Newbie

[89stang_gt]

Ok, so I used to use DVDFab Express to make copies of all of my dvd's, so I have a very BASIC understanding of DVDFab. I have come to the conclusion though, that simply just making copies is no longer adequate. I want better quality and with easier access. So after reviewing some threads (mostly by GregiBoy and IPopov50) I have ordered a WDTV Media Player and an external hard drive. I already have DVDFab 7.0.7.0 DVD to DVD and DVD to Mobile. Now what I need to know is basically everything else. What formats are the best to use (I still would like to have access to a main menu, but I can deal without it). I want to keep the best possible quality I can. I pretty much just need a run through from the very beginning; settings I should use, what bitrate I should use, what resolution I need, etc.

Any wisdom shared would be greatly appreciated. I really am just kind of running blind here. Thanx

And on an unrelated matter. If anyone could please explain to me how to delete a thread. I accidentally posted this somewhere else in the wrong category, and I really just want it to go away.

[signals]

I have closed your other thread, not a big problem. Since you have duplicated it here, I will delete it for you.

If you want the best quality, use the DVD to DVD mode (not DVD to Mobile) and do not compress the files (select DVD-9 output size). You will be playing them from either a VIDEO_TS folder or an ISO file, so size is not a big issue, disk space is cheap. I'm not sure if the WDTV supports playback with menus.

[maineman]

I've only been fooling with my Argosy MP for a few months now and really can't believe it took me this long.

At some point, you will surely want .mkv support and I don't know that WDMP supports .mkv, but if not I would think that's down the road.

For starters, I'd try GregiBoy's
profile

It offers outstanding quality and GregiBoy has done all the testing for you.
It's a good profile to "get your feet wet" with...

[maineman]

I have closed your other thread, not a big problem. Since you have duplicated it here, I will delete it for you.

If you want the best quality, use the DVD to DVD mode (not DVD to Mobile) and do not compress the files (select DVD-9 output size). You will be playing them from either a VIDEO_TS folder or an ISO file, so size is not a big issue, disk space is cheap. I'm not sure if the WDTV supports playback with menus.

//Edit
Hey pard, thanks for deleting his other thread.
I was just about to hunt it down after posting

[GregiBoy]

WD have released firmware that will play DVD Menus but have stated that they will never to be able to do this for BR.

[AGJ]

Yup the WD TV can play Menus and plays ISO files as well which would be the easiest for playing the movies and like mentioned already do not compress for best quality

[GregiBoy]

I honestly suggest that you try both methods, a MKV file and a full uncompressed rip and compare them and make your own judgement, even get some friend's opinions.

I am of the school of thought that there is very little quality difference between them and the rip takes up 5x to 7x the disk space. This does become an issue as your library grows.

[89stang_gt]

Thankyou so much everyone for your input. This should get me started on the right track. I will probably have more questions down the road, but at least I know where knowledgeable ppl are that can help me.