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Fastest H.264 encoding setup
Hey All,
I’m trying to encode 45 min. DVC pro HD 720p 60 mov’s to 720p H.264 files. I wanted to know what hardware config I should get to achieve the fastest encode times and with that config what is the fastest time I can expect (2x,3x,?). Along with that, will Compressors distributed rendering help (haven’t had much luck with it yet)? I know H.264 is a bear to encode, but just wondered what the best/fastest way to do it is.
thanks,
Steve
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4 Replies
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Yes, distributed encoding through Compressor is by far the fastest way to encode H.264. Have you set up your main computer and your other computers to handle the task?
Kevin Monahan
fcpworld.com
Author – Motion Grahpics and Effects in Final Cut Pro
Now seeking post-production work in Los Angeles -
I’ve experimented with Compressors distributed encoding, but haven’t really integrated it into our workflow. What is the best way to set it up for this application (h.264 encoding)? How does it break up the job? With after effects’ watch folder system it seems to farm out different timelines unless you render to an image sequence, is compressor similar?
Steve
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Are there any other hardware recommendations from you guys out there?
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I bought a Turbo.264 from Elgato and have been keeping an eye on their software development hoping they’ll soon make it viable for Pros. The potential of it is that it would offer hardware acceleration to a simple “Export via Quicktime Conversion” command directly out of FCP and other apps; but the problem is their Quicktime Component currently only supports 3 pre-built export profiles and they are not very “Pro-oriented”: they all crop the TV-safe area and crush the blacks, among other drawbacks.
However, even if they manage to improve that, their H.264 output cannot compare with the file-size/quality ration of using an x264 based tool like Handbrake, despite the longer encoding req’dLu Nelson
Berlin, Germany
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