Need Chapters for DVD encode but small size

[RedDwarf1]

I have a DVD which is very dependent on Chapters for it it work. I want to encode it to a smaller more highly packed format. The smaller the size the better.

I am used to using the avi container mainly because my Mpeg4 DVD player can play it and using XDiv codec. I did notice that VirtualDubMod does have an option for chapters but I have been unable to get it to work and I can find no documentation on it.

I wanted to be able to play it on my PC so using the avi container is not necessary, especially as I don't think it supports chapters.

So can anyone recommend a container, codec and software to use to encode my DVD?

[Adub]

I recommend using either x264 or xvid for encoding.
For a container I would say, MKV, which can be muxed using a variety of ways but I would recommend either MKVToolnix or MeGUI.

MeGUI is also your easiest way to encode everything in one fell swoop. Just check it out in Mpeg-4 GUI section.

In order to view the complete files you will probably need ffdshow (if you don't have it already), Media Player Classic or VLC or Mplayer, and Haali Media Splitter.

Using those combined resources, you can create a high quality video in no time!

Also, if you want to rip the chapter timings directly from the DVD, use ChapterXtractor, or set them your self via MeGUI chapter creator.

Good luck, and post back if you have more questions.

[RedDwarf1]

Thanks for the recommendations, I will check them all out.

I would probably be better off using x264, that would give the smallest file size wouldn't it? I have never used it before, so I would have to find something that will encode it. I have always used VirtualDub/Mod in the past for XVid. VirtualDubMod seems to be capable of using many codecs so it should be able to do it.

I have ffdshow installed already and VLC as well. I will have to have a look at everything else you recommend to find out how they work.

[Adub]

Yes, x264 will allow you to create a smaller file size while keeping quality video.
VirtualDubMOD only supports vfw interface, and although there is a vfw hack for x264, it doesn't support all of x264's features plus is a little stable-er.

I would just use MeGUI, which encodes via commandline, to ensure maximum speed/compatibility/stability.

Oh, and since you already have ffdshow and VLC, all of your videos should play perfectly fine.