Hello. I'm looking for decent video editing and encoding software. I don't really want to pay for it, though, so maybe something Open Source would be good.
Basically, I rip things with DVD Shrink, which produces .VOBs. Then, when I try to edit it (just for cuts and stuff), almost no programs can handle .VOBs. So, I'm looking for something that can either losslessly encode to MPEG or allow me to edit the .VOBs and later convert to a form of MPEG that can be played something like Windows Media Player with default codecs. (I assume that I could edit the MPEG with Windows Moviw Maker, but I would need it in the proper format first as it can't edit .VOBs).
I've used a few programs, but after re-encoding the MPEG, often I only get sound even though I am re-encoding with video AND sound. I know I have the proper codecs because I'm using the K-Lite Codec pack which has SO many codecs it's not funny.
If anyone could help me, that would be great.
Thanks.

link

That will turn DVD's to divx.
If you stop after smart ripper, you can get a program called DVD2OGM.
ogm is a divx compressed movie that retains dvd quality. You can keep subtitles, and dolby suround sound.
It will compress a 8gig dvd to 1.4gig.

Anyways... There's a step in the program where you have the option to convert the movie to an AVI.
I never tried it, but it might work for you.

EDIT: DVD2OGM tut

Thanks, I'll be sure to try this stuff out next time I need to.

I use AutoGK to rip dvd's to divx. Im not sure thats what you want though.

clonedvd mobile by slysoft works great for me. I am lazy and it works every time. Perfect combination. There is vidomi if you are not lazy and yet want something free that works. There are many many many options with vidomi

http://www.vidomi.com/

http://www.slysoft.com/en/