Which mpeg-2 endoder is the best bang for the buck?

[dell400sc]

Alright,

Yes, I've read many post and some comparisons but this will help me narrow it down.

I've been using TMPGenc for a long time and I'm prepared to drop $$$ on a better encoder. I simple capture DV-AVI via firewire and encode to mpeg-2 and encode audio to AC-3 and burn to DVD. I generally stop at about 1.5hrs of video and use VBR avg. 6000 and max 8000...and on and on and on...

I simply would like to use an encoder with more functions to tween endoding, works faster (not a must need), and encodes video the best.

Thanks,
Lex

[adam]

Procoder is exceptional for DV in my opinion. MainConcept and Cinema Craft Encoder are also major players. All of these encoders will be much faster than TMPGenc and with the exception of maybe Procoder, will offer substantially more tweaking options.

But I don't think any of these encoders come with an option to output AC3 audio so you'll have to process your audio separately and combine the streams in the end.

With that said, you are using pretty high bitrates and TMPGenc is a very good encoder. I do think there is room for improvement but I'd try the demo versions of the encoders I mentioned first before investing in them, because you may not see a bit of difference in quality even after all the tweaking, though it will certainly be much faster.

[gadgetguy]

I would say QuEnc. Does a fantastic job for the price, (free).

[dell400sc]

Thanks guys!

gadgetguy,

Since I need an avisynth script to input to QuEnc and i haven't experience with this will just a basic script file like movie.avs containing:

AviSource("c:\folder\myclip.avi")

Will this suffice or do I need to do all the fancy scripting with filters, resizeing, etc? If I do just the simple one-liner, then I'll give QuEnc a try and compare with an encode with ole' faithful TMPGEnc.

Thanks,
Lex

[gadgetguy]

AviSource("c:\folder\myclip.avi")

Will this suffice or do I need to do all the fancy scripting

That would be a firm maybe. It depends on the source file. I'm by no means an expert on avisynth as I'm still learning myself, but I can't even begin to explain all the possible options to handle all the possible source types. A couple examples of possible changes/additions would be:

QuEnc requires YV12 colorspace input so if your source file isn't you'll need to add the line

ConvertToYV12()

If your source is a Type1 DV-AVI then instead of

AviSource(etc.)

you need to use

DirectShowSource(etc.)

There's a lot of good information at www.avisynth.org. Read and experiment. When something doesn't work, come back and ask, but include information about the source file, list your computer specs in your profile, and enter your location so we can know whether you're in PAL or NTSC country.

From what I've learned so far, Avisynth is an excellent editor and worth the time to learn to use it, and used in combination with QuEnc it gives very good results.

[Bjs]

I have yet to see any of those other encoders match quality that avi2mpeg2 (aka bbmpeg) can produce .

And it dosent cost a cent either .

Frameserved files from virtualdub too bbmpeg , check the newbies guides for my guides on that .

[edDV]

Best bang for the buck has to be the ULead version of the Mainconcept encoder. Fry's was selling Video Studio 9 for $50 ($19 competitive upgrade) after rebates last weekend.

Canopus Procoder Express has been seen as low as $49.

[DVFun]

IMO, Canopus Procoder Express!!!

[guns1inger]

HCenc is getting a good rap and is free.