Zune Video Conversion On 8-Core MacPro

priZm12345 · 01-27-2008, 07:37 AM

I have access to an 8-core Macpro which seriously makes my 4 year old laptop (Zune syncing computer) look foolish. I want to be utilize the speed that those 8-cores have to convert videos for my Zune to proper Zune format (straight to Zune no Zune software conversion). I have Final Cut Studio compressor, flip4mac WMV encoding, and I even have Xilisoft DVD software (which does NOT utilize the 8-cores apparently cause it's slow).

I'm fine with using more than 1 program e.g. 1 for ripping DVD's and another for actual conversion. But, I want to make it efficient, and not convert more than necessary. For instance, with Compressor I can send 8 jobs to all 8 processors to work simultaneously but xilisoft apparently is not multi-core friendly.

-=What strategy and software would I use to take advantage of that processing power?=-

(Secondary question, would loading up bootcamp, and xp with the zune software do the trick?)

Gregory · 01-27-2008, 07:42 AM

Well, I would think any program would utilize all 8 cores. I would try bootcamp.

Dizzy · 01-27-2008, 07:42 AM

Man, the only one I know of is Media Encoder 9 and I don't know if it works on macs.

http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/tut...deos-free.html

priZm12345 · 01-28-2008, 06:18 AM

Well, as it stands right now, I CAN do this. I'm just trying to find a more efficient way.

I use xilisoft to rip the DVD to Quicktime (because, for some reason it can so WMV conversation but not the right profile for Zune). That software takes forever.... to do that. Then I send the QT file to Final Cut Compressor and send jobs to each core separately. This is where I do the QT/WMV conversion (which is super fast.)

So, i'm having to convert twice and use the slow software. Though, using compressor, this allows them to work independently as if it were a distributed network job which gets put back together in the end. So, xilisoft might use all 8 cores, but it's really 1 job and if it comes across 1 thing that slows it down...the whole job is slowed instead of just 1 core (while the other 7 churn away.)

Xilisoft works at about 2x speed, while Compressor converts at almost 10x. (rough numbers.)

I'm really hopeful for a more efficient solution, maybe just a faster ripper? Or a way to send VOB's into compressor?

FlyingIsFun1217 · 02-01-2008, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregory

Well, I would think any program would utilize all 8 cores.

Quite the contraire. It only will if programmed with threading in mind. If it isn't, than it will ONLY use one core. This is how it works on Windows, anyway. And I've yet to find an OS that distributes processing equally between cores automatically.

FlyingIsFun1217

01-27-2008, 07:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
priZm12345 Zewbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 4 Reputation: 10 $zB: 0 Donate	Zune Video Conversion On 8-Core MacPro I have access to an 8-core Macpro which seriously makes my 4 year old laptop (Zune syncing computer) look foolish. I want to be utilize the speed that those 8-cores have to convert videos for my Zune to proper Zune format (straight to Zune no Zune software conversion). I have Final Cut Studio compressor, flip4mac WMV encoding, and I even have Xilisoft DVD software (which does NOT utilize the 8-cores apparently cause it's slow). I'm fine with using more than 1 program e.g. 1 for ripping DVD's and another for actual conversion. But, I want to make it efficient, and not convert more than necessary. For instance, with Compressor I can send 8 jobs to all 8 processors to work simultaneously but xilisoft apparently is not multi-core friendly. -=What strategy and software would I use to take advantage of that processing power?=- (Secondary question, would loading up bootcamp, and xp with the zune software do the trick?)

01-27-2008, 07:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
Gregory Support Team Moderator Ultimate Zuner Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: What a stalker! Posts: 6,433 Reputation: 257 $zB: 3740 Donate	Well, I would think any program would utilize all 8 cores. I would try bootcamp. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Do you live outside of the US, have Paypal, and want the Zune Pass? If so PM or visit my To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. .

01-27-2008, 07:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
Dizzy caucASIAN, but not as cool as ASIANS Moderator Ultimate Zuner Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 6,702 Reputation: 303 $zB: 161 Donate Awards Showcase Total Awards: 2	Man, the only one I know of is Media Encoder 9 and I don't know if it works on macs. http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/tut...deos-free.html __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Dizzy - Founder of zB REDnecks. Master Chief of Hillbillies.

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01-28-2008, 06:18 AM	#4 (permalink)
priZm12345 Zewbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 4 Reputation: 10 $zB: 0 Donate	Well, as it stands right now, I CAN do this. I'm just trying to find a more efficient way. I use xilisoft to rip the DVD to Quicktime (because, for some reason it can so WMV conversation but not the right profile for Zune). That software takes forever.... to do that. Then I send the QT file to Final Cut Compressor and send jobs to each core separately. This is where I do the QT/WMV conversion (which is super fast.) So, i'm having to convert twice and use the slow software. Though, using compressor, this allows them to work independently as if it were a distributed network job which gets put back together in the end. So, xilisoft might use all 8 cores, but it's really 1 job and if it comes across 1 thing that slows it down...the whole job is slowed instead of just 1 core (while the other 7 churn away.) Xilisoft works at about 2x speed, while Compressor converts at almost 10x. (rough numbers.) I'm really hopeful for a more efficient solution, maybe just a faster ripper? Or a way to send VOB's into compressor?

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