Machete_

these guys know:
http://www.dvdcreation.com/HTM/HomeSet1.htm

I use Cleaner XL and think it works great:
http://www.discreet..com/cleanerxl/index.html

If you want a hardware encoder ( A LOT FASTER ) take a look at http://www.matrox.com/video/products/rtx100/home.cfm or www.Pinnacle.com -> DV500 DVD