirtualDubMod may work for you, although you should know that you can only cut in on I-frames with MPEG-2, so precise editing isn't possible without first saving a larger portion of the clip in another format. Since you're using such small clips, saving a portion with VirtualDubMod as an uncompressed .AVI shouldn't be very time consuming or too bulky to work with.

[tmgilder]

VirtualDubMod may work for you, although you should know that you can only cut in on I-frames with MPEG-2, so precise editing isn't possible without first saving a larger portion of the clip in another format. Since you're using such small clips, saving a portion with VirtualDubMod as an uncompressed .AVI shouldn't be very time consuming or too bulky to work with.

virtualdub doesnt work directly with dvd video does it? also i need the option to output to wmv ...

[ammck55]

we're processing a large number of clips in this way and don't really have the time.
I've used Procoder 2 for exactly what you're doing, batch conversions and all, but it's not freeware. Sounds like you're operating on a commercial level, so maybe this won't be a problem for your team. Procoder 2 can be found for less than $300US, the Express version for under $100US. I have no idea what the Express version leaves out. Google works.

The Procoder interface is user-friendly, you can show your video-challenged mates how to operate it successfully in a minimum of time. If you're in a crunch for time, it may be worth the investment to break something out of the box and immediately get product out of the encoder.

Procoder 2 Description: Whether encoding MPEG video for DVD production, producing Windows Media for streaming or transcoding between NTSC and PAL, ProCoder 2.0 makes video format conversion quick and easy. Encode a single source to multiple targets simultaneously, run multiple conversion jobs back-to-back in batch mode, or use ProCoder 2.0's drag-and-drop preset icons to start conversion with a single click. ProCoder 2.0 features support for many popular video codecs out of the box, including Canopus 's high-quality, high-speed, proprietary DV and MPEG-2 codecs, and also supports additional codecs already installed on the system.

ammck55

[CWR03]

virtualdub doesnt work directly with dvd video does it?
Yes, in fact that's pretty much what it's for.
also i need the option to output to wmv ...
Most video format converters should accept the raw, uncompressed .AVI which is created with Full processing mode.