Thanks for the link to mediacoder and for posting your suggested settings.

i have tried this several times in the past but it always crashed on my Vista system. In fairness, the developer warns that Vista use is 'experimental'. Presently I am trying to drop Vista and move to Linux so my interest lies in Linux support.

So, until Mediacoder makes available a Linux version, my attention is drawn to Avidemux http://fixounet.free.fr/avidemux/

If you wish, Search the forum forAvidemux and you will find the OP has made available his suggested settings. Also Search for Handbrake for another free app. I have previously posted my preference for avi.net (Windows) software.

One thing for sure, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to video converters.