Another panel: Best MPEG encoder

Cunhambebe wrote on 10/31/2004, 8:00 PM

I know this has been discussed here before, but I still don't know the answer for the best encoder. Once I was reading around here that some users have tested the following encoders:
MC (stand-alone and Vegas Version);
Cinema Craft Encoder;
TMPGENC Plus and Express;
Canopus ProCoder.
Some users have said they found Canopus the best encoder ever. Some others said Canopus is good for interlaced video (or DV/Mini DV - if I'm not mistaken) and the best choice is Cinema Craft Encoder. Yet, some said TMPGENC's quality is only fair (I disagree!). And finally some stated that MC quality is above good while others disagreeing, stated that its quality is in fact, excellent.
What I would like to ask is - Which one should I choose to get the best results?
Help will be greatly appreciated.

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Comments

farss wrote on 11/3/2004, 1:58 PM

I hate to tell you this but NO, a hardware encoder is NOT the same as a software encoder. If you were able to capture at 4:2:2 (or better) into Vegas you might have a chance. Hopefully we'll be able to this officialy some day soon.
Take a hard look at the top end hardware encoders, note what inputs they use, not 1394, SDI. If you're coming from generated media and use the Sony 4:2:2 codec and render direct from the T/L using a top line software encoder then you've perhaps got a chance.
I used to think the same way, after all the same algorithms can be run in a PC as run in the hardware encoders, right. Well yes to some extent but you have to consider how the data is getting to them.
Bob.

BJ_M wrote on 11/3/2004, 3:36 PM

yes exactly -- when i say a hardware encoder is just a software encoder, which is hard coded on a chip - is correct ... the methods they use are (or can be) the same for both types ... but like i also said, the source files are one of the most importaint factors really.

rendered CGI directly fed into a software encoder will look (well it should !) better than cgi rendered out to d-beta, D5 and fed back in via sdi (though it could be splitting hairs) even ....

if you render out to DV or even Beta SP , it will not come close IMO, specially DV

Cunhambebe wrote on 11/5/2004, 5:48 AM

No more comments? Nothing else? Hope you have enjoyed this and learned something...Are you all sure, no more comments on MPEG2 encoders?
Thanks to all ;)