dvd to h.264/x.264 mkv mpeg4

[imagn]

Ok,

1. So i am looking for a way to convert my DVD's to a much smaller format, and i would prefer h.264 as it seems like it would provide the best quality.

I am open to suggestions, but would like a free solution. I have sort of used handbreak but seem to need more time to figure it out.

Also please give me estimates on how long your conversions have taken and what processor was used. I am planning on building a new rig soon and am looking at pricing for processors and will try to use some of this information when i make my purchase

2. Also does anyone know how to join 2 mkv files or 2 h.264 files

Thanks

[bogyver]

Ok,

1. So i am looking for a way to convert my DVD's to a much smaller format, and i would prefer h.264 as it seems like it would provide the best quality.

I am open to suggestions, but would like a free solution. I have sort of used handbreak but seem to need more time to figure it out.

Also please give me estimates on how long your conversions have taken and what processor was used. I am planning on building a new rig soon and am looking at pricing for processors and will try to use some of this information when i make my purchase

2. Also does anyone know how to join 2 mkv files or 2 h.264 files

Thanks

Well right off the bat you can use mkvmerge also know as mkvtoolnix http://www.bunkus.org/videotools/mkvtoolnix/ .
I use handbreak to compress my dvds to h264, a side note the current version of handbreak produces mkv files that have problems seeking, you can use mkvmerge to fix them. When using handbreak I usually fly by the seat of my pants and guess at the file size, I usually go for about 1 gig per hour. It usually takes about 1 to 1:30 hours per pass per hour of video on my dual core athlon 64 running at 2 ghz.
I'm sure there are good guides on the internet on how to use handbreak properly but I'm lazy and haven't got around to it yet.
Hopefully that made sense and was helpful It bed time now
Good Luck