Comments on: Sorenson Squeeze 5 Pro

By: Erik Kuna

Erik Kuna — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:45:19 +0000

Jacob makes a great point as well that was not spelled out in the review! Simultaneous multifile encoding does not work with multiple 2-pass VP6 files or Main Concept H.264 files. However, most of the time I find myself mixing 2-pass VP6 and MC H.264 files with other formats in a batch and in that case Squeeze will still multitask the additional output formats. But, if you have say 8 files that need 2-pass VP6 or MC H.264 you will have to wait until the first file is finished before squeeze will move on to the next (which is a bummer!)

As for the stability, I will agree, previously Squeeze was a little touchy, but this release is very stable.

As far as Apple Compressor or Autodesk Cleaner, these are great alternatives. I use all three and they are all great products. With that said, because of all the benefit listed in the review above, I prefer Squeeze to Compressor or Cleaner for someone looking for a one stop shop for encoding software. However, like I said, I have all three programs and I even use all three given different circumstances or scenarios.

Of course, if you are on the Windows side of the world your options are Squeeze 5 or Cleaner XL.

By: Erik Kuna

Erik Kuna — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:15:01 +0000

Great point Tom! The new Adobe Media Encoder in CS4 does allow for 2-Pass VBR. At the time of writing the review months ago the only “official” alternative from Adobe was the CS3 flash encoder. However, with the release of Adobe Media Encoder CS4, Adobe has given us a very powerful alternative to Squeeze 5. Will it replace Squeeze?Well, I’ve played around with Adobe Media Encoder for about 6 months and not for me just “yet”, but, others might find that it meets their needs, especially because Adobe bundles it with other products.

By: Tom Green

Tom Green — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:13:07 +0000

2-Pass VBR isn’t a dead issue with Adobe. It was added to the Adobe Media Encoder:

http://www.layersmagazine.com/flash-cs4-media-encoder.html

BTW, I love Squeeze and have been using it for years.Looking forward to playing with this version.

By: jacob

jacob — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:08:53 +0000

S5 is more stable than previous releases but the only real reason to use this tool is Batching and 2-pass VP6. Otherwise I would stick with Compressor/Cleaner.

BTW, Simultaneous multifile encoding doesn’t work with 2 pass VP6/ MC H.264.