various approaches of dvd-to-zune haven't worked - advice?

[TheShanMan]

I have an 8GB and I'm trying to convert a non-protected DVD to play on my zune. I've been using AutoMKV and I've tried several things but they boil down to 2 general issues. If I try to encode as wmv7 then it syncs without needing to convert again, yet the video is nothing but black. If I try to encode as wmv9 then the zune software wants to convert before syncing. I've even checked to make sure I'm following what is stated here: www zune net/en-us/support/usersguide/podcasts/create.htm#section (had to make it not look like a link due to not having 5 posts).

My first question is, is there any way to find out (log file or something) why the zune software decides it has to convert? In other words, what aspect of the wmv file is outside of the allowed specs?

Second, if anyone has an idea of what might be wrong with either of my 2 approaches, please let me know.

Third, I have no allegiance to AutoMKV (a very complex app), and I see that a number of apps are listed here as being able to convert between DVD and zune compatible wmv. My question would be, which would you recommend? First I'd like it to work reliably for creating zune videos that don't need to be converted again. Second would be ease of use. Third would be speed/minimum # of conversion steps. Fourth would be ability to convert from a wide variety of formats to zune compatible wmv.

Thanks!

[SilentWalrus]

Extra DVD Ripper plus is amazing. Just pop it in and select Zune output and it records it.
It's not free though. I suggest getting it by other means..torrent..WHAT!?!