Handbrake or iVi converter

[MrMister111]

I don't mind paying for good quality software, and I know Handbrake is a brilliant piece of software, but does anyone use or heard of iVi (http://www.southpolesoftware.com/iVI/iVI.php)

It looks a decent converter, it's on Mac app store to but as a (limited) version, no DVD ripping/conversion, or direct from above link as "full" version, about £6 (GBP).

I haven't bought it yet but wondered if it is any "better" than HB, of faster? It also does soe meta tagging for iTunes.

Now the question might be why use it if HB is good enough, and not sure really. Sometimes I think if software is paid for then sometimes can be better/slicker/better support.

Would love it if someone has used it, tried it or recomend/not recommend it.

Cheers

 

[supersize]

I've been using IVI for a while now and really like it. It doesn't give as many options as handbrake (which could be a plus or minus depending on how much control you want) but I like the interface and the tagging is a big plus. no need to convert then go to metaX for tagging it's an all in one solution. I went for the Pro version from the website so I can rip DVDs and it works really well.

I think it's worth the price.

 

[MrMister111]

Thanks

I don't want much control at all really. When I use HB I just pick the aTV profile and click go so that would be fine for me.

I'd prefer the Mac app store for updates etc, but without the DVD ripping is a tad limited, so would buy the pro version.

~Can I ask if you have used HB and what the speed conversions compared to iVi are on DVD>mp4 and a .avi>mp4 for example.

~What meta tagging options are used? Does it show everything on an Apple TV as does a bought movie on Apple TV does for example?

~I currently use iDentify2 for tagging and it's great to be honest but an all in one would be great.

~Can you import an already converted file and just use the tagging side of things independently?

~I want 1 file that plays on PS3, iPhone 4, iPad 2, aTV 1 and aTV2. What profile setting can do this in iVi, HB I use aTV 1 profile and it plays fine on above

Cheers

 

[DeusInvictus7]

I used iVi for a little while, and while it's good, I just like Handbrake + iDentify better. Maybe because I like the control that Handbrake gives, or that I'm just used to the UI.

 

[supersize]

Thanks

I don't want much control at all really. When I use HB I just pick the aTV profile and click go so that would be fine for me.

I'd prefer the Mac app store for updates etc, but without the DVD ripping is a tad limited, so would buy the pro version.

I would go for the pro version if you think you'll ever want to rip a dvd. It does check for updates on start up(not as nice as the app store but it works)
~Can I ask if you have used HB and what the speed conversions compared to iVi are on DVD>mp4 and a .avi>mp4 for example.

I haven't timed them but on my MacPro they seem about the same for both dvd and avi to mp4

~What meta tagging options are used? Does it show everything on an Apple TV as does a bought movie on Apple TV does for example?

Yes it imports everything descriptions, cast, etc

~I currently use iDentify2 for tagging and it's great to be honest but an all in one would be great.

~Can you import an already converted file and just use the tagging side of things independently?

Yes I actually reconverted some tv shows I had in itunes just to update the tags.
~I want 1 file that plays on PS3, iPhone 4, iPad 2, aTV 1 and aTV2. What profile setting can do this in iVi, HB I use aTV 1 profile and it plays fine on above

I don't have a aTV 1 but they've played on everything else I've tried (PS3 though medialink, aTV 2, iPad 1 and iPhone 4).
Cheers

The other feature I like is automation. I set up a watch folder and along with the TVshows2 app that watches for new shows so download they get tagged and converted directly into itunes.

It has also worked well converting different file types like .mkv flawlessly.

 

[MrMister111]

@supersize
What profile do you chose for the devices you list then please on iVi?

I use my PS3 to stream wired direct from my NAS - would this make a difference? In regard to the media link thing you describe?

@DeusInvictus7
I don't like control I tend to mess things up! so iVi maybe ok for me?

Cheers

 

[DeusInvictus7]

@DeusInvictus7
I don't like control I tend to mess things up! so iVi maybe ok for me?

Cheers

Lol yeah, it should be fine. Once you're done with the initial setup for iVi, it's pretty straightforward.

 

[M--C]

what would the best settings for ivi be? Ive been kinda playing around with it for a little bit i really enjoy this program but am kinda new to this so if someone is willing to help me out it would be greatly appreciated for sure. Im looking for decent quality (i.e. 720p) is fine as well decent file size