Help a Newbie Choose a File Format

[mjmsup]

So, here's the situation: I have approximately 80,000 songs and 250 movies (currently ripped using DVDFab Platinum and converted into ISO files using DVDShrink). I have selected the NetGear Digital Entertainer appliance as my media server for home use. Netgear does not work with ISO files, so I need to select a file format that will be compatible with the following choices:

WMV up to 1080p (down-converted)
Video Formats: MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, WMV, XviD

Questions:
1. Any issues or concerns with the Netgear product? You can check it out here (http://www.netgear.com/Products/Entertainment/DigitalMediaPlayers/EVA700.aspx?detail=Specifications). For the price, it really looks like it is unmatched by competitors.

2. Since my viewing will be on my home system (HDTV), I am interested more in the highest possible video quality than compression/storage efficiency. What is the best file format for my needs?

3. What tools/settings would you suggest I use for the format you recommend?

4. Any other thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks very much!

Michael

[Atak_Snajpera]

I have approximately 80,000 songs and 250 movies

Oh my god You must be very rich guy :) According to my calculations you spent approximately 85,000+ euros/dollars

[LANjackal]

2. Since my viewing will be on my home system (HDTV), I am interested more in the highest possible video quality than compression/storage efficiency. What is the best file format for my needs?If you're that interested in quality, why not wait for a device that can output 1080p video via HDMI or VGA instead of this one which maxes out at 1080i and component?

[mjmsup]

Atak: Quite the opposite. The secret is [link removed per forum rules]

LANjackal: Good point. I'm just amassing a bunch of content that I can't access with my home system at this point, and I am not interested in letting it sit any longer. I am going to save the ISO files for when that technology arrives and a better file format is needed.

For now, though, what's the best option?

[mahsah]

If it says it takes Mpeg-2, you might not have to reencode at all. Have you tried extracting the VOBs from the dvd iso, and playing them from there?

Worst case you could remux them to another container, I don't really see much of a need to reencode.

[setarip_old]

@mjmsup

Since a moderator has edited your post, I'll presume that we have his/her blessing to respond further.

Based on visiting the Net Gear site, I believe you have an additional consideration beside video format, namely audio format:Audio Formats: MP3, WAV, WMA, M3U, AACThe lack of .AC3 audio capability would obviate the suggestion made by "mahsah", as most DVDs contain .AC3 audiostreams. Therefore, it would appear that you would have to convert the contents of all of your .ISOs.

If you haven't already purchased this Net Gear product, you might want to do further research, to see if there is a similar product available that can handle DVDs and DVD format (video and audio)...