.avi (DV) to MPEG2 encoder recommendation

Movie Copy Software
#1

Hi:

I am taking video from my Sony DV camera that is saved to my hardrive in an .avi (DV) format.

I want to edit the video in Adobe Premiere and then when I am done, convert that video to a DVD compliant MPEG2 video so I can burn it to DVD.

My question is this: what is a really good .avi (dv) to MPEG2 convertor that I can use? (other than TMPGEnc Plus).

Features I am looking for include:
a)
ability to change the bitrate/quality of the mpeg2 encoding
b)
if possible, adobe preimere plugin capability, although this is an optional feature that I could do without if need be.

The curent avi (dv) to mpeg2 convertor I used was not very good, and didn’t give me any sort of options for bitrate/quality settings.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated…

thanks

#2

I don’t know what version of Premiere you’re using, but the later ones have a built-in encoder. If you want to stay with Adobe’s choice then that encoder is sourced from MainConcept. Vegas (my favourite non-linear editor) also uses this encoder, so you’ll be pretty safe with it! :cool:
Details here: http://www.mainconcept.com/products.shtml

If you can, it’s best to use an integrated encoder because the editor will frame serve to it at whatever speed it needs - an advantage. However, the MainConcept encoder is also available stand-alone. It is reasonably priced (unlike CinemaCraft) and can do two-pass encoding plus all your other requirements.

Good luck!

-Pete

#3

thank you for the info, I’ll try it out and see if it works out for me.

Another question for you or any of the other experienced lads out there: is their a significantly higher end MPEG2 encoder that is considered to be awesome, partcicuarly when encoding:

i) DV video
ii) Uncompressed raw avi

and also has the ability to rencode mpeg 1 and 2 video?

While at the same time it allows you to change the bitrate manually if you want, etc?

(if you have one high-end suggestion for doing dv video/uncompressed raw avi and another for rencoding mpeg1/2 files that is also ok)

Thanks

#4

I’ve heard Canopus Procoder to be excellent for DV source. I don’t know if they offer a demo, but I’m sure its easy to find out. CinemaCraft encoder is another option if you really want the premiere plugin. Basic is $58, SP is $1995.

/MLS