dvd to divx,xvid

[pmat]

hi guys,
i just got a 250GB xternal HDD. I am in the process of putting all my mp3s and a few films on it so i can take it to work and listen to music/watch films. It seems pointless putting several GB of video on the drive when i can convert to divx/xvid and save space. what is the best/a good bit of software to convert from dvd9/5 to xvid/divx? will windows media player play divx files? if not, are there any good players about?
cheers
pmat

[burningrom]

Have you tried checking out www.vcdhelp.com they have conversion tutorials, advice and programs for almost any conversion.

[daz73]

Dr divx is a good tool...

[_Belial]

Just watned to bump with another question on this subject.

I'm tempted to convert my DVD library to divx (about 400 dvd's - yes all original ) but I want a app that will do the conversion but also let me have 5.1 audio in teh resulting divx.

Is this even possible, can I have 5.1 audio on a divx? Ultimatley i want to use xbmc and my set-top dvd/divx players to play these files so 5.1 is a must.

Any suggestions gratefully apprecitated. I've searched around but only find apps and tutorials on converting to stereo sound, no mention of 5.1 anywhere

thanks again

[_Belial]

I found something that does what i need and thought i'd best share

http://www.autogk.me.uk/

you'll have to rip the files yourself first but works a treat, great quality and copies the 5.1 soundtrack over too, just what I wanted.