Best Bit Rate to Rip or Encode CDs or DVDs

According to Tech Guy Labs….

“Apple’s AAC is better than MP3, [but comes down to personal preference.]

Start at 128kbps. But go at least 160kbps, even with AAC. Makes a significant difference, but only takes up 25% more space. Patrick Norton [of Revision3] says that 320kbps is the max you can encode and hear a difference, . Leo says you can’t really hear any difference above 192. But Leo is older than Patrick.

Use Variable Bit Rate encoding (VBR) will waste less space and is an option in iTunes.”

Best Bit Rate for Ripping/Encoding CDs or DVDs

According to Tech Guy Labs….

“Apple’s AAC is better than MP3, [but comes down to personal preference.]

Start at 128kbps. But go at least 160kbps, even with AAC. Makes a significant difference, but only takes up 25% more space. Patrick Norton [of Revision3] says that 320kbps is the max you can encode and hear a difference, . Leo says you can’t really hear any difference above 192. But Leo is older than Patrick.

Use Variable Bit Rate encoding (VBR) will waste less space and is an option in iTunes.

Convert DVD to DivX

To convert a DVD (or ripped files from a DVD) to DivX format (smaller size, great quality), you’ll need a program called SimpleDivX. It’s free.

You can find a guide on using it here, but here’s a teaser…

“This guides shows you how to convert a DVD to DivX / XviD in some simple steps. This is version 1.33 but you can get a newer version (1.34). I have decided to show you this program as this is very good and unlike FairUse Wizard you can burn VOB files already burnt onto the pc. If you want to do this, read Afonic’s guide about ripping a DVD to the Hard Drive of your PC here.
This software leaves excellent results especially using the XviD codec. Sadly for some reason 2 pass mode on DivX will NOT work on my computer but on XviD it does. Anyway XviD is known to be the best codec so lets get on with the software outlook. Make sure you have the XviD or DivX codec installed on your PC beforehand to avoid confusion”

Dubbing VHS tapes to DVD

a combo VHS-DVD Recorder is a good way to go. Absolutely – that’s the best way to do many tapes. I like the Panasonic recorders.

 source: techguylabs.com