Ligos LSX Mpeg Encoder??

[franco]

Can I get some opinions on the LSX Mpeg encoder. I know Ligos have stopped doing it now, but I read somewhere that there were some problems with it so it wasn't as good as TMPGenc.

My problem is I'm using Canopus procoder and the plug in for Adobe Prmiere leads to very slow encoding times where a friend told me that using LSX Mpeg encoder it is very fast and good quality.

I would be encoding to MPEG2 for DVD authoring. Are there any known issues with the Ligos encoder that I shold know about??

[adam]

The lastest version of LSX is actually pretty good and a solid choice for its price range. It is definitely faster then TMPGenc but I don't think the quality is quite as good. There aren't any real problems with it as far as I can tell.

Older versions of LSX were a travesty. They were definitely very fast but the quality was horrible. The latest version is a completely new encoder, but I think everyone still holds a grudge. I'm pretty sure they offer a trial version don't they? Just test the quality for yourself. Personally, I find it very good.

[franco]

That's version 3.5 as far as I know and I don't think they sell it any more. My friend will help me compare quality though as I'm not happy with Procoder which seems to produce MPEGs that look very digitized, especially when played back on a TV.

[Jamz]

Which version of procoder are you using? I started out with Ligos & have the encoder you are talking about. I was never satisfied with the results. What are your settings in procoder? After I purchased procoder I never looked back. It's the best! Never a problem with blocky pictures & excellent color.

[DVWannaB]

Personally, I would not even consider LSX. It was one of my first encoders back in early 2002, when I first started encoding video. I started with TMPG and used started using LSX as an alternative to speedier encodes. For VCD & SVCD (using constant bitrate encodes) it was not quite as good as TMPG, but I thought it was worth using it for a much speedier encode. For DVD it was a nightmare for me. It uses only CBR and a CQ/VBR, which is hard as heck to predict final file size. I ended up doing an encode 2 or 3 times to get it somewhat close to the max disk size. Then I became a quality freak and used TMPG exclusively with its slow encodes after that.

LSX has not updated that SW in forever (I believe v3.5 was the last in 2002). I would say scout around for a good Procoder guide on this site or elsewhere or just try TMPGEnc or CCE Basic (very fast), both of which I use as alternatives. I think TMPG gives better quality, but you must be a patient soul to get it

[Jamz]

Franco, If you try Procoder, the faster speeds are ok but it really shines if you use mastering quality. If your computer is fast enough, mastering quality won't take too long but on a slow computer ....forget it. It sounds like DVWannab started around the same time I did in experimenting with encoders. Back then ligos was poor but one of the better options unless we felt like spring $2000 for cinemacraft. Things have come a long way.