Ripping a DVD into XviD using the Gordian Knot Rip Pack is a classic, multi-step process popular among video enthusiasts for achieving near-perfect quality control. Gordian Knot acts as a central frontend dashboard that orchestrates several independent tools like DVD Decrypter, DGIndex (or DVD2AVI), AviSynth, and VirtualDubMod.
Below is the complete, step-by-step workflow to rip your DVD using this method. Step 1: Initial Setup
You must configure the toolkit correctly before launching your first project.
Install order: Install the Gordian Knot Rip Pack first, followed by the Gordian Knot System Pack/Codec Pack containing the XviD 1.1 (or similar) codec.
Initialize tools: Open Nandub and VirtualDubMod manually exactly once from your Start Menu (Programs -> Gordian Knot -> Apps). Click OK to any initial warnings so they initialize their registry keys.
Configure Codec: Open Gordian Knot, head to the Options tab, and click the buttons for First Pass and Second Pass to initialize your default XviD profile. Step 2: Rip the DVD to Your Hard Drive
Gordian Knot requires raw, decrypted video files to function. Decrypt: Insert your DVD and launch DVD Decrypter. Select Mode: Set the software to IFO Mode (Mode -> IFO).
Choose Main Movie: Select the longest VTS title (the main film).
Stream Processing: Go to the Stream Processing tab, check Enable Stream Processing, and select the main video track along with your preferred AC3/DTS audio track.
Extract: Set your destination path and click the Decrypt icon to rip the files into .VOB format. Step 3: Index the VOBs with DGIndex
You must create an index file so Gordian Knot can navigate the video stream frame-by-frame.
Load Files: Open DGIndex (bundled in the pack) and drag your decrypted .VOB files into the window.
Audio Track: Go to Audio -> Output Method and select Demux All Tracks. This extracts the raw audio file (.ac3) for processing later.
Save Project: Go to File -> Save Project. This generates a .d2v index file and extracts your audio track. Step 4: Configure Settings in Gordian Knot
Now, load your index file into the main Gordian Knot interface to calculate bitrates and cropping.
Open d2v: In Gordian Knot, click Open at the bottom left and select the .d2v file you created. Bitrate Tab:
Select your target file size (e.g., 700 MB for a single CD, or 1400 MB for two).
In the Audio pane, click Select for Audio 1 and load the .ac3 file demuxed by DGIndex. Resolution Tab:
Click Pixel AR and choose the correct aspect ratio (usually 16:9 Anamorphic or 4:3).
Use the Auto Crop button to automatically strip away black bars.
Adjust the horizontal resolution slider; aim for a Bits/(Pixel*Frame) value between 0.20 and 0.25 for optimal XviD quality. Step 5: Generate the AviSynth Script
AviSynth handles the resizing, cropping, and filtering behind the scenes.
Save .avs: Click Save & Encode at the bottom of the Resolution tab. A script window will pop up.
Deinterlacing: If your video preview shows jagged edges on movement, select Field Deinterlace or Tomsmocomp under the deinterlacing options. Save: Click Save to generate the final .avs script. Step 6: Execute the XviD Encode
The final step automates VirtualDubMod to compress the file via a high-quality two-pass encode.
Encoder Selection: In the encoding window that automatically appears, go to the Video tab and select XviD.
First & Second Pass: Ensure both First Pass and Second Pass checkboxes are selected to maximize efficiency and picture clarity.
Audio Interleaving: Under the Audio 1 tab, choose Just Copy if you want to keep the original, high-quality AC3 surround sound. Choose Nandub MP3 if you want to compress it to a smaller stereo track to save space.
Job Queue: Click Add Job to push your parameters to the encoder.
Start: Navigate to the Job Queue tab and click Start. Gordian Knot will run the two passes sequentially, leaving you with a perfectly sized .avi file utilizing the XviD codec. Important Modern Considerations
While Gordian Knot was the gold standard in the mid-2000s, it is completely legacy software.
Compatibility: It may struggle heavily or refuse to run on modern 64-bit operating systems like Windows 10 or Windows 11 without advanced compatibility tweaks.
Efficiency: XviD (MPEG-4 Part 2) is highly outdated. If you are looking for faster encoding times and vastly superior file compression, modern, active open-source tools like HandBrake or MakeMKV utilizing H.264 (x264) or H.265 (x265) codecs are highly recommended alternatives.
To ensure a smooth transition or troubleshoot errors, what Windows operating system version are you currently using to run this pack? DVD Ripping to XviD with Gordian Knot – Scribd