Quick question about Tmpgenc.

[The_Baron]

Hello all. I'm pretty new to dvd encoding having just bought a NEC ND1100 DVD writer a month or so ago . I have encoded quite a few discs so far (mainly Simpsons/Futurama episodes) onto DVD with absolutely no problems at all (I would recommend the NEC dvd writers to all!!). The question I have, being new to encoding is...when burning cd's/dvd's it is recommended that you close all programs and do not really use your pc while burning anything. Is this the same with encoding? Can I use Tmpgenc to encode while I'm downloading/playing games/using photoshop? Or do I need to let it encode from avi to mpeg2 without using computer? Doesn't matter to me either way, I would just like to know.
Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

[nkuperw]

No, no problem. Just make sure that you set you're priorities differently when encoding (during idle time). It will take longer (depending on how much you use your comptuer), but you'll be able to use your machine to do normal stuff (surfing, work, etc) but I think that you'll have a noticeable performance issue if you want to play games.

[FOO]

The only thing that i have to worry about is capuring
a high rates. Everything else works no matter what else I do.
(within reason)

[poopyhead]

it's always best not to use your computer when either encoding or burning...

however, burning especially is prone to errors if you use the computer...burning a DVD at 1X alone requires the throughput of nearly 1.4 MB/s.....if you burn at 2X, 4X, etc....it gets much worse....since the burners cache is surprisingly small (~2 MB)....if the data transfer from the hdd to the burner stops..you're gonna have a coaster. most new burners have buffer underrun protection. however, i usually play it safe and not let the burner have to use that protection. who knows, it could affect playback later.

as for encoding, tmpgenc has a priority setting. if you need to do anything on your computer while encoding, set tmpgenc to low priority and you'll be able to do other stuff. keep in mind, this will take tmpgenc longer to finish. however, i wouldn't do any intensive apps while encoding...maybe just checking e-mail or something. theoretically, using another app while encoding shouldn't affect the quality...but again, who knows...

[Tommyknocker]

I have done basically all the things you mentioned. The only difference is it seems to take longer for TMPGEnc.

[ZippyP.]

If you use your computer while burning you stand a chance of buffer under-runs and coasters.

If you do other things while encoding it will increase your encoding time, other than that I don't think it's a problem.

[The_Baron]

ok, thanks guys....from what I understand it will just increase my encoding time if I use my pc while using Tmpgenc, and not affect the quality of the end result.
Thanks again for your quick responses.