Is MainConcept a good Mpeg2 encoder?

Back to post

Comments

Apollo25 wrote on 8/21/2004, 10:22 AM
This is a realy good message thread... I recently completed a 1.5 hr. video project. I rendered the avi as an MPEG2 and brought it into DVDA like I have done many times. I created an 8 point scene selection menu added static background elements and proceeded to prepare and burn my discs. I am showing 98% usage of my 4.7 Gb media. I burn my first disc with a 9.8 bit rate. I start seeing pixelation about half way through and eventually the disc stops playing. I lowered my bit rate to the default 8.0 and I am still having problems with playback. I have never had this problem before. I produce a 30 minute tv spot which I burn to DVD weekly and I have never had a problem with this. What do you suspect is the problem? My burner is Sony's DRU 500AX and I am using VV4 and DVDA 1.0. Should I try reducing my bit rate?
riredale wrote on 8/21/2004, 3:10 PM
I'd try a different brand of disk. The next thing I'd try is to borrow someone's DVD burner to see if the problem is with the Sony burner.

I've enjoyed reading this thread, but wanted to throw in my own experiences. I burn using a Pioneer 105 and use only a 4X speed and only Ritek G04 blanks (-R). I often burn to nearly full capacity; my last project involved a VIDEO_TS folder that was 99.9% of the maximum. I didn't plan it that tight, but burned a sample and had no problems. 250 of those disks have been distributed with no glitches or anomalies reported. So it can be done.

Ditto with labels. Every DVD that leaves here goes out with a glossy label (Meritline). With at least 500 disks in distribution, no returns or complaints to date. When I can get equivalent graphics with white DVD blanks, I'll be happy to switch over.

Finally, regarding MPEG2 encoders, I've use a few, but have become very fond of the CinemaCraft variant, primarily because it delivers excellent results and is yet very fast (1.2 x real-time is typical). The MainConcept encoder used in Vegas5 is different than the one used in Vegas4, I think, which would imply that it is closer to the CC encoder than the old one was. I know little about the Procoder, but plan to check it out. I did, however, just now see a review that stated CinemaCraft was still on top.

One nice thing about the CinemaCraft encoder is that you can drill inside the encoded MPEG2 file and change the bitrate for individual sections if desired. For instance, if you need to use a very low bitrate for your 150-minute epic and note that the encoded results are excellent except for one short segment, then you can go in and goose up the bitrate of just that short segment.

I guess the bottom line is that there are many ways to reach the desired goal.