The ideal streaming encoding tool should provide great quality, blazing performance, a discrete set of critical encoding parameters, and a range of other time-saving automation and input/output options. We all know the names—Adobe Media Encoder, Compressor, Squeeze, Episode (in its many flavors), and Expression Encoder—so how do they stack up against this ideal? Glad you asked, because that’s what we’re going to explore.

Sorenson Media recently released Squeeze 6.

If you click to the full article, you can view a screencam that I created for Millimeter magazine. In a couple of weeks, I'll post a written article comparing encoding quality and performance of Squeeze 6 with previous versions and other products in its class.

We've all heard about Sorenson Squeeze 6, this article contains an overview of the new features, which include the new review and approval workflow, new filters, faster H.264 encoding and superior integration with Sorenson 360, Sorenson's online video platform.

I've been in London at Streaming Media Europe and gave two presentations which I've attached below. Here are the descriptions from the program.

Encoding H.264 Video for Streaming and Progressive Download

This seminar focuses on producing H.264 video for streaming or progressive download. It will start with an in-depth look at key H.264 encoding parameters like B-frames, profiles, and levels, and how to customise encoding parameters for distributing via QuickTime and Flash. After detailing how to operate the H.264-related encoding parameters in tools from Adobe, Apple, Microsoft, Sorenson, and Telestream, it will then provide a brief overview of the respective quality output of these tools. You’ll learn how your encoding tool compares in terms of quality and configurability, as well as how to configure your encoding tool for maximum H.264 quality.

Choosing a Video Encoding Tool

How do the top sub-$5,000 encoding tools compare in terms of encoding quality, speed and feature set? Find out in this presentation. Tools analyzed include Adobe Media Encoder, Apple Compressor, Sorenson Squeeze, Telestream Episode Pro and Episode Engine, Microsoft Expression Encoder, and On2 Flix Pro.

I hope you find these useful.