Need some advice re: authoring/encoding program.

[Serenity]

Hi,

I'm currently using Ulead DVD Workshop 2 as it allows me to author and add subtitle to divx files which I burn to DVD. Its an easy program to learn as well. Problem is its extremely slow to encode taking over 2 hours.

Just wondering if anyone could recommend a similar program with a shorter encoding time and also one which will produce great results.

Thanks in advance.

[Baldrick]

You could encode to mpeg2 dvd with a faster standalone encoder like mainconcept mpeg encoder, cce basic, canopus procoder. Then add the mpeg2 and subtitle in ulead dvd workshop and it should only author it(make menus and the vob,ifo,bup files).

If you don't need advanced menus use ConvertXtoDVD, add avi, subtitle and convert directly to a dvd.

[dlflannery]

You could encode to mpeg2 dvd with a faster standalone encoder like mainconcept mpeg encoder, cce basic, canopus procoder. Then add the mpeg2 and subtitle in ulead dvd workshop and it should only author it(make menus and the vob,ifo,bup files).

If you don't need advanced menus use ConvertXtoDVD, add avi, subtitle and convert directly to a dvd.

How about a free tool: gui4ffmpeg ? I've not used it on DivX but one of the VideoHelp "guides" for this tool is named "How to convert Divx/Xvid to DVD MPG"

I have used gui4ffmpeg for other purposes and like it a lot. I believe it's pretty fast too.

[jman98]

CCE is rarely what I would call "fast" unless you have a state of the art PC to run it on. I love it, but I can't honestly say it's "fast".

Serenity - speed does NOT equal quality! As a general rule, the faster something gets encoded, the lower the quality of the encode. My advice to you would be to worry less about the speed of the encodes and more about the quality, but usually guys like you who think 2 hours is "too much" rarely care about quality anyway. Have you never thought of just doing your encodes while you sleep? Then it won't matter how long they take.

[laspis59]

I like to use Mainconcept MPEG Encoder for its speed and although it seems to soften the picture a little,the quality is good.You can adjust its settings to achieve better quality if you wish to do so but its takes longer,not very much longer though.

CCE is fast but I much prefer Mainconcept.

[Serenity]

I didn't realise over 2 hours is about standard time. I've only started about a week ago.lol.

Of course I'm concern about quality so I think I'll go with Baldrick's advice and use a proper encoder that allows for more than 1 pass and then use DVD workshop to do the menus.

BTW, which program do you recommend to use for burn? I'm currently using DVD workshop. If I export the files and use say Nero, how do I go about importing the files to Nero. Does it has to be in a certain order??

Thanks and sorry if my questions are stupid but I'm slowly learning.

[laspis59]

I didn't realise over 2 hours is about standard time. I've only started about a week ago.lol.

Not with MainConcept MPEG Encoder.

BTW, which program do you recommend to use for burn?
Thanks and sorry if my questions are stupid but I'm slowly learning.

IMGBurn for burning.You can convert DVD Video Files to ISO with it or use IMGTools "Classic".