Fastest way to convert H264 under OS X

[imanta]

I am looking for the fastest software/setup to encode H264 video into various bit-rates. I am on a Mac and I am trying to do this via a batch process. HandbrakeCLI has been working ok, but I am open to trying anything to speed things up.

[Case]

You might see a few percent difference between various software encoders, but for a real speed bump, you'll have to look into hardware encoders. There are consumer level USB encoders, like the Elgato Turbo.264, or the more expensive PCI Express cards and even complete setups, with the Harmonic Inc rack-mounted equipment in the professional / high end corner.