Which program should I use for HD encodes?

[Alphantom]

Hello, I have done sample encodes with Staxrip and Vidcoder, both using CRF 18 with the slow Preset, but I can see a difference in the two of them.

I will show a couple of screenshots from each encode.

Vidcoder


[Attachment 64603 - Click to enlarge]

Staxrip


[Attachment 64604 - Click to enlarge]

For the sample with VC, I used Vidcoder, and for the sample with SR, I used Staxrip.

I have also provided Mediainfo files

[rrats]

Imo vidcoder looks better

[jagabo]

Noise reduction was applied to the Vidcoder video before it was encoded. Hence the smaller file (ie, lower bitrate).

[Alphantom]

Imo vidcoder looks better

Could you explain how?

[Alphantom]

Noise reduction was applied to the Vidcoder video before it was encoded. Hence the smaller file (ie, lower bitrate).

Could you explain how, I have all the filters turned off via the Vidcoder settings.

The filters now include Chroma Smooth and Colour Space, should I enable those filters? I am using the settings I am to try to get as close to source quality, bang for buck as I can.

[poisondeathray]

Another difference is the staxrip encode uses aq-mode 3, and the vidcoder encode aq-mode 2

[PU User]

I use the Hollywood/Broadcast-class encoder: Adobe Media Encoder with Voukoder and Autokroma Influx plugins. (Just get 100% free coupons for AME)

[Sharc]

Vidcoder used compressed AAC LC for audio, while staxrip used PCM 1536 kbps (22% of the filesize).
The video quality differences are very subtle IMO so keep the one you prefer.