SoThink HD Movie Maker

Ruffrob · 09-18-2009, 01:28 PM

Just obtained this software after reading some really positive reviews,on the 'net about it's stelllar performance. After obtaining all episodes of Dark Blue(TNT ,Wednesday 10PM Eastern) ,I'm attempting to compile a 'Dark Blu-Ray First Season' disc using this software. It has the capability to upconvert just about every type of video file to 1080p.
One review is here: http://www.sothink.com/blog/“the-easiest-hd-video-app”/

Due to the antiquated processor on my desktop (AMD Athlon XP 2100+),the conversion will take some time for all ten 42 minute episodes ,but it will be done soon ,after starting it this morning,and i will report on the results when that occurs. Cost was $35. Take a look at the link above,and post what you think...

Ruffrob · 09-19-2009, 08:05 AM

Just to give you guys an idea of the converting/rendering times of this app,i've also started creating what called a BD 5 (a regular 4.3 DVD is a BD 5,a DL DVD is a BD 9) on my Dell Studio laptop (Vista Home Premium ,Intel Dual Core,3GB memory). In a related issue,I read that when a high definition file is created the way this app does(this 'BD 5') ,it can be played in any Blu Ray Player,and the high definition/resolution will be apparent.(it's adjustable for an end result of 720 or 1080p). From looking in the temporary folder the app creates prior to burning ,the files created from the processing are 1920 .mkv files. Back to the conversion times,it seems like a reasonably sound desktop/laptop w/full tilt memory will still take a considerable amount of time from start to completed disc. For example,the laptop test showed for one 42 minute file (one of the episodes above) ,it took almost an hour (56 minutes) to convert 13 percent of completion. That calculates to almost 8 hours for less than 3/4 of an hour of programming. It should be noted that the original dimensions (as the app calls it) for the file was 624 by 352 ,so getting up to 1920 by 1080 must be a real 'stretch' (figuratively and literally) I believe this does not include the minutes it takes to actually burn the disc... Just right to start up before retiring for the night. More to come...

Ruffrob · 09-19-2009, 04:31 PM

The laptop test has been completed with the BD 5 disc,and i must say the copy looked really great. My Sony receiver showed Dolby Digital 5.1 once the disc fired up,and the PQ was really nice. This is really a 'good picture in,better picture out' scenario. The only thing that I'd really like to see is the ability to create chapters which either I missed,or wasn't there to begin with ,although I looked extensively for it ,but didn't see it. When the Blu-Ray disc with all the episodes is complete,i'll give my final thoughts ,but as of right now,I'll give a short list of Pros and Cons

Pros
Excellent easy to navigate interface
Dolby Digital end result (Probably matrixed since original file was stereo)
Great Picture Quality(BD 5)
Reasonable $35 price
Was not a resource hog as checking email and running other tasks were still available
Software gives the ability to 'pause' the conversion process. This is especially good for older PCs that are not equipped with enough memory or CPU to multitask.

Cons
Extremely long conversion time even for a file under an hour (a 42 minute file took 7 hours and 12 minutes)
Ability to create chapters not immediately available

The following link has a list of the top five HD converters and this one is at the top of the list

http://www.free-press-release.com/ne...250558553.html

The test for all my episodes on a Blu-ray disc has not been completed,and will be reported on when it becomes available for review. Hope this helps if you been looking for an HD Blu-Ray conversion solution. Still more to come...

Loves2Watch · 09-19-2009, 05:22 PM

As they say here in old New Mexico, sounds like a real weener...

Ruffrob · 09-20-2009, 12:35 AM

Quote:

As they say here in old New Mexico, sounds like a real weener...

L2W it is,although it is par for the course to have video apps take forever to process,but as the old adage goes, 'Good things come to those who wait'....but I'm impatient....

Ruffrob · 09-21-2009, 06:18 PM

Knowledge on the BD5/BD9 option

BD9/BD5
BD9 and BD5 are lower capacity variants of the Blu-ray Disc that contain Blu-ray Disc compatible video and audio streams contained on a conventional DVD (650 nm wavelength / red laser) optical disc. Such discs offer the use of the same advanced compression technologies available to Blu-ray Discs (including H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1 and MPEG-2) while using lower cost legacy media. BD9 uses a standard 8152MB DVD9 dual-layer disc while BD5 uses a standard 4482MB DVD5 single-layer disc.

BD9/BD5 discs can be authored using home computers for private showing using standard DVD±R recorders. AACS digital rights management is optional. The BD9/BD5 format was originally proposed by Warner Home Video, as a cost-effective alternative to regular Blu-ray Discs. It was adopted as part of the BD-ROM basic format, file system, and AV specifications. BD9/BD5 is similar to 3× DVD for HD DVDs.

Ruffrob · 09-22-2009, 04:29 PM

Ran another test on a Blu Ray disc with some Real Media files and attempted to upconvert them to 1080p. The result was less than promising ,so much that the files looked better on my laptop than on my TV. Not that the picture looked bad,but the result was definitely not HD. Just didn't have that bright,-in your face,slap you over the head effect that pulled in so many of us ,in the first place. The sound was 5.1 Dolby Digital (again ,probably matrixed from the original two channel source) Before the completion of this project, I sent a large number of questions regarding configuration to the vendor,and I'm waiting on a reply. I've also sent them the link to this thread to bolster my case,so we'll see what happens. Just remember my original Dark Blu-Ray is still converting those ten episodes,and won't be finished until tomorrow night ,but given the outcome of the project I've described above,my expectations aren't too high....

Ruffrob · 09-24-2009, 12:23 PM

The desktop test finally finished processing this morning,and I have to say the disc looks stellar after playing it in both my standalone Blu-Ray players,the Panasonic referenced below and my older Sony BDP-300. The only thing (which I thought was an issue in the first place) was the ability to create chapters. I point this out since on both players,the ability to go from episode to episode is hindered. Once the 'next' button is hit on the remote,you hear the sound from the next episode,but don't see the start via the picture. I did get a primary reply in the interim from the vendor indicating that this ability would be put into the next version which I'd be able to get for free. The picture quality is truly great especially on my Bravia 32 inch in the bedroom,which has the Sony BDP hooked up to it. Very clean picture ,with zero pixelation or artifacts. As I mentioned in my above post,this software has to have a great picture to begin with,so that the end result is even better,so now I think that those RM files may not be the best for this program.
If and when I hear back from the vendor,I'll post their findings,so for now I'll give the software an '7' due to the inability to create chapters,and the inability to use what chapters are created by default,and the vendor inclusion of RM files which don't seem to be upconverted too well,which led to a wasted and expensive Blu-Ray blank . But who hasn't wasted something while testing??

Ruffrob · 09-29-2009, 01:12 AM

The vendor asked for some OS related questions and I answered them for her (Brenda Hu). Although I would really like to see a Blu-Ray disc created by the vendor using settings recommended by them which i will ask them for next. This should preclude any variables to the disc outcome. The only thing that would vary is the time it took to convert based on one's machine..

Ruffrob · 10-12-2009, 02:26 PM

After repeated queries to the vendor to find the definitive conversion route,i'm allowing them one week,for the proverbial 'put up or shut up'. After perusing their forum,I've found that there have been a number of people who had problems that the vendor inadequately answered or never responded to at all. All the responses ever seem to amount to is 'what is your PC operating system' ,or 'what is your memory capacity', two issues the vendor stated that the software would work under the most sparse conditions. This really stunks !!! LOL More to come....

Charlie0664 · 10-23-2009, 03:12 AM

I've been using this program for a few day's now and I kind of like it. I come across this thread and I have a question I hope you can answer?
Is there a way to set the burning speed with this program (I don't see it), or is it even necessary when converting to HD? I know when I burn DVD's if I burn them to fast they will chop sometimes in my home player so I burn them as slow as possible.
I haven't had this problem when converting to HD but I am still new at it.

Thanks for your help

Ruffrob · 10-29-2009, 11:02 AM

I never really noticed a speed adjustment with the program,although the issue is really moot right now since I've already asked for a refund. Are you really happy with this program?? The High Definition that I'm accustomed to seeing is just not produced by this program ,no matter what file I use. Maybe you're doing something I'm not ,although I strictly doubt it. The adjustments for picture quality are really simple ,and after using the program a couple of times ,I don't think I missed much. With that said,what type of files did you use?? What adjustments did you make?? And the most important question ,was your end result the kind that made you look at the picture in amazement?? Sorry for the delayed response,and please respond when you have the opportunity.....Thanks

Charlie0664 · 10-31-2009, 06:20 AM

Quote:

And the most important question ,was your end result the kind that made you look at the picture in amazement??

I wouldn't say that but I really don't have anything to compare it to. It looked good to me but I'm just getting started into this HD/Blu-Ray thing so I have a lot to learn.
Most of the files I've been converting are avi. I'm going to buy a HD/Blu-Ray movie so I have something to compare the quality with. I pretty much have my home theater setup now
so all I have to do is get this converting/burning process figured out (I want quality).

Thanks for your help, I'll keep plugging away at it until I get it right

.

P.S
If you find another program you like can you please share.

Ruffrob · 11-06-2009, 10:50 PM

Well,Charlie that begs some pointed questions,and it goes like this:Have you ever seen a Blu-Ray or HD DVD movie ??? Because once you've seen one ,the image really sticks in your head ,and conversely ,you'll know right away when it's not. Sometimes when you're trying to believe that something works the way it's purported to ,you often see something that's not. What I'm saying here is the software that I painstakingly reviewed during some time off a few months ago ,was something I really wanted to work ,since it was supposed to complete my circle in the Blu Ray/HD arena. I got 2 HDTV's ,2 Blu Ray players (three if you count my LG Blu Ray Burner),and a Toshiba HD DVD Player. Once I saw the software and what it was 'purported' to do, I said 'Damn,this has got to be it' I really tried to understand that it took so long to process the files ,it has just got to be High Definition upon completion,but no good. Gotta check my account,the vendor said they sent my money back,but I haven't seen it yet. Hope you get what you need,but unless they make a large revision of the app,it just aint gonna work. Best example of HD: Watch CSI:Miami on an HDTV. Now that's reference quality

Update: Got my money back ,but don't do what I did,and just to let you know again,when this software doesn't work,you can't a straight answer from the vendor.

I'm gonna try the trial on this one...http://www.transitionsoftware.com/

09-18-2009, 01:28 PM	#1
Ruffrob High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 108	SoThink HD Movie Maker Just obtained this software after reading some really positive reviews,on the 'net about it's stelllar performance. After obtaining all episodes of Dark Blue(TNT ,Wednesday 10PM Eastern) ,I'm attempting to compile a 'Dark Blu-Ray First Season' disc using this software. It has the capability to upconvert just about every type of video file to 1080p. One review is here: http://www.sothink.com/blog/“the-easiest-hd-video-app”/ Due to the antiquated processor on my desktop (AMD Athlon XP 2100+),the conversion will take some time for all ten 42 minute episodes ,but it will be done soon ,after starting it this morning,and i will report on the results when that occurs. Cost was $35. Take a look at the link above,and post what you think... __________________ Sony 55inch HDTV Panasonic BD35 Blu Ray Toshiba HD DVD A2 CerwinVega V15 PwdSub LG GGW H20L HD DVD Reader/Blu-Ray Burner Last edited by Ruffrob; 09-19-2009 at 08:15 AM.

09-19-2009, 08:05 AM	#2
Ruffrob High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 108	Just to give you guys an idea of the converting/rendering times of this app,i've also started creating what called a BD 5 (a regular 4.3 DVD is a BD 5,a DL DVD is a BD 9) on my Dell Studio laptop (Vista Home Premium ,Intel Dual Core,3GB memory). In a related issue,I read that when a high definition file is created the way this app does(this 'BD 5') ,it can be played in any Blu Ray Player,and the high definition/resolution will be apparent.(it's adjustable for an end result of 720 or 1080p). From looking in the temporary folder the app creates prior to burning ,the files created from the processing are 1920 .mkv files. Back to the conversion times,it seems like a reasonably sound desktop/laptop w/full tilt memory will still take a considerable amount of time from start to completed disc. For example,the laptop test showed for one 42 minute file (one of the episodes above) ,it took almost an hour (56 minutes) to convert 13 percent of completion. That calculates to almost 8 hours for less than 3/4 of an hour of programming. It should be noted that the original dimensions (as the app calls it) for the file was 624 by 352 ,so getting up to 1920 by 1080 must be a real 'stretch' (figuratively and literally) I believe this does not include the minutes it takes to actually burn the disc... Just right to start up before retiring for the night. More to come... __________________ Sony 55inch HDTV Panasonic BD35 Blu Ray Toshiba HD DVD A2 CerwinVega V15 PwdSub LG GGW H20L HD DVD Reader/Blu-Ray Burner Last edited by Ruffrob; 09-19-2009 at 08:42 AM.

09-19-2009, 04:31 PM	#3
Ruffrob High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 108	The laptop test has been completed with the BD 5 disc,and i must say the copy looked really great. My Sony receiver showed Dolby Digital 5.1 once the disc fired up,and the PQ was really nice. This is really a 'good picture in,better picture out' scenario. The only thing that I'd really like to see is the ability to create chapters which either I missed,or wasn't there to begin with ,although I looked extensively for it ,but didn't see it. When the Blu-Ray disc with all the episodes is complete,i'll give my final thoughts ,but as of right now,I'll give a short list of Pros and Cons Pros Excellent easy to navigate interface Dolby Digital end result (Probably matrixed since original file was stereo) Great Picture Quality(BD 5) Reasonable $35 price Was not a resource hog as checking email and running other tasks were still available Software gives the ability to 'pause' the conversion process. This is especially good for older PCs that are not equipped with enough memory or CPU to multitask. Cons Extremely long conversion time even for a file under an hour (a 42 minute file took 7 hours and 12 minutes) Ability to create chapters not immediately available The following link has a list of the top five HD converters and this one is at the top of the list http://www.free-press-release.com/ne...250558553.html The test for all my episodes on a Blu-ray disc has not been completed,and will be reported on when it becomes available for review. Hope this helps if you been looking for an HD Blu-Ray conversion solution. Still more to come... __________________ Sony 55inch HDTV Panasonic BD35 Blu Ray Toshiba HD DVD A2 CerwinVega V15 PwdSub LG GGW H20L HD DVD Reader/Blu-Ray Burner Last edited by Ruffrob; 09-20-2009 at 06:14 AM.

09-19-2009, 05:22 PM	#4
Loves2Watch SPAM Police Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: AZ, NM, TX, MX Posts: 13,967	As they say here in old New Mexico, sounds like a real weener... __________________ Theater 1 - Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player. Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's.

09-21-2009, 06:18 PM	#6
Ruffrob High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 108	Knowledge on the BD5/BD9 option BD9/BD5 BD9 and BD5 are lower capacity variants of the Blu-ray Disc that contain Blu-ray Disc compatible video and audio streams contained on a conventional DVD (650 nm wavelength / red laser) optical disc. Such discs offer the use of the same advanced compression technologies available to Blu-ray Discs (including H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1 and MPEG-2) while using lower cost legacy media. BD9 uses a standard 8152MB DVD9 dual-layer disc while BD5 uses a standard 4482MB DVD5 single-layer disc. BD9/BD5 discs can be authored using home computers for private showing using standard DVD±R recorders. AACS digital rights management is optional. The BD9/BD5 format was originally proposed by Warner Home Video, as a cost-effective alternative to regular Blu-ray Discs. It was adopted as part of the BD-ROM basic format, file system, and AV specifications. BD9/BD5 is similar to 3× DVD for HD DVDs. __________________ Sony 55inch HDTV Panasonic BD35 Blu Ray Toshiba HD DVD A2 CerwinVega V15 PwdSub LG GGW H20L HD DVD Reader/Blu-Ray Burner

09-22-2009, 04:29 PM	#7
Ruffrob High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 108	Ran another test on a Blu Ray disc with some Real Media files and attempted to upconvert them to 1080p. The result was less than promising ,so much that the files looked better on my laptop than on my TV. Not that the picture looked bad,but the result was definitely not HD. Just didn't have that bright,-in your face,slap you over the head effect that pulled in so many of us ,in the first place. The sound was 5.1 Dolby Digital (again ,probably matrixed from the original two channel source) Before the completion of this project, I sent a large number of questions regarding configuration to the vendor,and I'm waiting on a reply. I've also sent them the link to this thread to bolster my case,so we'll see what happens. Just remember my original Dark Blu-Ray is still converting those ten episodes,and won't be finished until tomorrow night ,but given the outcome of the project I've described above,my expectations aren't too high.... __________________ Sony 55inch HDTV Panasonic BD35 Blu Ray Toshiba HD DVD A2 CerwinVega V15 PwdSub LG GGW H20L HD DVD Reader/Blu-Ray Burner

09-24-2009, 12:23 PM	#8
Ruffrob High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 108	The desktop test finally finished processing this morning,and I have to say the disc looks stellar after playing it in both my standalone Blu-Ray players,the Panasonic referenced below and my older Sony BDP-300. The only thing (which I thought was an issue in the first place) was the ability to create chapters. I point this out since on both players,the ability to go from episode to episode is hindered. Once the 'next' button is hit on the remote,you hear the sound from the next episode,but don't see the start via the picture. I did get a primary reply in the interim from the vendor indicating that this ability would be put into the next version which I'd be able to get for free. The picture quality is truly great especially on my Bravia 32 inch in the bedroom,which has the Sony BDP hooked up to it. Very clean picture ,with zero pixelation or artifacts. As I mentioned in my above post,this software has to have a great picture to begin with,so that the end result is even better,so now I think that those RM files may not be the best for this program. If and when I hear back from the vendor,I'll post their findings,so for now I'll give the software an '7' due to the inability to create chapters,and the inability to use what chapters are created by default,and the vendor inclusion of RM files which don't seem to be upconverted too well,which led to a wasted and expensive Blu-Ray blank . But who hasn't wasted something while testing?? __________________ Sony 55inch HDTV Panasonic BD35 Blu Ray Toshiba HD DVD A2 CerwinVega V15 PwdSub LG GGW H20L HD DVD Reader/Blu-Ray Burner Last edited by Ruffrob; 09-24-2009 at 12:30 PM.

09-29-2009, 01:12 AM	#9
Ruffrob High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 108	The vendor asked for some OS related questions and I answered them for her (Brenda Hu). Although I would really like to see a Blu-Ray disc created by the vendor using settings recommended by them which i will ask them for next. This should preclude any variables to the disc outcome. The only thing that would vary is the time it took to convert based on one's machine.. __________________ Sony 55inch HDTV Panasonic BD35 Blu Ray Toshiba HD DVD A2 CerwinVega V15 PwdSub LG GGW H20L HD DVD Reader/Blu-Ray Burner Last edited by Ruffrob; 09-29-2009 at 01:06 PM.

10-12-2009, 02:26 PM	#10
Ruffrob High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 108	After repeated queries to the vendor to find the definitive conversion route,i'm allowing them one week,for the proverbial 'put up or shut up'. After perusing their forum,I've found that there have been a number of people who had problems that the vendor inadequately answered or never responded to at all. All the responses ever seem to amount to is 'what is your PC operating system' ,or 'what is your memory capacity', two issues the vendor stated that the software would work under the most sparse conditions. This really stunks !!! LOL More to come.... __________________ Sony 55inch HDTV Panasonic BD35 Blu Ray Toshiba HD DVD A2 CerwinVega V15 PwdSub LG GGW H20L HD DVD Reader/Blu-Ray Burner Last edited by Ruffrob; 10-12-2009 at 02:30 PM.

10-23-2009, 03:12 AM	#11
Charlie0664 What is HD? Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2	I've been using this program for a few day's now and I kind of like it. I come across this thread and I have a question I hope you can answer? Is there a way to set the burning speed with this program (I don't see it), or is it even necessary when converting to HD? I know when I burn DVD's if I burn them to fast they will chop sometimes in my home player so I burn them as slow as possible. I haven't had this problem when converting to HD but I am still new at it. Thanks for your help

10-29-2009, 11:02 AM	#12
Ruffrob High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 108	I never really noticed a speed adjustment with the program,although the issue is really moot right now since I've already asked for a refund. Are you really happy with this program?? The High Definition that I'm accustomed to seeing is just not produced by this program ,no matter what file I use. Maybe you're doing something I'm not ,although I strictly doubt it. The adjustments for picture quality are really simple ,and after using the program a couple of times ,I don't think I missed much. With that said,what type of files did you use?? What adjustments did you make?? And the most important question ,was your end result the kind that made you look at the picture in amazement?? Sorry for the delayed response,and please respond when you have the opportunity.....Thanks __________________ Sony 55inch HDTV Panasonic BD35 Blu Ray Toshiba HD DVD A2 CerwinVega V15 PwdSub LG GGW H20L HD DVD Reader/Blu-Ray Burner

11-06-2009, 10:50 PM	#14
Ruffrob High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 108	Well,Charlie that begs some pointed questions,and it goes like this:Have you ever seen a Blu-Ray or HD DVD movie ??? Because once you've seen one ,the image really sticks in your head ,and conversely ,you'll know right away when it's not. Sometimes when you're trying to believe that something works the way it's purported to ,you often see something that's not. What I'm saying here is the software that I painstakingly reviewed during some time off a few months ago ,was something I really wanted to work ,since it was supposed to complete my circle in the Blu Ray/HD arena. I got 2 HDTV's ,2 Blu Ray players (three if you count my LG Blu Ray Burner),and a Toshiba HD DVD Player. Once I saw the software and what it was 'purported' to do, I said 'Damn,this has got to be it' I really tried to understand that it took so long to process the files ,it has just got to be High Definition upon completion,but no good. Gotta check my account,the vendor said they sent my money back,but I haven't seen it yet. Hope you get what you need,but unless they make a large revision of the app,it just aint gonna work. Best example of HD: Watch CSI:Miami on an HDTV. Now that's reference quality Update: Got my money back ,but don't do what I did,and just to let you know again,when this software doesn't work,you can't a straight answer from the vendor. I'm gonna try the trial on this one...http://www.transitionsoftware.com/ __________________ Sony 55inch HDTV Panasonic BD35 Blu Ray Toshiba HD DVD A2 CerwinVega V15 PwdSub LG GGW H20L HD DVD Reader/Blu-Ray Burner Last edited by Ruffrob; 11-06-2009 at 11:39 PM.

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