What Encoders are recommended?
Many people use TMPGenc because it is non-expensive, relatively fast and let’s you really tweak the mpeg properties. Also it allows you to resize or resample the clips which is a handy bonus. Another choice is CinemaCraft encoder which is one of the fastest yet it produce quality clips, Mainconcept (often bundled with authoring and video editing applications), Canopus ProCoder and few other popular choices. At the end, the choice is yours, there are more quality hardware and software solutions available every day.