[linux]

Hi !
DivX is a embodiment of ASP .Xivd is too . DivX isn't free but XivD is free

H264 is a best standard now . H264 is only a algorith , method . X264 is a embodiment of H264 ,is a codec ,is free . You can go http://forum.doom9.org .
I intend to write a guide for x264 . It's very powerful .But My english isn't good and dont' have much time. Maybe I write in future
Codec is a stand for compressor/decompressor ,
Software:
*Virtualdub
-output container is AVI
-fast
-easy use
Usage:
--open files
--menu Video /compression, chose x264 , click button configure and read http://gabe.5000megs.com/DeathTheSheepAVCguide.pdf .
+choose path for stats file
+choose 1-pass, don't choose all options of partition decision, dont choose Trellis, max ref frame=1, weighted, Diamond search, 1 (dont choose RDO)
--menu File/save AVI ,click checkbox at left lower corner to add job to queu
--choose 2-pass, choose options like DeathTheSheep's document
--menu File .......
--F4 , start , wait
Have fun !
* Megui, Staxrip use .NET technology so It "eat" RAM very much

Guide for VietNamses :
http://yeuamnhac.com/music/showthread.php?t=325374

http://www.updatesofts.com , tutortial , "hướng dẫn biên tập,chuyển đôit định dạng..." của denise

[linux]

AVI is a container ,is not a codec . WMV is a codec . WMV file can only contain wmv-sound . MP3 is a file which can only contain mp3-sound . Are you see ?
AVI can contain wmv, mp3, .... can't contain AAC but MP4, MKV can
AAC is a codec better than MP3 , a bit than WMA .
You can use Belight to convert WAV file to AAC . http://corecodec.org/projects/belight/ . You will lack some file .http://forum.doom9.org/forumdisplay.php?f=11 , this thread says which files are needed .
This is a site have many file will be needed http://www.rjamorim.com/rrw/aacenc.html
Another program for converting audio files : behappy
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=104686
YAMB ,a GUI base on MP4box , mux and demux, split and joint mp4 file
http://yamb.unite-video.com/

My experience :
input MV :640x480 DIVX 5 3000bps
output file :codec 264 , orginal size, choose 1000-1200 bps . We will have a file which is similar source file . X264 is very powerful
I uses AVIcodec ,Gspot to view information of MV files
All programs are free !
Good luck !