Programs for working with MPEG-2 (DVD) video

[alexVS]

I have some questions. May be there were already answers on this forum, but I couln't find them. So here they are:

1. Programs for fast DVD-9 to DVD-5 transcoding: CloneDVD2 or DVD Shrink. Which program produces more quality video output? Are there any official tests? May be everyone has his own opinion about these programs.

2. Is there any program for fast transcoding of *.mpg (mpeg2) files? Like CloneDVD2 or DVD Shrink but for files only. And if there're more than one program, which is better (faster/gives more quality)

3. What is the easiest and most convinient way to divide DVD-9 into two DVD-5 (without transcoding the video). Of course, these DVD-5 must be playable on stationary DVD-player.

Thanks in advance!

[theReal]

1. DVDShrink is freeware and it's pretty good, imo the same quality as Nero Recode (which is not free). I don't know CloneDVD2 but I never heard anyone say it was any better than Shrink or Recode.

2. I think you should have a look at TMPEGenc (haven't used it much and I can't compare it to anything else - just so you have a starting point when using the forum search)

[SeeMoreDigital]

Have you tried DVD2One....

http://www.dvd2one.com/windows.php

Cheers

[mic]

1. Programs for fast DVD-9 to DVD-5 transcoding: CloneDVD2 or DVD Shrink. Which program produces more quality video output? Are there any official tests? May be everyone has his own opinion about these programs.
As suggested, all I can give is my opinion :p Shrink and Nero Recode are almost the same program, and either is very good. Nero I think more often produces a compliant DVD when altering things -- Shrink in my view does more enhancement, and at default the results are sharper.

2. Is there any program for fast transcoding of *.mpg (mpeg2) files? Like CloneDVD2 or DVD Shrink but for files only. And if there're more than one program, which is better (faster/gives more quality)
Again, more opinions ;) Focussing on your requirement of fast, there is no reason not to use Shrink or Recode for individual files, & I often do this followed by quick de-mux in Rejig.

3. What is the easiest and most convinient way to divide DVD-9 into two DVD-5 (without transcoding the video). Of course, these DVD-5 must be playable on stationary DVD-player.

'Bout the only thing I can point out here is I usually reauthor to get a split in menus as I like, but then I'm too picky. I know there are several apps available, perhaps running through the user comments re: software at videohelp.com might help you narrow it down to a few to try.

Thanks in advance!
You're Welcome :p