Elgato Turbo.264 HD DVD Encoding Time Tests

One of my favorite tasks to perform in terms of benchmarking systems is video encoding and DVD ripping.

Video encoding is one of those tasks that is very CPU intensive, and when you perform these tasks, you are also utilizing other components on your system. RAM, FSB etc.

Continuing to test my new MacBook Pro, I performed some DVD ripping tests.

For these tests, I used a non-comercial DVD that is 12:44 in length. It was encoded into an Apple TV compatible H.264 mp4.

The first set of tests were directly from the optical drive. Let’s begin..

First test. Encoding DVD (Optical Drive) to ATV H.264 mp4 with Handbrake.

Second test. Encoding DVD (Optical Drive) to ATV H.264 mp4 with Turbo.264 HD.

Doesn’t take a genius to see the difference in time saved here. A 15 minute difference.

Second set of tests, from the hard drive, encoded into into an Apple TV compatible H.264 mp4.

First test. Encoding DVD (Hard Drive) to ATV H.264 mp4 with Handbrake.

Second test. Encoding DVD (Hard Drive) to ATV H.264 mp4 with Turbo.264 HD.

Again, the benefits of using the Elgato Turbo.264 HD are obvious. What surprised me here is the lack of a real noticeable difference between encoding from the optical drive vs the hard drive. I guess it’s a good sign, though. Knowing that we can encode from our optical drives without losing much time.