Convert DVDs Quickly with Xilisoft DVD to DivX Converter SE — Step-by-Step

Xilisoft DVD to DivX Converter SE — Fast DVD-to-DivX Conversion GuideXilisoft DVD to DivX Converter SE is a desktop application designed to convert DVD video content into DivX-format files quickly and with minimal quality loss. This guide covers installation basics, step‑by‑step conversion, recommended settings for speed and quality, troubleshooting common issues, and practical tips to streamline batch conversions and preserve subtitles and audio tracks.

What is DivX and why convert DVDs to it?

DivX is a family of video codecs and a container format that became popular for achieving good visual quality at lower bitrates than older codecs like MPEG-2 (used on DVDs). Converting a DVD to DivX reduces file size for easier storage and playback on many devices while keeping acceptable video quality. Common use cases include archiving DVDs, playing movies on older media players, or creating files compatible with standalone DivX players.

Installing Xilisoft DVD to DivX Converter SE

1. Download the installer from a trusted source or the vendor’s official site.
2. Run the installer and follow on‑screen prompts. Accept the End User License Agreement and choose an installation folder.
3. If prompted, install bundled codecs or the DivX codec pack to ensure the converter can create .divx/.avi output.
4. Launch the program and register it if you have a license key. The SE (Special Edition) may have limited features compared with full versions; check the feature list for any locked options.

Preparing for conversion

• Use a clean, scratch-free DVD and a reliable DVD drive.
• Close other CPU‑intensive programs to allow Xilisoft to use more system resources for faster conversion.
• If your source DVD is copy‑protected, be aware you may need decryption software (legal status varies by jurisdiction). Xilisoft may not bypass certain protections.

Step‑by‑step conversion (fast and practical)

1. Insert the DVD into your drive.
2. Open Xilisoft DVD to DivX Converter SE.
3. Click “Load DVD” or “Add” and select the DVD drive/source folder. The program will scan and list titles/chapters.
4. Choose the main movie title or specific chapters you want to convert. For full movie, pick the longest title.
5. Select an output profile — choose a DivX (AVI/DivX) preset close to your target resolution and bitrate. If DivX isn’t listed, choose a similar AVI/MP4 profile and set codec to DivX.
6. Set destination folder for the converted files.
7. (Optional) Click “Settings” or “Profile Settings”:
   • Resolution: Keep the source resolution for best quality; reduce (e.g., from 720×480 to 640×360) for smaller files and faster encoding.
   • Bitrate: Use 1000–2000 kbps for DVD‑length movies to balance quality and size. For faster conversion, lower bitrate reduces encoding time and file size.
   • Frame rate: Keep at source (usually 29.97 or 25 fps).
   • Audio: Choose AC3 or MP3; 128–192 kbps is usually fine.
8. (Optional) Enable subtitles and audio tracks: select desired subtitle stream and audio language before starting.
9. For faster processing, enable multi‑threading or CPU core usage in preferences if available.
10. Click “Convert” or “Start” to begin. Monitor progress; conversion time depends on CPU, source length, and chosen settings.

Speed vs. quality — recommended settings

• Fastest conversion (lower quality):
  • Resolution: downscale to 480p or 360p
  • Video bitrate: 700–1000 kbps
  • Single‑pass encoding
  • Lower audio bitrate (96–128 kbps)
• Balanced (recommended):
  • Keep resolution at source or 640×480 (NTSC DVD)
  • Video bitrate: 1000–2000 kbps
  • Two‑pass encoding (better compression, slightly slower)
  • Audio 128–192 kbps
• Highest quality (slower):
  • Keep source resolution (720×480 or 720×576)
  • Video bitrate: 2500+ kbps or use target size equal to original DVD VOBs
  • Two‑pass VBR or constant quality modes if available
  • Higher audio bitrate (192–256 kbps)

Preserving subtitles and multiple audio tracks

• Subtitles: If the DVD contains selectable subtitle streams, choose them before conversion. Some versions of Xilisoft can hardcode (burn) subtitles into the video; others can include soft subtitles only if the output container supports them. Hardcoding ensures visibility on any player but is irreversible.
• Multiple audio tracks: Select the preferred audio stream. If you need multiple audio tracks in one file, verify the converter supports multi‑track output; otherwise create separate files per language.

Batch conversion and automation tips

• Use the batch queue: Add multiple titles or DVDs to the queue and apply the same profile to all items.
• Create custom profiles for frequently used settings (e.g., “Mobile 480p”, “High Quality DivX”) to avoid repetitive configuration.
• Schedule conversions during idle hours to avoid disrupting other work.

Troubleshooting common issues

• No DivX output option: Install the DivX codec or select an AVI profile and manually choose the DivX codec in advanced settings.
• Audio/video out of sync: Try changing audio sample rate (48 kHz vs 44.1 kHz), enable/interleave audio settings, or split long chapters. Two‑pass encoding sometimes corrects sync drift.
• Slow conversions: Enable multi‑core encoding, close other apps, use hardware‑accelerated codec if supported, or lower output resolution/bitrate.
• Corrupted or unreadable DVD: Clean the disc; try ripping VOB files to the hard drive first and use those as the source.
• Copy protection errors: Use a legal DVD decryption tool where allowed; Xilisoft may fail to read encrypted discs.

Useful practical examples

• Convert a 120‑minute DVD to a single DivX AVI with good quality:
  • Resolution: keep 720×480, bitrate 1800 kbps, two‑pass encoding, audio 192 kbps MP3.
• Create a small file for mobile playback:
  • Resolution: 640×360, bitrate 900 kbps, single‑pass, audio 128 kbps.

Alternatives and compatibility notes

If you need modern formats (H.264/MP4 or H.265/HEVC) for better compression and device compatibility, consider modern converters or tools like HandBrake or FFmpeg. DivX remains useful for specific legacy players but is less common on new mobile devices and streaming platforms.

Final tips

• Keep original DVDs as backups. Store converted files with clear filenames including title, year, resolution, and audio language.
• Test one short clip with your chosen settings before batch converting an entire disc.
• Update Xilisoft and codecs occasionally for improved stability and compatibility.

If you want, I can:

• Provide exact profile settings you can paste into Xilisoft (bitrate/frame size/audio codec), or
• Write a short Windows/Mac step checklist with screenshots mockups, or
• Create FFmpeg commands to produce equivalent DivX files without Xilisoft.