Ok... I am thinking about buying a encoder program. Here are some of them. CCE, TMPGEnc, Canopus Procoder, Mainconcept Encoder.

I think all of them have a demo version so I am going to test them. I probably won't be able to afford Canopus but still for the sake of comparison... I will use same setting when possible.

Once I make mpg files using each of the programs, what should I look for when comparing each mpg's? Of course, other than obvious signs such as blocks and stuff.

I noticed DVD ready mpg file looks different when played on computer than on TV. If that's really the case, is it possible to tell which one looks better on computer monitor?

Thanks in advance.

ps. Why am I going to spend time to do this? Well... it seems like everyone has different opinions about which one is better so I am going to find out myself before spending money on one of them.