Video Quality from different encoders--Vegas, Nero, Pinnacle, Ulead, Encore

[sir_rob]

At this point in time, is there much difference between the final video quality that is produced from different programs? (Vegas, Nero, Pinnacle, Ulead, Encore...you get the picture) I know that early on there was a big difference, but it seems that many use the same engine and the quality is pretty similar. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[edDV]

Many companies use the Mainconcept MPeg SDK (software development kit) which is a Chinese menu of features and license fees. Among the companies and products using the kit are:

Adobe - Encore, Premiere Elements/Pro
Cyberlink - Power Director, Power Producer
Discrete - (various products)
Sonic - (various products)
Sony - Vegas and Architect products
Sorenson - (various products)
ULead - Video Studio, Movie Factory, Media Studio, DVD workshop

The kit is also used in many pro broadcast products.

Mainconcept was acquired by DivX last November.

[jagabo]

MPEG2 is a very mature technology. There isn't a huge difference in quality between different mainstream MPEG encoders. There will be a bigger difference in how programs handle the video before encoding it.

[sir_rob]

Thanks! your responses were very helpful.