Updated August 20, 2009
The Blu-ray encoding landscape has matured throughout 2009. We at NetBlender are pleased to see a number of new encoding options that pass verification successfully.
If your desired encoder is not on this list, please let us know and we will add it. We invite you to submit sample clips to us for testing and verification. We also invite you to test the DoStudio Encoder which can be downloaded here.
Please direct all questions/submissions to wiki (at) netblender (dot) com.
Verified Compliant Encoders
The following encoders have been verified by NetBlender for use with DoStudio. Discs authored with these encoders should not experience any stream errors when verified at the replication plant.
NetBlender DoStudio Encoder
AVC - $995.00
NetBlender’s DoStudio Encoder (DSE) was jointly developed by VSofts and NetBlender to be cost effective, easy to use and to deliver high video quality with 100% BD Player compatibility.
CINEMA CRAFT CC-HDe Encoder
AVC - starting at $14,950
The CINEMA CRAFT HD encoder (CC-HDe) is a high-end, easy to use H.264/AVC toolset that is PC and MAC friendly. It produces pristine picture quality encodes that has set the benchmark for Hollywood and Blu-ray titles world-wide. Offered now in various Software only and Turnkey workstation versions that can give you faster than real-time encodes.
Apple Final Cut Pro 7 - Compressor 3.5Product Website
Mpeg-2 / AVC (Included in the Final Cut Pro suite) - $1199
With the release of Final Cut Pro 7 in July 2009, Apple Compressor’s AVC output achieved Blu-ray compliance and is acceptable for replication.
Adobe Encore CS4
AVC (Included with Adobe Premiere Pro CS4) - $799
Adobe Encore CS4 creates Blu-ray compliant AVC files that are acceptable for replication.
Inlet Technologies Fathom
VC-1 / AVC / Mpeg-2 - $7995 (software only) - $35k (turnkey 1080p workstation with real time tape capture)
Coupling VC-1, AVC and Mpeg-2 output (in addition to WMV and Flash) with Quicktime input, Fathom is a powerful multi-use encoder/transcoder with professional analysis and QC capabilities at a reasonable price point.
MainConcept Reference
AVC - $2,500
MainConcept Reference remains a popular encoding choice for the independent production community. MC now produces Blu-ray compliant streams that pass verification.
Sonic Cinevision
Cinevision Studio (VC-1/AVC/Mpeg-2 ) $16k
Cinevision Professional (VC-1/AVC/MPEG-2) - $40k (included with Scenarist BD)
Cinevision is a high quality encoder available in a range of configurations. All versions – Studio and Professional - support all three BD codecs: AVC, VC-1 and MPEG-2.
Sony Blu-code (BAE-VX1000)
AVC / Mpeg-2 - $55k
A powerful, scalable one-step solution that runs on a single workstation, the Sony VAE-VX1000 creates both Mpeg-4 AVC and MPEG-2 video streams and provides a wide range of features to customize the encoding process and realize maximum workflow efficiencies.
Sony Vegas Pro 8
Mpeg-2 - $549
Vegas 8 software can natively render BD compliant Mpeg-2 video streams for professional Blu-ray authoring using the included “Blu-print” templates. This is a low-cost option that offers very little control over encoding parameters. Render/output times can be very long.
Non-compliant Encoders
DoStudio does not support the use of the following encoders due to BD compliance problems with the video streams.
Elecard Converter Studio ProHD
AVC
Elecard Converter Studio Pro is an application designed for professional conversion of media data to AVCHD and HDV formats at high-speed with high picture quality. It does not create BD compliant streams.
Matrox CompressHD
AVC
Matrox CompressHD is a professional accelerator card that performs faster than real time h.264 encoding, however, it does not create BD compliant streams.
PixelTools
Mpeg-2 – Expert RepairHD $4995 / AVC – Expert-H264 - $995
PixelTools MpegRepair is a powerful Mpeg-2 encoder that features segment re-encoding and other high-end features. Unfortunately, it does not pass verification.
Rhozet Carbon Coder
Mpeg-2 / VC-1 $4995
Rhozet Carbon Coder is the big brother of Canopus ProCoder. They share the same interface but Carbon Coder offers many more output options. Unfortunately, the output does not pass verification.
Telestream Episode
VC-1 – Episode - $395, Episode Pro - $895
The Telestream Episode Encoder can be integrated with Apple Compressor or used as a standalone application. Unfortunately, the VC-1 output is not a valid elementary stream and is therefore useless for professional BD production.
Unverified Encoders
Streams from these encoders will multiplex successfully, but currently are not recommended for replication until additional verification is completed.
Optibase Mpeg-2 HD
Mpeg-2 - $25k
Optibase encoders are well known in standard DVD production. Their Mpeg-2 HD card is a real-time HD solution. The company is focused on the IPTV landscape more than discs these days, but the card produces reliable results.
Adobe After Effects CS4
Mpeg-2 - $999
Adobe After Effects can output Mpeg-2 that muxes successfully.