How to convert a DVD Movie to .avi using Auto Gordian Knot (AutoGK)
You can download most of the free tools required from here: 1. Once you have the DVD backup on your HDD
Run AutoGK from the start menu or the shortcut that was installed and you should see this screen:
2. First you need to select your input file.
Click the small folder button beside the "Input file" text box and browse to the directory where the DVD backup files are stored.
(It should be possible to select VTS_01_0.IFO but this does not always work, I think it depends on the type of DVD that it's reading)
So, if necessary select the file called VTS_01_1.VOB.
Once you have found the file click it, then click "Open" you will then return to the main window.
Although, even this can sometimes be a little hit-and-miss until you find the correct file.
Also, these numbers can vary, such as, VTS_04_1.VOB.
3. Note: If you backed up a whole DVD movie, then you "may" see a window similar to this appear:
These files consist of the Main movie and/or a Extended version of the movie or trailers".
In this screen just select the item that is appropriate to you (for reference just select the item with the correct length which is usually the longest). Once you've selected the item click "OK"
4. Next, click the small folder icon beside the "Output file" text-box and you will see a "Save As" window.
Browse to where you wish your final converted movie to go, input the intended name for your final movie file and then when done click "Save".
4a.If you selected to include any subtitles while backing up the DVD you will need to select the items from the Subtitle track(s) list box on the right hand side of the screen.
There may also be additional audio streams present, you can select these options if you want depending on what you wish to be included in the final output. Now your main window should look something like this:
5. Next, you need to set the intended "Output size" for the final movie.
From the drop-down menu there are several options, for a average 90minute movie the "Predefined size 1 CD (700MB)" setting is used by most people and will produce a file of approximately 700MB.
The "2 CDs (1400MB)" setting will split the movie into two separate 700MB files.
However, if you wanted the larger file size so as not to compress the file as much, then chose the "Custom size" and set this to "1401MB" this will then produce a "single movie" of 1400MB, but with practise you will get to know what you want.
6. "If" you click the "Advanced Settings" button and you will see the following window:
Although you can select the Output width, Output audio and bitrate.
Most things can be left on "Auto" unless you need to change them.
I would also suggest using XviD for the Codec unless you have a reason to change it.
7. If you have included subtitles and do not wish to always see them for the full movie but still want to see the subtitles that are normally displayed when a foreign language is being spoken on screen (these are called forced subtitles) then check the check-box labelled "Display only forced subtitles".
If you don't check this, then these will not be shown in the final movie.
Note: Any and all changes made become the default setting the next time the program is opened, so there is no need to alter them again.
Note: For the more advanced user, you can also set many additional (and more advanced) settings by holding down the Ctrl key and hitting F9 or/and F11.
Unless you know what you are doing do not change any of the settings in those windows.
Once you are done here click "OK" to return back to the main window.
8. Click the "Add Job" button and you will see the item has been added to the bottom right list-box.
This is the task box and shows you the tasks that are ready to be processed.
Unless you wish to add another task then click the "Start" button.
The process is completely automated from this point.
This may also take some time depending on the size of the movie and the speed of your PC.
Note: If you want to convert more than one movie at a time, simply go back and follow the same sequence again. (except for any change settings)
edit.
Text changed to read:
VTS_01_0.IFO changed to read "VTS_01_1.VOB"
Tools download link added.