Maximum PC

what is called when you transfer one media stream to another without any loss of quality (eg. .vob/.m2ts to .mp4/.mkv)?

Transferring can be called transcoding. Transcoding can take one format to a lossless or lossy format.

n0b0dykn0ws

I simply call it conversion. As in, "I convert .MOV to .AVI". Transcoding is probably the proper term though.

what would be the best lossless format if i were transcoding dvd rips (just audio, video & subs streams)?and do you know where i can find a guide to help me along the way?or is it possible to encode a video with gordian knot that would still look good on my 50"?

You wouldn't want to go lossless for video. The end result file would be larger than the source in most cases.

What playback method are you pursuing?

I've stopped compressing DVDs. With storage prices as low as they are it just isn't worth it to me.

I have a HTPC that I use with my home theater system.

Windows 7 Media Center with the Media Browser plugin.

My rips aren't even stored locally. They're shared off another computer, and there are no playback issues over gigabit networking.

My only gripe with Media Browser is TV episode handling, but I believe there's a fix for that.

Win7MC + Media Browser + Arcsoft Total Media Theatre = me and my wife very happy.

n0b0dykn0ws