DVD copying Virgin - I need your help

[Bricktop]

I have brought a new PC with a DVD+R/RW drive. I have tried a few different bits of software to try and create VCD/SVCD. A few questions:

1) What is the best program to use to get the best quality DVD rip (that will fit on a 4.7 DVD+R)
2) If I am recording to DVD what is the best format to go for - VCD/SVCD?
3) As far as DVD burning I haven't found Nero 5.5 the most easiest programme to use. What do you suggest??

Basically I am so new to this I havent got a clue what im doing. I have read a few guides and downloaded many programmes but still have had no luck. I would welcome any advice or programs that are easy to use and still provide good quality rips.


Thanks People

BRICKTOP!!!!!!!!! :(

[Justinus]

1) What is the best program to use to get the best quality DVD rip (that will fit on a 4.7 DVD+R)
There're so many DVD Rippers at the present. The most popular softwares here seem to be DVD Decrypter, SmartRipper, and vStrip. All of these program can be downloaded from the main website (http://www.doom9.org). BTW for people who burn movies into DVD directly, they seem to prefer IfoEdit instead of those softwares I mentioned above.
2) If I am recording to DVD what is the best format to go for - VCD/SVCD?
If you're going to burn DVD, I suggest you to burn as a DVD itself. You don't lose any quality of movie and other info as if you burn as (S)VCD, unless you're planning to put several movies into 1 DVD.
3) As far as DVD burning I haven't found Nero 5.5 the most easiest programme to use. What do you suggest??
To tell you the truth, I don't have any DVD Writer at the moment. However, I always use Nero. If you found that it's hard to use, have you tried to read some guides from the main website? :)