As some of you may recall, I recently built a htpc. The project has crept to the point of me attempting to play dvd rips-ts folders, unsuccessfully. Apparently I need some magic software. I kinda thought (ok, I was hoping) that MCE would do it, it didn't.
So what are you all using? I like the look of the sagetv extender setup, but am certainly not commited to that. I guess I really don't even know what it is I'm lacking here- hence the "magic" software.

Have you tried VLC media player?

VLC should do it for you. I've only used it on the Mac, but it works like a charm.

If you want to play ripped DVDs from within MCE and be able to store the movies at a reasonable size and still maintain a good resolution I would try a program called DVD shrink to either save the movies full size or reduce them down to 1 to 2 gb.

http://www.dvdshrink.org/what_en.php

If you are using a Vista OS then you may need to alter the registry as follows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930526

Once you have the DVDs saved on your drive you can use another little program called My Movies this will bring up the covers and movie information within the folder in MCE 2005 or Vista MCE.

http://www.mymovies.dk/

Have been using all 3 of these programs for a number of years and they work great

Of course there is alway a movie out there that you can't rip due to encryption - I've never had a problem with this just run the disk through DVD decrypter first

http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/dvd_rippers/dvd_decrypter.cfm

Have fun

Either VLC or GOM players will play your files.

Gotta love VLC.

MCE will read and play your .ts files and .vob files without alteration, regardless of their size and compression.

You'll need to add a little widget in the MCE registry by doing a registry hack. Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds. Do a google search for "my dvds" and "MCE" and you should get a decent "how to" guide. Basically, it involves setting up an extra place holder on the MCE menu to link to a folder or set of folders that MCE monitors to movie type files. The movies should also be in the "top" level folder. You can add artwork to the folders so that it looks like your cd cover scroll.

Just wanted to thank you guys for the help. I'm still googleing and contemplating my next move.

I use DVDFab Decrypter, then DVD shrink to burn to discs, both free and I've never had a Disc that won't decrypt. I also have DVD decrypter but I prefer Fab.

Oh, and this is a good site for explanations and free software
Doom9