MPEG-2 encoding software under $100

[KnightPalatine]

What's the best MPEG-2 encoding software under $100. Pinnacle Studio seems more popular among magazine editors than it does among end users.

I'm a newbie, so any and all input is appreciated.

 

[SearchMaster]

What's your goal here? Pinnacle Studio is much more than an MPEG encoder - it is a video editor. If your goal is strictly to convert from AVI to MPEG, take a look at TMPGEnc. It has a free trial period, then you have to buy the MPEG2 license, but does a fantastic job with very high quality (better than PS). If your goal is to edit video, with transitions, audio overlays, etc., then you need a video editor like PS, Sony Vegas, etc.

 

[KnightPalatine]

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
What's your goal here? Pinnacle Studio is much more than an MPEG encoder - it is a video editor. If your goal is strictly to convert from AVI to MPEG, take a look at TMPGEnc. It has a free trial period, then you have to buy the MPEG2 license, but does a fantastic job with very high quality (better than PS). If your goal is to edit video, with transitions, audio overlays, etc., then you need a video editor like PS, Sony Vegas, etc.

Thank you, SearchMaster. I need both editing and encoding.

I need to get some video from my Digital8 camcorder (Sony TRV-350) to DVD. Some of the DVDs are for family members who don't have computers, hence the need for MPEG-2. I also have some VHS tapes that I want to burn to DVD.

I can up my price point a bit, especially if my needs are best served by multiple programs. I'm tring to avoid mega$$ professional programs if I can.

 

[jcwagers]

If you're only going to do one or two things, you might look into the trial version of TMPGEnc Plus. It will do unlimited MPEG-2 converting. If you're going to do a lot of it, I would suggest that you buy it for around $50. You might also look into TMPGEnc DVD Author. It will let you take your MPEG-2 files and convert them into the necessary files so they can be put on Video DVD. I think the DVD Author program is around $70 or with the AC-3 extension it is around $90.

Link

jc

 

[SearchMaster]

That's what I figured, I just didn't want you to pay more for a product that does more than you need (and doesn't do it as well).

Video editing is a complex subject. Frankly, I don't feel like any of the consumer-level PC products do an adequate job. I have not used the high dollar products, or Sony Vegas, however. I do have Pinnacle Studio and Sonic myDVD (which I only got recently and haven't had the time to try). Vegas is often highly regarded, and I think they have a light version for <$100. I like PS, but it seems most people have a love/hate relationship with it. It apparently crashes a lot for some people, though I personally haven't experienced it.

I would point you to dvdrhelp.com, which is an excellent site for all things video. You'll need a firewire card for your vidcam, which the DV version of PS provides. If your vidcam has a pass-through, then you can use it to capture VHS tapes digitally. If not, you'll have to get a video capture card (at least $50).

Anyway, I guess the short answer is that Pinnacle Studio is a mature product that will likely do everything you need. It will create DVDs, help you with capturing video, let you edit with transitions, audio overlays, etc.

 

[KnightPalatine]

Many thanks, JC and SearchMaster. I really appreciate the help. My wife and daughters thank you, too. OK, the girls just say "Goo!" or something like that--they're only 11 months old--but that sounds like "Thanks!" to me.

I should have my new rig finished this weekend, an Athlon 64 3000+ with 1GB RAM. In the meantime, I'll check out the links you provided.