Giveaway of the Day

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/

They post software that you normally have to pay for, and for one day, you can DL & install it for free. After install, you can use it as long as you want - or at least until you format/reinstall windows.

I haven't found much I'd want there, but I'm thinking about trying this software:
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/category/aimersoft-studio/

I've been wanting something that will allow me to rip DVDs to DivX, and that looks as good as the rips I've seen. I've tried various products, both freeware and trial shareware, and it none of them do a very nice job. This one probably won't, either, but it's free, so I'll try it.

I've read articles about ripping, I've messed with bitrates, #of passes, etc. There seems to be an art to ripping without messing up sharpness, leaving artifacts, making a file as large as the original, etc. I sure would like to find a one-step method.

BTW, if you decide to try this software, it's probably best if you read the comments. It seems like some ppl are having trouble installing it, but those who have had no troubles have posted how to do so. . .that's not a good sign, but it's free, and it'll be nice if it does a good job.

I've been tracking that site for a while now. Most of the stuff that they have I don't want, but occasionally there is a gem.

Cool website thanks

This one, http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/, is getting better and better week to week. They'll eventually have it seemless. as of right now, it;s about the best video conversion tool I've seen. I've got a peice of software on my server that'll do exactly what you're wanting, but I got it from someone... not sure where he got it, or I'd link you to it.

Hang on a minute... found it. http://www.fairusewizard.com/
Free version is capped on it's quality, that said, the capped 700 MB files are good quality. The free version also doesn't take advantage of Dual Core processors, but otherwise it's easy, and converts straight to DivX. Then you can employee MediaCoder if you need to convert it to anything else.

If nothing else I can vouch for Fair Use Wizard's ease of use and quality rips. The free version should give you some idea on it. The Full version is just $20 if you need it to be amped up a bit.

Thanks Drix, I DL'ed 'em and will give them a try the next time I do any ripping/converting. Much appreciated.