Episode Encoder: Video Encoding Software Review

While most video encoding apps go light on features in favor of making things as simple as possible for the user, there are some high-end software packages that give users a lot more options and possibilities. One of the most notable of these is Episode Encoder, from Telestream; Episode 6, released this spring, promises to be one of the most powerful and comprehensive video encoding solutions yet.

Episode Encoder Software

Episode Encoder is available for Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7, as well as Mac OS X 10.5 and up. This makes it one of the only packages of its kind available for both platforms. Two commercial versions of Episode Encoder are available: the standard version of Episode Encoder, which retails for $495 US, and Episode Encoder Pro, which goes for $995 and includes support for professional formats like MXF, GXF, IMX and more, as well as surround sound encoding and unlimited, automatic batch file encoding support.

Episode Encoder has one of the most impressive feature lists of any video encoding package and has caught on in popularity, particularly since the release of its Windows version, with professionals and hobbyists alike. Its price makes it a major investment, so it’s important that Episode Encoder delivers on everything it promises. Is Episode Encoder really all it’s cracked up to be, or are users better off looking elsewhere?

Encoding Video in Multiple Formats

More so than any other video encoding software currently on the market, Episode Encoder allows users to do just about whatever they want when it comes to encoding, analyzing, and managing video files. You have the option of encoding files in and out of every major format, from MPEG, to MOV, to Flash, and more. While most professional-grade encoding apps, like Apple’s Compressor suite, are still very Mac-centric, Episode Encoder improves upon the competition by adding support for Windows Media and Real files, among others.

Episode Encoder allows users to be as hands-on or as hands-off as they’d like, thanks to a vast array of customization and automation features. It automatically detects the properties of video files, and does so more accurately than Compressor. Even in the standard Episode Encoder suite, you can designate up to 25 files at a time for batch processing. In terms of processing speed, Episode Encoder is even a little bit faster than Compressor, which is especially impressive considering that it does more in a shorter period of time.

Steep Learning Curve for Beginners

The only real “flaw” of Episode Encoder is its complexity. While its interface is clean and easy to use, relative newcomers to video encoding may be overwhelmed by the breadth of options it offers, and as a result, the learning curve for the software can be pretty steep.

Best Video Encoding Suite for the Mac

Episode Encoder is widely considered the best video encoding suite, and with good reason. Quite simply, it’s the closest thing out there to the “perfect” encoding solution, thanks to its top-end versatility and power. Episode Encoder Pro in particular, thanks to its support for professional encoding formats, really can handle any task you throw at it.