This IS the Avid L2: [Avid-L2] Re: Squeeze levels

Monday, February 4, 2013

[Avid-L2] Re: Squeeze levels

> Could you share some more about why you gave up on squeeze in favour of episode?

Over a period of 3-4 months, I created hundreds of test encodes using a wide variety of RGB and 709 source files, inducing many test patterns.

I tested every possible combination of source file and encode settings -- and analyzed the resulting files both visually (using 4 different industry standard media players running on a variety of computing platforms and operating systems) -- as well as on external scopes, where I meticulously measured and documented signal levels.

Regarding my experience with Squeeze Version 7 (and a very late build of Version 8) the following is a very short list of my issues;

1. The user could not specify RGB or 709 pixel values for the source file.

2. The "Black Normalization to 16" button did absolutely nothing in any h.264 encoding profile -- regardless of the source file's pixel value.

3. The "Gamma Filter" worked incorrectly and created signal excursions above 100 IRE when negative values were used.

4. The "Color Range and Coefficients" pulldown menu laughably offered 8 (eight) Broadcast Standard output options that had absolutely no affect on the resulting encoded file.

5. Absolutely no usable documentation (and this comment actually applied to the last three versions of Squeeze) -- unless of course you were willing to buy a $20 "How To" book from Sorenson written by a 3rd party.

6. Abysmal technical support -- more designed to deflect shortcomings -- than address problem head-on and improve the software.

Spend some time on their forums -- and you'll see same problems documented over and over.

--- In Avid-L2@yahoogroups.com, "Nigel Gourley" wrote:
>
> Could you share some more about why you gave up on squeeze in favour of
> episode?
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> N
>
>
>
> From: Avid-L2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Avid-L2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
> blafarm
> Sent: 04 February 2013 03:18
> To: Avid-L2@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Avid-L2] Re: Squeeze levels
>
>
>
>
>
> Couple of thoughts:
>
> 1. Maybe a long shot, but try uninstalling/reinstalling Squeeze.
>
> 2. Episode has a free trial download. Why not give it a shot and eliminate
> the possibility of your source files being the issue.
> Episode Trial Page: http://tinyurl.com/av54b68
>
> 3. Regarding timing, Episode been in Version 6.x point releases for around 2
> years. My understanding is that Episode 7 is due to be announced/released
> sometime around NAB. I only mention it from the standpoint of potentially
> avoiding an upgrade charge -- so close to the next version's release.
>
> 4. Finally, for the record, the $99 Episode x264 codec option (versus using
> the MainConcept h.264 codec) is well worth the money. Noticeable difference
> in detail and macroblocking -- at the same bitrates.
>
> --- In Avid-L2@yahoogroups.com , "bouke"
> wrote:
> >
> > Tried both 709 and RGB
> > Other codecs dont work either (at least not to Mp4)
> > Got an old version of Episode on Mac somewhere, see if i can get a deal on
>
> > an upgrade, or it's time to write another FFmpeg front end..
> >
> > Bouke
> >
> > VideoToolShed
> > van Oldenbarneveltstraat 33
> > 6512 AS NIJMEGEN
> > The Netherlands
> > +31 24 3553311
> > www.videotoolshed.com
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "blafarm"
> > To:
> > Sent: Monday, February 04, 2013 3:11 AM
> > Subject: [Avid-L2] Re: Squeeze levels
> >
> >
> > Gave up on Squeeze some time ago (for Episode).
> >
> > However, one suggestion (probably obvious) would be to export the same
> > sequence using 709 levels and see if the results are the same.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In Avid-L2@yahoogroups.com ,
> "bouke" wrote:
> > >
> > > Got Squeeze 8.something (latest for Avid on their website)
> > > And whatever i do, blacks are grey (not really checked other values)
> when
> > > i
> > > encode to H264
> > > Preview seems quite ok, but renders suck.
> > > And no, it's not a 709 / RGB problem, but it might be part of it.
> > > Exported from Avid as RGB, but even a transcoded Animation file with
> > > correct
> > > black refuses to encode well.
> > > Options? (Except adding a shitload of filters)
> > >
> > > Bouke
> > >
> > > VideoToolShed
> > > van Oldenbarneveltstraat 33
> > > 6512 AS NIJMEGEN
> > > The Netherlands
> > > +31 24 3553311
> > > www.videotoolshed.com
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>