"Proper" DVD rips?
 

I'm using some programs to rip my DVDs as (xVid sometimes DivX) .avi, but the files seem really big (like over 1GB) compared to those pirated ones that float around Torrent sites and the likes which are usually around 700MB. The ones I rip are in a higher resolution (like 720x480) it seems, but it seems grainy and doesn't look as sharp as the pirate rips which are smaller in resolution (640x272 for example).

I've been using ImTOO and No1 DVD rippers for ripping the movies. So how come these programs suck total ass when it comes to ripping the movies? Does anyone know the methods to how those piraters rip their DVD rips? Is there a guide somewhere?

Two guides:

http://jmoney.byethost15.com/HOW%20T...to%20700MB.htm
http://web.telia.com/~u31220486/dvd2avi/dvd2avi.htm

There you have it, your sharper resolution dramatically increase file sizes.

I am guessing you didn't run the videos through any filters, and are encoding at a higher bitrate. Most good videos floating around use a two-pass encoding process as well - I suspect you use a one-pass approach.

Or instead of using XVid, maybe try encoding with H.264. Way better image results at any bitrate.

Here's the guide I'm using: http://mewiki.project357.com/Main_Page

I kinda wish there was a better one, as it isn't really straightforward.

http://x264.nl/

X264 encoder, which uses the H.264 standard. It is a bit difficult to use, so good luck.