Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 3, 2012. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Still using the automtaed Watch Folder function, files are passed on, converted, and encoded by preset. A preview is used for checking.
If users are unsure whether the result will be satisfactory, they can use the preview window. Source data and output data can be compared directly in this way so that adjustments can still be made to the aspect ratio and so on.
Now integrated are 10bit dithering, optimized H.264 encoding (also via GPU), and 64-bit suport. The Pro version has additional functions such as transcoding into VC3-compliant video bitstreams such as Avid DNxHD.
Even without owning Avid software, users are able to export Avid DNxHD files for products such as Avid Media Composer, NewsCutter, or Symphony. In addition, all DNxHD bit depths up to 10-bit depth are supported.
Mac OSX users can look forward to encoding/decoding using the Apple Pro Res codec family. All codecs contained in it preserve SD, HD, and 2K quality at full resolution. The available format variations are as follows:
Apple ProRes: 4444 (up to 12-bit), 422 (up to 10-bit), 422 HQ (up to 10-bit), 422 LT (up to 10-bit), and 422 Proxy (up to 10-bit).
The Pro version also has more to offer in the area of audio. Dolby Pro AC3 is added to the codecs already supported, producing significantly better quality at the same bitrate as a conventional audio codec.
The standard version is available for 799$. The Pro version costs 999$, and both products can be purchased at http://www.sorensonmedia.com. Anyone who wants a taste can use a 30-day trial version.
