If you are making .wmv files or will use windows media encoder dual core is not support (yet). A dual xeon will work best if you can stand the noise and the expense. But to be honest, any P4 machine will work if you have the time and not to may videos.

You can also use some third party encoder cards like those on www.digital-rapids.com. The biggest advantage is that is will reduce the CPU needs and will also do a much better job on de-interlacing and video/audio filtering on the board instead of through software.

I have some more info posted on my forums at www.drmpackager.com with profile settings and other information.

The good part, for basic stuff, MS Media Encoder is free and has some great tools. You can also take it via firewire too. The longest part of the process is not the capture part but the rendering to the final profile(s).

A one hour movie will take me only an hour to capture (Watch for dropped frames). But without an encoder card the rendering could take 5 to 8 hours per 1 hour video. With a good encoder card that is reduced to only 1 hour for a one hour video and you can batch profiles so you have a HI, MED, and LO bandwidth file for DRM or just streaming.

If you are going to the phoniex forum in March 2006 I have more detailed information. Or grab me at Internext. No..I do not look like Garfield...I only feel like him. <smile>

Steven