How to convert mdf file to avi

[taboolover]

Our fellow member Mihotaku asked a similar question last January. But my question is a bit more specific about the type of source file.

What's a good application for converting a 4.6GB mdf file to a smaller avi file?

Unlike Mihotaku, I use windows xp.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Rollyco]

Your .MDF file is a container. More precisely, it's an image file (just like an .ISO file.) Inside of it is a DVD-Video disc. Assuming you're trying this is a porn/idol DVD-Video source, you will get the best results by using the Megu IV guide, which is linked to in my signature. It's painless.

If you look at Step 2 of that guide, you'll see it says "If you have an .ISO file, you should extract it to the harddrive." To extract an .MDF file, I recommend the following:

1) Install Daemon Tools Lite.

2) Mount the .MDF file as a virtual drive.

3) Open My Computer in Windows, browse into your virtual drive, and copy the "VIDEO_TS" folder to a location somewhere on your hard drive.

4) Proceed with Step 2 of the guide.

 

[elgringo14]

You can extract the raw data with a program like Isobuster. If it is VOB files, you can even play them like regular AVIs.

 

[guy]

Of course you can extract the VOB files and play then like regular AVIs, but that does not solve OP question about how to make the filesize smaller.

As RollyCo suggested, meguIV will get the job done. If you can't get your head around meguIV's settings, you can always use a one-click encoder like Handbrake. As above, install DaemonTools and mount the .MDF file (this will show up as a new, "virtual" DVD drive). Then in Handbrake (or any other one-click encoder), simply point the source to the virtual DVD drive.

For information about settings for quality/speed/size, please try searching on google.

 

[Rollyco]

If you can't get your head around meguIV's settings, you can always use a one-click encoder like Handbrake.

Methinks you haven't tried my program. Megu IV is much easier than Handbrake, since it's already pre-configured and targeted specifically for interlaced NTSC DVDs. No need to fiddle with a million knobs and buttons. It doesn't even require installation...

For information about settings for quality/speed/size, please try searching on google.

Waste of time, IMO. There is no combination of Handbrake settings that will come close to the video output quality you get from Megu IV on an interlaced DVD.

 

[guy]

There is no combination of Handbrake settings that will come close to the video output quality you get from Megu IV on an interlaced DVD.

Oh for sure, no argument there. But some people couldn't care less about having absolute perfection and only care about the easiest, fastest way to transcode from one format to another. For those, Handbrake's "choose source, choose output filename, click Start" interface is a no-brainer.

 

[Rollyco]

Megu IV:
Choose one of four presets -> choose a working directory -> name your project -> choose MP3 or AAC -> choose MP4 or MKV -> Go

Handbrake, on the other hand, is an exercise in frustration. There are a lot more settings you have to adjust besides source and filename, in order to fix the ridiculous default settings. Even then, you end up with broken MP4 containers and all sorts of incompatible stream issues.

 

[taboolover]

Thanks everyone. Wow, I really need to rack my brain around all this info.

By the way, just to clarify, the mds and mdf files are already in my HD because I downloaded as a torrent. I need to back it up as a smaller avi file and hopefully share it here.

 

[Rollyco]

FYI: Megu IV doesn't support the AVI container. I recommend using an MP4 container instead.