Which TMPGEnc do I need?

[ingeborgdot]

I have been using Sony Vegas Pro for a long time now but am not really happy with the down rez to SD from HD. I have been reading on the Sony forum that many have been using TMPGEnc to do a better job. They edit in Vegas, render in native and then use TMPGEnc to down rez. I go to their site and there are many to choose from. Which one do I use?? Thanks.

[DB83]

What a rediculous question. Downrez from what to what ?. You have been on here longer than me and you still do not know the basics ?

Just click some of the links and see what the various programs offer. It took me 5 seconds to find out.

Or, better than that, try some of the free tools such as handbrake or avidemux first.

[ingeborgdot]

From HD to SD. I guess I am just not as intelligent as you and never claimed to be experienced at this. How long I have been on here has nothing to do with my expertise. This board is starting to get a bad wrap for people like you on here. This is a forum. Why do they have it? For stupid people like me to ask questions.

[DB83]

And your answer is equally typical. Ask for more information and you throw your toys out of the pram.

Beats me why you use one of the most expensive pieces of software around yet can not answer a simple question. But I will humour you and hold your hand some more. What is your HD format, codec etc and what is your intended SD format, codec etc.

Without such info what help can you really expect ?

[budwzr]

The Sony Vegas Forum is loaded with old dogs that haven't learned a new trick in decades. Not a good source of advice.

You can't do better than Sony Vegas Pro and HitFilm for sFX. Only your own ability and understanding is your limitation.

[ingeborgdot]

Expensive? I paid a little over 200 bucks for this a couple of years ago and just paid 139 for an upgrade. I don't call that expensive. So, I know I am not as educated as you but man, you are rude. Are all Brits this rude?

[ingeborgdot]

This is a hobby and not something I do for a living or a lot. I am sorry if I have bothered you but why do you even take the time to answer anyone as stupid as I am in the first place. Kind of puts you in my category I guess.

[sanlyn]

Well, hopefully this won't be taken as another smarmy answer (good heavens, people, we're getting a bit chaotic around here)...

The TMPGENC you mentioned is SD and does not encode to MPEG2. For SD encode to DVD you should be using TMPGenc Plus 2.5 . Old hat, yes, but still highly regarded, used by plenty of semi-pros and pros, and better than Vegas at SD encoding. It's cheap enough, but you could get just as good or a little better (for free) with HCenc (but HCenc doesn't have TMPGenc Plus excellent image correction controls). I'm not sure what you mean by "render" in Vegas (render to what format?), but downsampling HD to SD is best done in something like Avisynth or some of the apps mentioned earlier. The makers of TMPGEnc Plus replaced the basic encoding engine in later versions that aren't nearly as competent. In any case, all this processing and resampling should be in lossless AVI before encoding, or you'll end up with pure garbage. TMPGEnc's newer Authoring Works is okay for authoring, but not as talented as their earlier stuff when it comes to conversions...not bad, just not as good as earlier models.

[KTH]

It sounds like you are looking for the TMPGEnc software that will just do video conversions (from one format to another). If this is what you want then the software you are probably looking for is "TMPGEnc Video Mastering Works 5". Although I read that some people like the quality of the previous version "TMPGEnc 4.0 XPress" better.

[ingeborgdot]

Thank you sanlyn and KTH for your offerings. I am sorry that my knowledge of all of this does not meet certain standards but I don't do it enough that I really ever get good at it. I tend to come on here and look for advice and try to add to my knowledge. Then I don't do any of it for about 5 or more months and I forget half of the stuff I learned. Yes, I am trying to take video that comes from an HDR-FX7 at this point that is 1080i 60. In Vegas it is HDV 1440 x 1080. So I would render as native in vegas. Then, I would take the rendered piece and put it in TMPGEnc and render it to an SD format. One that would work with DVD Arch. 6. Not sure of what the settings in TMPGEnc would be but that is what I am looking to do. Again, because of the lack of my intelligence I hope I explained this okay.

[ingeborgdot]

What is TMPGEnc MPEG Smart Renderer 4?

[Tom Saurus]

ingeborgdot: I recently have been learning about how to edit and convert AVCHD files. I took a 1920 x 1080 i file, dropped it into Tmpgenc Express 4.0 and I was able to edit the file and exported using the DVD output template. The program did an excellent job at this task. When it comes to converting to mpeg2 Tmpgenc Express 4.0 does a great job. You could probably convert your file using Freemake Video Converter as well. Freemake Video Converter is free but you have to be careful you don't install toolbars and other stuff you don't want when you are installing the program; so please take your time and be careful during the install. If you are interested in converting to .mkv or .mkv I would recommend getting a Smart Rendering Video Editor such as VideoReDo or Tmpgenc Smart Render 4, edit your files, export the file and then use Vidcoder and let it encode it. VideoReDo also has some export options that will convert your edited file to a DVD compliant .mpeg2 file.

To learn about Tmpgenc Smart Render 4, you will notice that Tmpgenc Smart Render 4 is highlighted. You can click on that and that will take you to the Tool Section of the Videohelp website. You can read what some posters here think of the program if you scroll down and read the comments. You will also notice there is a link to the Developer's Website. Clicking on that will take you to their website and you can read more about the program. They offer a 14 day trial. To there credit the Trial Version is more generous than in the past, as they don't limit the length of the video to be exported. However they do encode their name at all the cut points and the full functionality of the program is not available to try. For that reason I have sent some money to buy VideoReDo because they allowed me to experience the full functionality of their program and that impressed me with what the program can do.

For basic editing you can use Freemake Video Converter or AviDemux; but really the best thing to do is get a Smart Rendering editor. The AVCHD video needs a Smart Render because it allows you to cut stuff on a more precise level and because it is more stable than AviDemux.

[DB83]

Expensive? I paid a little over 200 bucks for this a couple of years ago and just paid 139 for an upgrade. I don't call that expensive. So, I know I am not as educated as you but man, you are rude. Are all Brits this rude?

Well if you think I am rude then count yourself lucky that others have not joined in here.

Vegas Pro used to retail at $600+ if my memory serves me. Only the latest version, without the dvd authoring, comes close to your price.

Well you have finally answered the question and have had some information, even from this 'rude' Brit, to go on with.

Now we know, or can assume, that your SD format is dvd compatable you need not really worry about the settings as the program should have a template.

I will avoid the joke about 'smart' render.

[ingeborgdot]

I get mine for a special discount because of what I do. The upgrades are cheap.

[ingeborgdot]

Thanks Tom. I think what I am looking to do is what describe in the express 4.0 which is not longer made. I think it is now video mastering works. This is what someone else says on another forum to do for someone else. This is what I am looking at doing.
Render to native format of the source files from Vegas. Then use tmpg to render to MPEG. DVDA will accept the file & it will look way better than what Vegas can produce. Use Vegas to render out the audio separately.
He never does say which TMPGEnc to use though. If it were smart renderer 4 or Video mastering works 5. I am thinking it is video mastering works 5 though.

[sanlyn]

The v4 is no longer offered. However, everything TMPGEnc sells has a trial version that you can audition, including the old Plus 2.5 (which they tried to discontinue, but their clients raised hell so they kept it as-is). Meanwhile if their stuff doesn't do what you want, there are many free goodies in the tools section of this forum. I don't envy the grunt work of the research stage, but I'm sure other members can add to the list of possibilities -- as if you needed more to think about . There are mixed opinions in our own reviews of Authoring Works 5, but frankly some people get products with no intention of trying to learn to use them correctly. So take mixed opinions with a grain of salt until you try it yourself.

[DB83]

You know, before you consider other software it may be profitable to look at the problems you have with Vegas.

You may wish to expand as to why you are not happy with the output. There are many Vegas users in this forum and there could well be a very quick 'fix' for you.

I would suggest you upload a short sample of your original source (native format) and the same clip at SD format.

'Uncle Nasty' signing off

[ingeborgdot]

Thanks unc.

[ingeborgdot]

I tried uploading a short clip but it says my hd one is an invalid file. Not sure why. I'll keep on trying I guess.

[sanlyn]

If it's invalid it could be bigger than 100MB. What's the name and size of the clip? All that's needed is a few seconds with motion in some of the images.

[brassplyer]

What a rediculous question. Downrez from what to what ?. You have been on here longer than me and you still do not know the basics ?

From HD to SD. I guess I am just not as intelligent as you and never claimed to be experienced at this. How long I have been on here has nothing to do with my expertise. This board is starting to get a bad wrap for people like you on here. This is a forum. Why do they have it? For stupid people like me to ask questions.

For some reason many who fancy themselves "x-purtz" communicate in asshat mode. It's not just here, I see this in various forums. Ironically, they're often not nearly as "x-purt" as they want the world to think they are.

He could have simply said "Do you mean from HD to SD?" ....or "can you clarify what you mean?" etc.

[budwzr]

Why don't you make a list and report them to management?

It's true that Inge has been around here for a long time, getting watered, and has yet to blossom.

If you're a perpetual Newb, at least have the decency to post in that forum. Or admit you're over your head, and don't pose as someone that has a clue. That's disrespectful.

You can't fake it in here, and expect white glove treatment.

[budwzr]

The reason DVDA might re-encode when authoring is that what you're feeding it isn't compliant to be written straight out. It's simple, read the manual.

All you have to do is set the project and render to match the correct requirements. It's right there in the help. Want me to cut it out and post it for you?

[julitomg]

Hi ingeborgdot

I have done more or less what you need to do (only difference is I use Premiere instead of Vegas), install debugmode frameserver, select it from the exporting menu, export your rendered timeline as a signpost "avi" and open that "avi" in TMPGEnc Plus 2.5 to produce a DVD compliant mpeg 2 file. In the debugmode site you can learn more of how to use the frameserver in your particular NLE. Good luck

[brassplyer]

If you're a perpetual Newb, at least have the decency to post in that forum. Or admit you're over your head, and don't pose as someone that has a clue. That's disrespectful.

You can't fake it in here, and expect white glove treatment.

The op wasn't faking anything - he asked a question. He got an uncivil, asshat response. There's no excuse for it. It's not DB83's or anyone else's place to consider themselves arbiter of what someone should or shouldn't know over some given amount of time. Ignore the question if you can't come up with a civil response. This "what the hell is wrong with you" crap is the behavior of a stunted little pissant who has a lot wrong with themselves. There's no excuse but the *explanation* is that the DB83 is one of these tech forum dipshits who tries to bolster a defective psychology by taking potshots from the safety of a keyboard. Fvck him and his personality disorder.

If you or anyone else reading this feels there's justification for DB's response then feel free to wear the asshat with my compliments.

[budwzr]

Getting an "Ass-Hatted" response means you've been flagged as a perpetual non-starter. A lot of good people take the time to help out, but the non-starter just goes around in circles, and keeps coming back with dogma and what somebody said somewhere else in a different context, and yadda yadda yadda, and it's maddening, and you just blow up from the frustration, and wished you never even responded in the first place.

Whew!

P.S. I read Inge's initial post and I almost blew up myself. Last time that guy was posting he claimed to be teaching a video class, and he can't even enunciate his question properly.

DB83 is a dry humor type, and normally posts very well. This is the first time I saw him blow up. His posts are usually funny and witty as a tool to get the point across. That's the English way. Dry Humor. Not Ass-Hat.

We AssHats need some intelligent discourse too. It's not a one way thing. We want, and need, to engage in stimulating conversation.

[brassplyer]

P.S. I read Inge's initial post and I almost blew up myself.

That speaks to your problem not Inge's.

[budwzr]

P.S. I read Inge's initial post and I almost blew up myself.

That speaks to your problem not Inge's.

Because I know what Vegas can do, and it certainly can easily render DVD compliant video and audio, fer krisakes. It's ludicrous to think you need some fakkakta 3rd rate software to do the job.

That's like saying After Effects is crap, but "My 3D Studio" is awesome. The only person to think that way is the simpleton that can't wrap their mind around the good stuff and goes for the shortcut. So that's prima facie evidence of incompetence. Get it?

"Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer".

[brassplyer]

I have been using Sony Vegas Pro for a long time now but am not really happy with the down rez to SD from HD. I have been reading on the Sony forum that many have been using TMPGEnc to do a better job. They edit in Vegas, render in native and then use TMPGEnc to down rez. I go to their site and there are many to choose from. Which one do I use?? Thanks.

I popped for TMPGEnc but found that I don't have much use for it - I find the encoding of Vegas Pro is fine. I doubt you'd be able to tell between two encodes of the same source which was which.

[budwzr]

It's not about elitism around here. I will kiss anyone's ass that shows me a better way, teaches me a new trick, or even corrects me when I'm wrong. Truth and Knowledge are king here, not personalities.