Just sharting some news I got from Sony. MF3 is almost a great program. Of course it would be nicer to have a stronger DVD interface, but I can live with using another program for creating DVDs (but NOT myDVD. I'm using DVD-lab right now). What I would like is great control over the quality of the MPEG-2s I'm creating.
I found this link to an upgraded "Pro" version of the MainConcept MPEG plug-in Sony uses: http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/Products/ShowProduct.asp?PID=614
I sent support an e-mail asking if MS3 could use this plugin, even though it wasn't listed on the supported products page (I was hoping). Short answer: no. Here's the reply:
"Thanks for writing. The version of the Main Concept MPEG Plug-in that is included with the Screenblast Movie Studio is a limited function version. You can create VCD compliant MPEG-1 files or DVD compliant MPEG-2 files and there are no customization options. Screenblast Movie Studio only works with the included MPEG plug-in and it cannot be upgraded. Vegas 4.0 does allow you to produce custom MPEG files. If the information provided does not completely answer your question, please update your incident so I may further assist you.
Sincerely,
Ted H.
Technical Support"
It's really too bad that my only upgrade option to stick with Sony is to buy their $560 Vegas software. Instead, I have to find another program to transcode my MPEG2 files if I want to make changes to the bitrate (to make them smaller. I'm trying to archive programs from my ReplayTV). I've tried other video editors, but I think MS3 is hands-down the best out there. I also do slideshows and it's great for that (and on slideshows, I think I could get away with a much smaller bitrate).
Anyway, I'm just venting. I've seen messages before about different encoders so I thought I'd pass this along. If someone would just make a GOOD editor/DVD authoring program at a reasonable price, I'd be all over it.
I found this link to an upgraded "Pro" version of the MainConcept MPEG plug-in Sony uses: http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/Products/ShowProduct.asp?PID=614
I sent support an e-mail asking if MS3 could use this plugin, even though it wasn't listed on the supported products page (I was hoping). Short answer: no. Here's the reply:
"Thanks for writing. The version of the Main Concept MPEG Plug-in that is included with the Screenblast Movie Studio is a limited function version. You can create VCD compliant MPEG-1 files or DVD compliant MPEG-2 files and there are no customization options. Screenblast Movie Studio only works with the included MPEG plug-in and it cannot be upgraded. Vegas 4.0 does allow you to produce custom MPEG files. If the information provided does not completely answer your question, please update your incident so I may further assist you.
Sincerely,
Ted H.
Technical Support"
It's really too bad that my only upgrade option to stick with Sony is to buy their $560 Vegas software. Instead, I have to find another program to transcode my MPEG2 files if I want to make changes to the bitrate (to make them smaller. I'm trying to archive programs from my ReplayTV). I've tried other video editors, but I think MS3 is hands-down the best out there. I also do slideshows and it's great for that (and on slideshows, I think I could get away with a much smaller bitrate).
Anyway, I'm just venting. I've seen messages before about different encoders so I thought I'd pass this along. If someone would just make a GOOD editor/DVD authoring program at a reasonable price, I'd be all over it.