Does faster machine mean better encoded files?

[antisense]

Okay, got a question for all you out there. I use an ATI All in Wonder 128 PRO (32MB AGP) with a P3550 and 128 MB PC100 RAM. Now, I use the encoding feature of the ATI mmc 7.1, to encode realtime to Mpeg 1, i cannot encode to 480x480 Mpeg2 because I drop too many frames. Okay the question: IF i upgrade my computer to a 1.2ghz Anthlon or a 1.4ghz P4 with pc133 Ram, with that improve the quality of the realtime encoded mpeg1 or mpeg2? Or will adding more Pc100 Ram do the trick. I currently encode at 2.09 Mb/s for xvcd, and i do not think the quality is what it should be. Please, I know some of you use ati, help!

[Tommy]

If you upgrade you will be able to capture more and drop less frames. Considering your harddrive is up to it. the ATI AIW are nice cards but they require a lot in the box. However, you will not see an increased quality in the realtime encode. If you keep your setting the same with the newer processor the results will be the same (well maybe less dropped frames)

[antisense]

Just sort of curious why upgrading my machine would not improve the performance of real-time encoding using the MMC. Why not?

[MPereira]

Are you concerned about quality or performance? A faster system just takes you faster to where you want to go.

MMC is a software which uses the available hardware of your capture card to perform the encoding. If you want improved quality, maybe you should consider upgrade to a better capture card.

Good luck!

[antisense]

Okay, thank you for all of your help, but I have one more question to ask-because I am trying to avoid spending lots of money to upgrade my computer-will increasing the amount of Ram from 128 to 312 Mb help with the encoding, decrease the amount of frames that i drop using MMC? How about switching my P3 chip from 550 to 1 ghz or 900 Mhz? Thank you everyone for all of your insight so far.
Trav