OGMRip is a Linux only DVD transcoder that allows users to create a wide variety of different file types. The program works best as an AVI encoder, incorporating the XviD/DivX codecs…
With a few modifications.
Edit > Profiles > DivX for Standalone Player:
You can tweak the settings for any output file format by selecting the desired combination of audio/video codecs and then click on the Edit button.
The General Tab:
The default settings are adequate for the task, but by changing the encoding method to “Constant quantizer” you have more control over the quality and size of the completed file.
The OGMRip User Manual states:
Constant quantizer: Also called constant quality, this encoding method gives very high quality videos but very big files. A lower quantizer gives a better result.
You don’t get something for nothing. The lower the quantize number, the higher the quality and the bigger the file size. The higher the number, the lower the quality and the smaller the file size.
- 1 or 2 = higher quality, larger file size.
- 3 or 4 = good quality, medium file size
- 5 or 6 = lower quality, smaller file size
The middle setting is a good compromise between quality and file size.
The Video Tab:
XviD is the open source version of DivX. As a result, the two codecs are interchangeable.
Many DVD and Blu-ray players on the market today come with these codecs pre-installed. These machines can play a DivX/XviD encoded AVI file that is burned to a blank single-layer or dual-layer DVD. This allows you to store and access multiple programs on just one disc.
The Audio Tab:
MP3 is the preferred method for audio encoding. However, the audio track on some DVD discs may not be compatible with this encoding process.
If the audio in the finished product sounds sped up and out of sync, you can do a “passthru” and embed the original sound files directly into the outputted file.
This method gives you less control over the audio track, but still sounds good.
One of the major advantages to using AVI over other file formats is the warmer, more film-like quality that is produced. It’s an excellent choice for older movies or television programs.
Linux offers a wealth of free programs, like OGMRip, as an incentive to try this free and open source operating system. You’ve got nothing to lose and a world of opportunity to gain!
