DVD Rip format for 360 extender playback?

I haven't been able to find out an answer to this question... What format (and how) do I rip my DVD's with video and surround sound for playback on my XBox360 and Windows 7 machines?

And is there a program like MyMovies for a music collection as well?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by wavewerx

I haven't been able to find out an answer to this question... What format (and how) do I rip my DVD's for HD video and sound playback for playback on my XBox360 and Windows 7 machines?

And is there a program like MyMovies for a music collection as well?

Thanks!

DVDs aren't HD. Do you mean DVDs or Blu-rays?

oops, that was left over from an edit... What I meant was good quality video and if possible the digital surround sound audio...

Wouldn't the best bet be just an avi file?

Originally Posted by ShepsCrook

Wouldn't the best bet be just an avi file?

See, I didn't even know that... I haven't been able to find anything in documentation of MyMovies, the 360, or Windows 7 that spells out exactly what formats work....

Originally Posted by wavewerx

See, I didn't even know that... I haven't been able to find anything in documentation of MyMovies, the 360, or Windows 7 that spells out exactly what formats work....

I installed the DivX tech preview and AC3 filter on 7 and transcoded my DVDs using Handbrake to .mkv format and, if I remember correctly, maintained the AC3 audio. The 360 will play these fine in mkv format it it looks pretty good. I tried to maintain original quality as much as possible. I think Handbrake can rip some protected DVDs, but not all. I usually ripped first using DVD Decrypter.

makemkv will also pull the content off and keep the sound track of your choosing. It doesn't re-compress so its pretty quick but you still have larger file sizes. but really whats 3-5 gig nowadays anyway? In all these scenarios so far you'll lose the dvd menus.

Originally Posted by BigDH01

I installed the DivX tech preview and AC3 filter on 7 and transcoded my DVDs using Handbrake to .mkv format and, if I remember correctly, maintained the AC3 audio. The 360 will play these fine in mkv format it it looks pretty good. I tried to maintain original quality as much as possible. I think Handbrake can rip some protected DVDs, but not all. I usually ripped first using DVD Decrypter.

Originally Posted by McG2k1

makemkv will also pull the content off and keep the sound track of your choosing. It doesn't re-compress so its pretty quick but you still have larger file sizes. but really whats 3-5 gig nowadays anyway? In all these scenarios so far you'll lose the dvd menus.

So I'm gathering that MKV is the best format for playback? Does this support chapter fast forward? I'll honestly be ripping more live concert DVD's and series than movies.

mkv supports the use of chapters

DVR-MS is the best format. Its supported natively on both extenders and MCE and wil play w/o transcoding. MKV is a hit or miss with the DIVX preview and transcodes with the Haali splitter.