- MakeMKV handles Blu-Rays that AnyDVD cannot, so I shelled out the money to activate your software. Have not been disappointed: great product.
- I then use HandBrake to compress the MKVs to MP4s at roughly 750 MB/hr with little if any visible loss of quality. Handbrake is also the only compression product I've tried that NEVER has out-of-sync audio, and generally is a "set it and forget it" product once you have your settings. I even set up a shortcut for my non-techie wife to telnet in from her Mac to rip Blu-Rays and DVDs... and she does it! Anyway, Handbrake is am amazing product as well, but its support for subtitles is, well, LESS than an afterthought.
- Why MP4, not MKV? Just trust, me, not possible. CableCARD device in HTPC precludes installation of codecs (makes MKV unplayable via Windows MCE), plus ability to play on Xbox is a must for me to go through the trouble.
- The problems are MS's fault, but that's the constraints of what I'm trying to do. MS is the only way to watch digital cable on a HTPC w/o paying monthly fees for multiple set-top boxes.
- Handbrake has known about their Blu-Ray subtitle suckitude for years and have not fixed it. Hey, it's a free product, so can't complain too much.
Thanks for your time.