Merging VOB files on VirtualDubMod for encoding

[Yuta]

OK. I've read a lot of tutorials before beginning to rip.
I've decided the DVD Decrypter/VirtualDubMod combo is nice combination.
I've decripted my DVD on IFO mode and got a bunch of VOBs.
Now I want to encode them to one single file, but "Append segment..." is grayed out. Though I could successfully merge avi files.

Is it that I need to encode each VOB file to AVI and later merge them?. Is it the only way?. Wouldn't I be loosing on quality or compression for not using a single original file?.

I'm pretty sure that in previous versions of VirtualDub appending VOB files was allowed. Am I wrong?.

I know the guides seem to be full of explanations about reencoding a DVD, but normally they suggest a DoItAllForYou kind of software. And yes, I know of meGUI but I'm reluctant to install any more software unless it is the only solution.

[Guest]

I see three options:

1. Tell your ripper to generate a single VOB file.

2. Concatenate the VOBs using the DOS COPY command.

3. Use DGMPGDec to load all the VOB files and then serve to VirtualDub via Avisynth. This gives you the added advantage of the ability to use Avisynth filters and scripting.

If you eschew option 3, be aware that you may need to tell VirtualDub to "honor repeat flags" via its extended open option. Loading a VOB directly in VirtualDub will severely limit your options for IVTC and deinterlacing.

[Yuta]

Excellent and fast response!:)

1-How do I do that with DVD Decrypter?.

3-Does VirtualDubMod already include AviSynth? (It says it has "AviSynth support").

[Guest]

1. Tools/Settings/IFO Mode/File Splitting: set to None.

3. No. You have to install Avisynth. VDMod's support is some kind of AVS editor; I'm not sure of the details.

[manono]

If the intent is to convert from MPEG-2 to AVI, why not use AutoGK (or StaxRip, or FairUseWizard) for the job? I don't think you've read enough tutorials yet, or you've read the wrong ones.

http://www.doom9.org/autogk.htm