What packages for all video converting needs (Intrepid, ffmpeg...)

[zackiv31]

My ultimate goal is to have a fully function ffmpeg (or mencoder) tool that I can use to convert to/from any video formats. I mostly have a bunch of TS, AVI, MKV HD files that I want to convert to a format readable by my PS3/XBOX 360... ffmpeg seems to be the key, but I keep getting issues related to codecs not available.

1. Where should I install ffmpeg and other packages from?
2. Are there additional packages I need ?
3. What commands should I use for lossless converting of my files?

[nowardev]

read this

http://www.nowardev.netsons.org/?q=node/12

[FakeOutdoorsman]

My ultimate goal is to have a fully function ffmpeg (or mencoder) tool that I can use to convert to/from any video formats. I mostly have a bunch of TS, AVI, MKV HD files that I want to convert to a format readable by my PS3/XBOX 360... ffmpeg seems to be the key, but I keep getting issues related to codecs not available.

1. Where should I install ffmpeg and other packages from?
I prefer to compile my own ffmpeg:

HOWTO: Compile the latest ffmpeg and x264 from source (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=786095)

You can get similar (although dated) functionality by installing the packages nowardev mentions on the very bottom of his web site that he linked to in his post.
3. What commands should I use for lossless converting of my files?
This depends on how you intend to use the converted files. Are they for archiving, editing, etc? Explain a little more.

[zackiv31]

I want them in a format playable by my PS3... I'm pretty sure they're all H264, which means I should be able to repackage them without changing the video at all? I do not want to re-encode unless absolutely necessary... and if I have to I want to do it at basically the same filesize and quality as the original.