Reduce File Size?

[mwhcrew]

I have used DVD Shrink before, but never noticed until recently that the files are 4GB. I'm traveling for the next 6 months, so want to put some of my DVDs onto my laptop, but I don't have that much room. Is there a way to reduce the file size at all? I've already unchecked the languages I don't need, but any other tips would be great. Thanks.

[Chetwood]

Since DVD Shrink transcodes to mpeg2, there's only so much size you can save till quality degrades noticeably. So if you don't have the money for a 2.5" USB HDD you should consider ripping your movies to AVI (xvid/mp3) with AutoGK which will take more time than Shrink encodes but save considerable space with decent quality.

[mwhcrew]

Great thanks. I guess I'm not too worried about having the absolute best quality, i'm willing to sacrifice a little quality to be able to get my movies onto the laptop. I'll try AutoGK. Thanks.

[mwhcrew]

OK I tried using AutoGK, but it seems to get stuck at "Running compressibility test". How long should this take? It was stuck there for about 30 minutes before I aborted it, should it take longer? I realize this might not be the place for this question, I just don't know whom else to ask. Thanks.

[Chetwood]

? I realize this might not be the place for this question, I just don't know whom else to ask. Thanks.

Well the links in the AutoGK About window would suggest the AutoGK support forum over at Doom9. You should however rip the main movie only first with any of the tools mentioned in the FAQ to make sure no copy protection is causing any problems with AutoGK.