How to choose a good codec for the job?

[VideoBeginner]

This is an extremely basic question probably, but I am curious to see if those with experience say the answer is just "trial an error" or something more.

I want to convert parts of a DVD's VOB files into AVI clips. I already know how to do that. However, I have around 20 possible codec choices currently (and of course many that I could download) and with many of those come multiple options to adjust quality verses size resulting in seemingly infinite options. Like most people here probably, I want to try and maximize quality while minimizing filesize.

Is there some sort of easier process that those of you who have your preferred codec(s) and settings choices went through to find one that suited your needs best or is it always just trial and error?

[Guest]

It all depends on your goals and specifications. For example, if you definitely need stand-alone player support, then that limits your options.

So, what are your exact goals and specifications?

[VideoBeginner]

My goal is to take these clips that I recorded myself, manipulate them slightly (a required step), recode them, and share them with friends as well as probably burn them to CD's or a DVD so that I don't lose them.

Quality is important, but not entirely. At least some quality will be sacrified by my reducing the video's dimensions from how they were originally recorded. I just don't want to recode the files and they end up five times the file size of the original VOB files otherwise it was all pointless.

[[P]ako]

IMHO, XviD/MP3 in AVI would a good pick. Why? Your friends will need only a xvid decoder to watch them. Also, they can be played on a standalone player. Finally, your friends won't need much "computer power" to play them back.

[VideoBeginner]

I've heard a numbero of possitive opinions about XviD, but since I don't know XviD from DviX or RLE, I thought it better to ask than to try and guess for myself.

I know the differences between dozens of graphics file types without a problem, but some video and all codecs have always been a mystery to me.

Thanks!

[shrink0]

Try these proggies, Super, FairUse Wizard (the free one), or my fave AutoGk....

[cross_syd]

well, without any install, wmv would be the codec. but i think xvid provide better compression

[Dark Shikari]

well, without any install, wmv would be the codec. but i think xvid provide better compressionXvid is generally somewhat inferior to WMV in my experience. Of course, WMV is vastly inferior to x264.

[cross_syd]

i just think wmv more popular, cause maybe you don't have internet connection to install xvid

[VideoBeginner]

When I posted this, I was really trying to give something that others could use if they were to later read this topic too.

I ended up going through and saved and resaved and resaved a small section of a clip and checked the ones that were a decent filesize frame by frame.

For me the best was XviD.