TMPGEnc versions - which one to purchase?

[rfielder]

I have some files in .avi format, and some in oddball mpeg format (capture from TV using ATI's Multimedia software). I will also be capturing videos from VHS and from a non-digital camcorder, with the intent of creating DVDs

Both DVD Lab and TMPGEnc DVD Author look interesting, but both require the files to be in DVD mpeg 2 format.

There seem to be three versions of the TMPGEnc encoder:
TMPGEnc DVD Source Creator
TMPGEnc Plus 2.5
TMPGEnc 3.0 Xpress

Which is best?

I really don't like repeated online registration validations, so 3.0 Xpress is not something I like, unless the product offers definite advantages.

DVD Source Creator is the least expensive, and seems to be able to do everything I need. Which makes me wonder if I am missing something....

Advice from those who know these products would be appreciated.

Thank you!
Robert Fielder

[Josef K]

In a word (well, three, actually): TMPGEnc Plus v2.5

DVD Source Creator may be fine now but as your experience grows you will find it lacking. For example, there is only the possibility of converting to DVD compliant files and some minor editing. I use the term 'DVD compliant' in the loosest sense. If you buy Source Creator now and in the future you happen to need to mux/demux or join some MPEGs then you will not be able to use this tool.

TMPGEnc Xpress, as you say, is dependent upon net activation and you seem against this for your own unsaid reason(s). Activation... Need I say more...? OK, how about v3 was said to be rebuilt from the ground up for speed and comes with a new GUI. The speed increase has not proven to be the case. So essentially you are left with a product that is only marginally faster with an horrific activation process.

TMPGEnc Plus v2.5 is your best bet as it will do all you need right now and give you room to grow as you learn more. I don't know your current level of expertise but TMPGEnc Plus v2.5 is a good all-rounder and will suit you (and, I suspect, most others) better in the long term. The icing on the cake is that there is no activation in v2.5.

[rfielder]

Just to add insult to injury - TMPGEnc Plus 2.5 is cheaper than TMPGEnc DVD Source Creator 2.0.

TMPGEnc DVD Source Creator 2.0 is selling for $39.00 on the Pegasys web site.

TMPGEnc Plus 2.5 is selling for $37.00.

Since there appears to be no real advantage of 3.0 Xpress, and some drawbacks, this price difference pretty much says which way to go.

Thanks for the feedback!

[carolann]

With version 3 you can use the TMPGenc AC3 sound plug-in. I'm sort of in the same boat that you are in. I've purchased TMPGenc DVD Author & the AC3 sound plug-in and love them. Now I'm going to be transferring some videotape and will need an encoder. Like you I don't like the activation required by the AC3 sound plug-in since it does it every single time you open the application. I mean what happens if my cablemodem goes down? I guess that means you can't use the application that you paid for until it gets fixed.

I am interested in hearing though about whether version 3 is really superior because if it is even though you have the activation problem, I would be tempted to purchase it.

[andyp1]

Both DVD Lab and TMPGEnc DVD Author look interesting, but both require the files to be in DVD mpeg 2 format.

That is no the case , I can't speak about DVD Lab , but TMPGenc DVD Author accepts more than just Mpeg2 , It will happily accept Mpeg1 VCD files and automatically convert the audio sampling rate from 44.1k to 48k to build a DVD from numerous hours (7.5) of Mpeg1.

[rfielder]

I am interested in hearing though about whether version 3 is really superior because if it is even though you have the activation problem, I would be tempted to purchase it.

For me, forced activation is a show stopper, since I will be using the product on a PC that is not connected to the internet at all times. It is my DJ PC, which is carried to events. I will be capturing and editing video on the PC while at events, without any connection to the outside world.

I did send a message about this to Pegasys. Their response is that the activation can go up to two weeks without validation. That is not too bad. If it really works that way......note - I was asking about 3.0 Xpress, not the AC3 plugin.