Win AVI video converter, and Nero Essentials i have used with success. I do believe the full version of Nero allows you to edit aspect ratios to help with sub-titles. I stopped burning cuz it was such a pain when you get into multiple audio tracks, and stuff.
I dunno if this helps. ^.^
Also DivX usually helps as well. There are also a few Kodec packs you can install to help as well.
um , lemme see if i can dig up the ones i installed