Regarding the DX50 codec (DivX 5/6) and the Xvid 1.1.2/3 codec used in converting the vob file to an avi container, there is a difference. In videos shot using high definition cameras, such as the recent ones from Falcon, Bel Ami and RSS, there is sufficient video information within the standard definition format to confirm a visible difference.
In brightly lit, high contrast scenes, the better codec to use is the DX50. DX50 maintains the sharp, snappy look, keeping the bright white details and minimal staircase edge artifacts. Xvid 1.1.2/3 on the other hand, shows glare in the high whites and a greater decrease in the contrast range. The Xvid codec makes what should be a bright outdoor shot look as if we are seeing it through dark sunglasses. Surprisingly, the same advantage goes for dark scenes. I find that DX50 maintains the black level details better than the Xvid 1.1.2/3.
Where Xvid 1.1.2/3 excels are in the mid-tone, indoor scenes with evenly lit, studio lighting. In those scenes Xvid 1.1.2/3 brings out the creamy, high color-saturated look to skin tones.
Hence, you will see that I used the Xvid codec in Cross Country Part 1; whereas in Cross Country Part 2, where there are high-contrast scenes, particularly in the final bright-sun, on-the-boat scene, I used the Divx codec.