Which codecs to use?

[bony]

I am familiar with the basic forms of encoding video/audio.
I have used divx5 and windows video codec 9 (which comes with windows media encoder 9) to encode video. I have found that WMV 9 will toast divx5 if u had to encode a video to a small size using each of these codecs seperately. However, as hard disk space becomes less and less of an issue, I am happy to have a standard 2 hour movie taking up around 600 Mb. What codec should I use to encode a video at the best quality. WME 9 is a bonus in that it is an all-in-1 encoder and it was a mission to encode with divx5 because u would have to encode video and audio seperately (with seperate programs) and then merge them afterwards. Synching was an issue, and the better video encoding programs I found to be unstable. I haven't played with encoding for a little while though & am sure things must have changed somewhat. What is the best encoding solution in terms of codecs, software,... the whole process I guess????

I would be very grateful to any justified insight into this question...

[manono]

Hello and welcome to the forum-

If it was the separate video encoding, audio encoding, and muxing required that put you off of DivX5, then you might try out Gordian Knot (http://www.doom9.org/gknot-main3.htm) as an all-in-one solution.

As for which codec is better, I much prefer XviD. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and only you can decide which you like best.

[bony]

Thanks for the reply man, strange 'cos a couple of minutes before u posted I had just finished reading an article in the 'Basics' section which conducted a test using seven codecs. Whereas before I was a wmv9 guy I've just been swayed two-fold towards x-vid, firstly by that article and secondly by the fact that you use it. I'm busy getting all the right software now which will allow for the completion of my first x-vid flick (hopefully) by tomorrow.
And...lol, justy wasted 5 minutes searching the xvid site for binaries when I just saw some strange policy that they only keep sources on their homepage!!

Thanks again...

[bony]

Well I just realised something...
With no standard build of x-vid out there, which is the best & most accepted build of x-vid around?

[manono]

Hi-

I use Koepi's latest unstable from 6/24/2003. You can get it here:

http://koepi.roeder.goe.net/xvid.shtml

If you need a guide, then here's Doom9's XviD Guide (http://www.doom9.org/xvid-guides.htm) using Gordian Knot. Or you might like to try snowbeach's excellent and detailed guide linked in the Newbie Settings Sticky (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53136) in the XviD Forum.