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40. Want faster HD encodes?
6 months ago
2 options for faster H.264 encoding. Get a top of line fast computer, or an accelerator card.

Example:

New 2009 MacPro Two 2.93Ghz Quad core (Newhalem)

vs

Last year's 2008 MacPro Two 2.8Ghz Quad Core with Matrox CompressHD card.

Result:

Without clustering the 2009 MacPro's 16 cores, the older MacPro with the Matrox Max technology has better performance for the highest quality multipass encoding.

Hopefully, Matrox will make a Vimeo setting!
(This actual video was compressed using the YouTube 1280x720 setting)

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14 Likes

  • Yuli Mitsner 6 months ago
    Good review, thanks for putting it up!
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  • Tudor Cauacean 5 months ago
    Thank you for this great review! I have two questions: 1. There is a big quality difference between MPEG2 encoded in Compressor and H.264 using CompressHD card? Question 2: Do I have to export a reference file and import it to Compressor when using CompressHD or I can export directly from Final Cut to Compressor. I'm exporting reference files so I can use all 8 cores. PS. I have HDV footage shot with Sony HVR-Z1 and edited in Final Cut on Mac Pro 8 core 2,8 and I'm delivering blu-ray discs. Thank you again for this review!
  • Guy Cochran plus 4 months ago
    In reply to question 1, the CompressHD card accelerates H.264 file creation, it does not speed up MPEG2. Yes, bit for bit, H.264 will look better. It's more efficient. question 2, yes you can Export direct from FCP using the Matrox H.264 QuickTime component. I find it best to export a reference movie, that way you can continue working in FCP. Since the processor is free, you can still work while encoding and not feel the sluggish performance drop. The CompressHD is doing all the work so you can still edit while compressing - so cool!
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  • Tudor Cauacean 4 months ago
    Thank you for reply! I have one more question: there is a problem with H.264 Blu-ray exported with CompressHD when you import it to Encore CS3/CS4 for authoring? I heard that you can only use Toast 10 for authoring.
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  • Steve Towle plus 4 months ago
    Any news how it's going to work with the new Final Cut Pro 7's 'Easy Export' workflow for Bluray disks direct from the timeline?

    As for the Mac Encore CS4 question above, NO there is a problem and you can't currently use Encore CS4 to author files made with the CompressHD card! They are working on it but at this time, NO :(
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