Need advice on processing audio from DVD to AVI

[AinoTenshi]

Hi. I often encode video clips from DVDs to .avi files, with audio: CBR mp3, 128 kbps.

First I rip the episode I need to my HDD using DVD Decrypter. Then I load it in DGIndex, and choose to honour pulldown flags, and demux all tracks. Then I use avisynth with this .ac3 file, to fix the audio delay (this turns .ac3 file into PCM file). I load the avisynth script in virtualdubmod, cut off video parts I don't need, and save it as raw (uncompressed) avi file. I load the avi file in AutoGK, select these audio parameters: 128 kbps CBR mp3, and start encoding. I only use this for encoding the audio part, I encode the video part in really different way.

Anyway, AutoGK uses lame, and produces the .mp3 file in a new folder. I use that mp3 file in my final output .avi file.

The only thing I want to know about here is audio:

1) Am I doing it in right way?
2) When fixing audio delay, .ac3 turns into PCM... is PCM okay, or does this conversion ruin the audio in any way?
3) Which audio type is better for video files: CBR (not at 320 kbps!), or VBR? (I don't want ABR)
4) How do I properly encode audio file (.ac3 or PCM) to VBR .mp3 format? And I mean the best quality too...
5) What programs to use?

I'd be really, REALLY grateful for any informations about this :)

[Southstorm]

Your method is a little long, but your results should be fine. If AutoGK uses Lame, then Virtualdubmod should be able to and save you a step.

When you load your AVS into Vdubmod, look under Audio menu, make sure Full Processeing is checked, then goto Audio>Compression and select Lame MP3 and your settings of choice. Then your output AVI will already have MP3 audio.

Another way is to use BeSweet to directly convert your AC3 to MP3.

[setarip_old]

@AinoTenshi

Try the following much simpler procedure:

1) Rip with DVD Decrypter

2) Load movie .VOBs into MPEGMediator - and choose your desired video and audio formats and settings - Press "Start"

MPEG Mediator requires no demuxing and will automatically take care of audio delays (if any) and deinterlacing (if required)

[AinoTenshi]

Oh, thank you both! I'll try those.

Btw, could you still answer me which mp3 type is more desirable, or better for video clips / episodes: VBR or CBR (both less than 320 kbps of course, ABR excluded)?

[setarip_old]

I always use CBR - seems to make for cleaner editing...

[JoaCHIP]

If you use VBR audio in AVI files, some players will be out of sync. This is due to a limitation in the AVI format. Only use CBR audio in AVI files.