Is Nero encoding my files?

[44echo]

I use CCE to encode to MPEG and then burn to DVD with Nero. I like the fact that Nero converts to AC3 audio. I assume it isn't encoding the video because it's already a DVD compliant MPEG2 file and it only takes about 20 minutes to encode...even with an old computer. I just recently noticed that gspot says Main Concept Encoder was the video encoder. How is that possible when I used CCE?

Does Nero use MCE? Is Nero doing something to my file to make it appear like it encoded the video?


Along the same lines, is there a way to tell which software encoded a particular file. For example, I think I read here that Ulead DVD Work Shop uses MCE. If I analyze a file with gspot, it may say MCE, but it won't necessarily say if it was done with full blown MCE, UDVDWS, or any other software that used the MCE engine. Correct?

I'm still trying to figure this stuff out. Thanks for the help.

[44echo]

Anyone?

[reboot]

Nerovision Express re-encodes everything.
Nero is a burning app.

[44echo]

Sorry for my bad terminology. I use NeroVision Express to author my DVDs. I'm currently using NVE2, which doesn't automatically convert *everything* like V3 does. Does NVE just "attach" some info as if they did encode it? For example, I see in the NVE settings that it's set for multi-pass "video encoding. The log file states this too, though I don't think it encodes the video. There's no way that I encode 13 GB of video and audio in 20 minutes with a Pentium III 550.

Again, why does gspot say the video encoder is Main Concept Encoder? Does Nero use MCE?

Thank you.

[reboot]

Nero's encoding engine is built by Mainconcept.
MCE develop lots of stuff, then sell to anyone willing to pay. Nero isn't the only ones using MCE, but they don't advertise it I guess.
That's all I can think of.

[proxyx99]

Nero is using a "smart render" feature, it reencodes only the part that is not compliant (or out of specified parameters range). Since your video is OK it just puts a new header and rebuilds its structure. The outcome has MC stamp on it. What it did is reencoded audio track only (that is why only 20 min.). As pointed above Nero must be licensing MC encoding engine.

[44echo]

I've often read here and at other video forums that Nero's mpeg encoder sucks. Does that mean that MCE sucks? I always heard that was one of the better encoders. Maybe Nero has a "lesser version" of MCE?

Nero is using a "smart render" feature, it reencodes only the part that is not compliant (or out of specified parameters range).

What types of things would make a video file "out of specified parameters range?" I encode all my video exactly the same way. I tried NVE 3 and it wanted to encode my video too. It would've taken a couple hours after I already spent a couple hours encoding it with CCE Basic. That's why I went back to NVE 2.

Just trying to learn what goes on behind the scenes. Thank you for your replie. You've both been very helpful.

[reboot]

MCE is one of the best. Nero probably get's a dumbed down version, or they use their own audio encoder with MCE, or both, which gives all the problems.

What types of things would make a video file "out of specified parameters range?"

Bitrate above 9000kbps can do it, as well as any aspect ratio that is NOT dvd standard for your location, a GOP smaller than 15 or larger than 18, a 23.976 video encoded without pulldown, the list goes on. ...

[44echo]

Thanks Jim.

[proxyx99]

That is not what I meant. "Specified" means specified by a user. Nero reencodes simply if you put different parameters then the original file (higher or lower bitrate bracket) or when it is not DVD compliant.

You need to enable "smart render" to use it.

[MpegEncoder]

Nerovision Express re-encodes everything.
Nero is a burning app.

This is not true for newer versions of Nero Vision Express.

There's a setting called "Smart Encoding" to allow already encoded file to be left alone.

[reboot]

The problem with smart encoding is, it's dumb.
I have some video, from 4 sources.
1. Direct mpeg-2 capture at 720x480.
2. Tmpgenc output at 720x480.
3. Mainconcept output the same as above.
4. Canopus procoder same...

Nerovision express will re-encode the capture, and the mainconcept every time. It will sometimes re-encode the tmpgenc, but that's because of a custom setting I made, even though it's still DVD compliant.
It will never re-encode Canopus.
I simply quit using it, whether it re-encodes or not, it ALWAYS re-encodes audio, even compliant AC3, and throws it out of sync. I can't waste time resyncing audio on every file. Forget it.

[proxyx99]

Not true, it accepts MC files no problem. Again, it depends on the settings. Smart encoding works just fine.

[reboot]

Default settings in all 3 encoders suck. If you want quality, you need to change things. Nerovision chokes on them, every time.