Clarification on Ripping, Decoding, and Re-Encoding Please

[jmrenrav]

Hey guys, I have a few general questions that I need answered.
I’ve been looking for a good way to backup my HD DVD and Bluray videos. I’ve been using the x264 codec and did about 6-7 encodes but I’m not really pleased with the results yet. My problem is this…

When I rip the source from a HD or Bluray, is that video modified in anyway? Aka is there a decoder used at all or does it simply read/write the raw data to the hard drive?

When I re-encode my moves, how important is the decoder? Based on the past few weeks of reading, it appears that if the decoder is not rendering the video correctly, then the re-encoded video will come out looking the same, is this true?

Example: I am going to encode “superman returns” and I’m using ffdshow as the video decoder. I re-encode using a “insane profile for x264” The finished product will show the faults (if any) of the decoder used (regardless of the encoder), in this case ffdshow, correct?

Any help is appreciated, I’m not starting a “what is the best” discussion, but based on the above, and assuming it is correct, what are your favorite decoders for the following:

VC-1
H.264
HD Mpeg 2

[Blue_MiSfit]

Okay.

Decoders aren't really better or worse. They will typically work or not.

It sounds like your problem is re-encoding.

Ripping the video doesn't affect the quality at all. You're just copying.

Decoding doesn't affect quality either - provided the decoder is compliant and doesn't muck with the video at all.

Re-encoding however will affect quality. A lot.

My preferred decoders:
VC-1 - WMV Decoder DMO
H.264 - CoreAVC, though ffdshow is equally good
MPEG-2 - DGDecode

What bitrate are you using for your Superman Returns encode?

If you're not specifying a bitrate, it could be hideously low.

Show us your x264 command line.

~MiSfit