Sorenson Squeeze 4.5 Compression Suite, Packed with Features
Author: Derrick Freeman
Video Streaming and Compression Specialist for GeniusDV
I had a chance to interview Randon Morford, Product Manager for Sorenson Media last week. He spoke from the floor of the DV Expo in Los Angeles, California. At the show Sorenson Media announced Sorenson Squeeze 4.5 for Flash and Compression Suite and the team was showcasing the product at the 2006 DV Expo. This latest version of Squeeze is packed with features. In our discussion,
Randon mentioned some of the new features of Sorenson Squeeze 4.5 which include:
As I spoke with Sorenson Media's Product Manager, Randon Morford, he touted the ability of Sorenson Squeeze 4.5 to burn DVDs. Now instead of using a separate program to author DVDs, users can insert their DVD media into their computer, select their preset and apply the Output to DVD option inside the Optional Task dialog window. The DVD will be ready once the encoding process is complete. This is an exceptional improvement which will benefit many workflows where individuals need to have DVD videos available for playback. There's even an option to choose a menu or to encode without a menu for a first play DVD. "The burn to DVD feature is really aimed at the professional who needs a quick one off DVD for maybe an approval process.", said Randon Morford, Senior Product Manager for Sorenson Media.
In addition to DVD authoring, the Preferences dialog window inside Sorenson Squeeze 4.5 allows users the ability to adjust the encoding thread priority and the default location of encoded output files. "The default file output location for Squeeze is the same as it has always been. The same location as the source file.", says Randon Morford. "However we recognize that many people require a different workflow and they do not want to set this every time they use Squeeze. So, we have added the ability to set a different output location in the preferences dialog.
New presets for mobile devices is another feature available for users of Sorenson Squeeze 4.5. Currently, there are two preset types available for mobile phones. Randon Morford, Senior Product Manager for Sorenson Media says, "Both preset types are 3GPP but one has H.263 video with AMR audio for older video capable cell phones and the other preset has H.264 video with AAC audio for the new phones."
Just as streaming video on mobile devices is important to many video editors and media professionals, encoding speeds are also a major concern and that concern has been addressed in the latest release of Sorenson Squeeze 4.5. "Speed has been one of the major focuses of this release. We have optimized source file decoding, pre-processing filters, and several encoders as well. Customers will see up to 3x speed from 4.3 when encoding in Squeeze 4.5.", says Randon Morford of Sorenson Media.
As if users who upgrade to Squeeze 4.5 didn't already have enough to be thankful for there are some added bonuses for those who need to output to iTunes and Sony PSP Portables. Randon Morford, comments "We recognize that many people have these kinds of workflows and we want to make it easy to integrate. The iTunes feature allows the user to send video to the video or audio folder in iTunes or even select a different folder if so desired. With the Sony PSP it is possible to select a thumbnail for the video icon by simply adding a chapter marker to the PSP output file. When the output to PSP option is selected in the optional tasks the file is automatically sent in the proper format with the thumbnail to the connected PSP."
What's great about Sorenson Squeeze 4.5 is that the product is a direct reflection of the feedback given by users. As Sorenson Media moves forward with their Sorenson product line they will continue to solicit feedback from users making the product that much better for day-to-day projects.
Not only does Sorenson Media look to their users to help make their product better but they also look to other companies. The Product Manager of Sorenson Media, talked about his conversation a day prior to our interview with Apple Computer. Inc. which is part of an effort to continue to foster the best codecs on the planet in Sorenson Media's products. Companies such as Apple, On2, Telestream, MainConcept, Fraunhofer, Real Networks and Microsoft all have a hand in making sure that users can be able to encode the best video and audio possible with Sorenson Squeeze 4.5.
Based on our conversation, Sorenson Media thinks in terms of two key ingredients for a successful product. The first is making sure Sorenson Squeeze has great codecs whether they are created by Sorenson Media or other companies. The second is making sure that there is a useful encoding tool in place to house all the great codecs.
Many can think of Sorenson Squeeze as a product similar to Adobe's Photoshop. It just keeps getting better and better with greater capabilities and extremely useful functionality.
For those that aren't familiar with Sorenson Squeeze 4.5 Compression Suite, in addition to the new features, the product supports output to Windows Media, Real Media, QuickTime, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, MPEG-4 Part 10 (H.264/AVC), MP3, Flash (FLV and SWF). The product also provides multiple bit rate support for Windows Media and Real Media. Many times media professionals need to prepare video and audio in many different flavors and Sorenson Squeeze 4.5 Compression Suite will be just the tool to help individuals accomplish those unforeseen media compression projects.
Sorenson Media plans to continue developing their product and providing enhancements for user every 6-8 months. With a roadmap for features well into Squeeze 5 and Squeeze 6, end users can expect a lot more from this product in years to come.
Listen to Derrick's Audio Commentary about Sorenson Squeeze 4.5
