Best MPEG2 Encoder for captured VHS (AVI) to DVD?

[Iceblade]

Hey guys,

Just made my first foray into the world of digital video and conversion by capturing one of my instructional guitar videos on VHS to my hard drive via the passthrough on my Canon Optura 20. I now have a humongous 13GB AVI file on my drive that I need to convert to mpeg2 and eventually author to dvd. I know that there are about 3 or 4 preferred "de facto" mpeg2 encoders out there, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. I was wondering if any of the four were better at handling VHS source captures as opposed to other mediums? Also, if one particular encoder is better than others for this, is there a particular bundled suite (Adobe Premier, Ulead Movie, etc...) that already has this encoder and would make it a little easier to edit and author to DVD than using 26 different tools to do each step?

Thanks for any help you can send my way!

Regs,
Jeff

[pbhalerao]

I don't have Adobe Premiere so I can't comment on that. I have MainConcept encoder which does the job fine for me. It is twice quick than TMPGEnc but TMPGEnc offers more options. But both are almost at-par as far as I could compare. My TMPG trial license expired and I chose to go with MainConcept for the time advantage. I may purchase TMPG in future because I like it quite a lot.

In my opionion a standalone encoder is better than the all in one packages like ULead, etc. However, if you don't want to spend at the moment on a standalone encoder, you an try whatever S/W that you already have and see for yourself. You could download the free trials of the MC and TMPG and also check out.

The adjective "best" is rather tricky and will start a flame war. See the "How to" (covert) section on left and you could find a lot of help. Generally what suits you most (budget, quality, time, etc.) will be "best" for you.

[lordsmurf]

I would strongly suggest Adobe Premiere with Canopus Procoder.

[Iceblade]

Thanks for the tip. I'll check into Adobe Premiere. I assume that the Canopus encoder is the one that is bundled with this software, correct? Is there a preferred version of Premiere that people are using, or is the "latest greatest" the best bet?

Thanks,
Jeff