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Provides: Video compression

Format: Download or CD

Developer: Sorenson Media

Minimum Requirements: G5 PowerPC or Intel processor, Mac OS X v10.4, 512MB RAM, 90MB available hard disk space, QuickTime v7.2

Processor Compatibility: Universal

Retail Price: Standard = $499.00 complete, $199.00 upgrade from v4.5; Pro = $779.00 complete, upgrades start at $199.00; Multi-User = $2,499.00

Availability: Out now

Version Reviewed: 5.0

The often updated Sorenson Squeeze has been...guess what. Updated! As I've mentioned in previous Squeeze reviews, this is bound to frustrate some users, because upgrades aren't cheap. Of course, this happens with all software, but is it really necessary for a video compression program to receive so many updates? Unfortunately, because of the ever changing web video landscape, the short answer is "yes." But at least Sorenson does a decent job of making it worth your money...depending upon which version you currently have.

The first thing Sorenson has done in this version is make it easier to figure out just what package you need. Gone are various packs, replaced by just two options: Squeeze 5 and Squeeze 5 Pro. This is a welcome change for new users who now won't be intimidated before they even open the box. Should you get the Pro version? That depends upon whether you need:

• WMV Component for Mac (allows Squeeze to open and save WMV files)
• The Squeeze 5 Training DVD
• Command Line Control
• Sound Soap (more on this in a bit)
• Flash Output (VP6)

It's that simple. Note, also, that these components are available individually. For instance, if you need the Flip4Mac WMV Component, but nothing else in the pro version, you can buy that separately for $179 and still save some money.

Also, if you only need to compress your video to the Flash video format, Squeeze 5 for Flash is available in standard and pro versions for $199.00 and $299.00 respectively. More information on these packages is available at the Sorenson Media website.

Sorenson has done a little to update the Squeeze interface, but not quite enough. I like that presets can now be categorized in different ways (and that there are presets for the iPod, YouTube, etc.). You can also search for presets by name, so if you type in "iPod," all iPod presets will be displayed. If you have a few presets that you tend to favor, you can create your own preset folder, then copy any of the supplied or user-created presets there for easy access. It's quite handy.

The slight updates to the interface itself will be good for previous users who are accustomed to program's structure and appearance, bad for those of us who prefer the more elegant and light look of the Mac OS X interface that so many other developers are going with. By comparison, Squeeze feels outdated and decidedly PC-like, but that doesn't affect performance, so it won't affect this review.

And speaking of performance, one of the greatest new features of Squeeze 5 is the ability to simultaneously encode multiple files if you're running a multi-core Macintosh. This feature worked quite well on my test computer (2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 2GB RAM), and proved very useful. I was able to compress a single video to multiple formats at once, although you can also simultaneously compress unrelated videos. Obviously, for those who need to make video available on the web in multiple formats or who want to see the end result of various compression settings, this is a must-have feature.

The main reason we see such frequent updates to Sorenson Squeeze is because of the constantly changing video landscape. For web, CD and DVD distribution, the technology is always on the move, and Sorenson has addressed this by adding VC-1 encoding for Blu-Ray Disc compatibility. In addition, HD and other improvements have been made to the MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and H.264 compression formats, allowing for more control and better results. There's noticeably less blocking when a video is compressed, so your final results will look much better.

Audio gets an even bigger overhaul, mainly due to the addition of BIAS' Soundsoap program. This program, which has been built into Squeeze instead of running beside it as a stand-alone app, can be used to filter out audio hiss and crackles. It's a good move by Sorenson, as they previously had no option for cleaning up audio. Considering Squeeze 5 contains audio output upgrades to AC-3 compatible 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, support for VST plug-ins and audio duration filters, it only makes sense that it also include some sort of audio clean-up, as well. Soundsoap is easy enough to use, but does take some trial and error as you seek a setting that removes the most noise while not degrading the audio quality too much. Soundsoap does this by sampling the noise you want to remove, then filtering it. It's therefore best to make sure you have a segment of your video where only the noise can be heard, which will allow Soundsoap to take a better sample. For instance, if an airplane flew by while you were filming and you want to remove the drone of its engine, Soundsoap will have an easier time of it if there are a few seconds in which only the engine drone can be heard. It's not a complete fix, but it certainly can help if used properly. Sorenson did well to include this.

I think the best new feature, however, is the ability for users to create Audience Presets, which allows for grouping of just about everything Squeeze can do. Your audio and video settings can be grouped with your distribution settings (including FTP info) into a single preset, which can then be distributed to other users for easy sharing. Considering the complexity of video compression, this can be a tremendous time-saver, as anyone who has ever tried to explain the compression options to others will attest.

Squeeze could still benefit from usability improvements. The preset compression formats are great, but the naming scheme will make no sense to many new users. Those with a strong knowledge of video compression and how Squeeze works will have no problem, but the software remains intimidating to new users. Also, there a lot of great features and options in here, but little to explain how and when to use them if you don't go through the training videos in the Pro version. It's an odd choice to include it there, as it's not the "pros" who could benefit from the training.

So, should you upgrade? Take a look at the feature set and compare it to the version you currently have. Do you need the new codecs? The speed? The improved quality? If so, upgrading from version 4.5 is a good move. But considering that owners of version 4.3 or earlier have to pay full price, well...you wouldn't find me trying to talk you into it. If, however, you're starting fresh, Squeeze 5 is a good way to go. Just make sure you set aside some study and practice time until you gain familiarity with the science of video compression and Squeeze's methods for handling it.