[MeyersDVM]

I just received my 10v from the Dell Outlet. So far I love it! I had a few issues with the wireless dropping out, but I replaced my old router for a newer Belkin G and haven't dropped my connection yet.

I have read and re-read many of the threads here- what a wealth of info!
I am running Win 7 starter, 160 GB HDD, 1 GB RAM (no immediate plans to upgrade), 6 cell battery.
I would like to use it to watch SD movies, especially while travelling. I have ripped a few into .mp4 format (using DVDFab) and they play fine with VLC. Is there any significant benefit to putting them into.avi format? Will I notice a difference? Most of the movies are Disney animated for the kiddos

Also, I read that many are storing videos on SDHC. Is there any benefit to battery life using SDHC vs the HDD?

Thanks so much!

[reflex]

Welcome.

I don't know what DVDFab means by "avi" and "mp4". AVI probably means XviD or DivX video with MP3 audio. MP4 probably means similar video codecs with AAC audio. I don't think you'll notice a difference in quality or battery life.

If it uses h.264/AVC video in a .mp4 container, that should be noticeably better quality, but it takes more CPU to decode (with a tiny effect on battery life). I prefer ripping to h.264/AVC video on my Mini, but with modest settings (no CABAC, few reference frames, etc).

I don't think you'll notice a battery life improvement from playing off memory cards. You're already paying the battery "price" to keep the hard drive spinning, you might as well read off it while it's spinning.

[holmes4]

AVI is a "container" type that is widely supported, but is rather old at this time. Many different codecs can be used.

[MeyersDVM]

Thanks for the replies! I just downloaded HandBrake, which I learned about from these forums. Any recommendations from the default settings when decoding from a ripped DVD?
Thanks again

[sedj]

Originally Posted by holmes4

AVI is a "container" type that is widely supported, but is rather old at this time. Many different codecs can be used.

lol .. but to this day is the most popular format for anyone that does not have a HD TV.

AVI files are your best bet for playback on the 10v due to the screen resolution and the popularity of the format. You have 2 routes download them from torrent or newsgroups which is illegal or convert your dvd's to avi or divx which gives the same results.

Best regards
utorrent