[mythtv-users] OT converting vob or avi to mpg

[PAUL WILLIAMSON]

I know this isn't specifically Myth related, but it 
does affect my "myth experience."

Does anyone have an opinion of a good avi or 
vob to mpg converter?  I've googled and downloaded 
a few (both windows and linux) and can't find 
one that does the job without somehow putting 
"artifacts" of the conversion (pixelization, etc.) 
into the converted file.  I know Myth can deal 
with formats other than mpg, but I'd like 
to be able to use some of these files on a 
portable media player, which is unable to 
deal with anything but mpg.

I know this list is full of opinions, so I thought 
it would be a good place to start.  I search 
gossamer but must not be looking for the right 
keywords.  

Thanks,
Paul