I am new to mac, I have Avid and that is all. I need to know what else I need for encoders/and authoring software, what is the most popular/easy to use solution?  I have experience using Sorenson and Adobe Encore.  I was looking for a cheaper version of sorenson or something as comparable.  Would you suggest that I use iDvd?


Thanks!

Jana

Hi Jana and welcome.

Well the cool thing is you have a lot of choices. Apple uses a simple encoding program like QT Pro all the way to compressor, sorenson, and the top of the line (IMHO) Bit Vice. Which is better really depends upon who you ask. Most of my encoding I do with just QT 'Pro and I burn with iDVD. Not fancy but it's quick and easy to show roughcuts. If you want to get more elaborate, you could go with an encoder like BitVice and the best Authoring program out there (Mac or PC), DVD Studio Pro.

It all depends on your level of need.Give us a better idea of your end product and maybe we can narrow things down a bit for you.

Thanks BLKDOG,

I think I will try Quicktime Pro, and eventually I would like to get DVD studio pro, I am mostly doing weddings right now, but I notice on my pc even before I encode, the picture has small lines in it, it definitely is not absolute perfect quality, i was hoping to change my workflow on my new mac and perhaps get better quality then before.


Thanks for your advice

Jana

I have been using BitVise from Innobits (download for $300 I Think) and am very pleased. Looked much better than the quicktime encoder. It's target bitrate has center, low and high limits, and a plethera of image tools, including a very good noise reducer.