Smart proxy slow and not fully using CPU and disk

[berndbausch]

Given my problem with jerky video in VS4 (see this thread), I decided to give Smart Proxy another try and switched it on. To my dismay, not only does it take ages to render the proxy videos, but the computer seems to be rather underused during rendering.

VS4 took two hours to create the proxy of a 20-25 minutes 1080p file, 4GB in size. During this time, according to Task Manager, only four of my eight CPU cores are significantly busy (though still below 50%), and disk I/O is in the area of 6-700kB/s for either direction. I took care to put the proxy directory on a third disk - away from the operating system and the source videos. 25% of the 8GB memory is used.
Would the smart proxy rendering process make more efficient use of the available resources, it wouldn't take half the time.

Why is that so? Is there a way to tweak this process? Or am I expecting too much?

VS4 configuration
VS4 service pack 2, version 14.2.0.23
Hardware acceleration is set for both editing and file creation

The video material is 1080p, 59.940 frames/sec, variable bit rate (max 26000kbps) and comes from my Panasonic camcorder. I used the tool that came with the camcorder, HD Writer AE, to copy the files to the hard disk. Audio is Dolby, 48000Hz, 256kpbs (I have no problems with audio).

Project properties:
NTSC drop frame (29.97 fps)
MPEG files
24 bits, 720 x 480, 29.97 fps
Upper Field First
(DVD-NTSC), 16:9
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 8000 kbps)
LPCM Audio, 48000 Hz, Stereo

[Ken Berry]

As lata has already told you in your other thread, the problem is most likely the fact that your original video is progressive at 59.94 frames per second. I don't think VS can create a proxy file using that frame rate -- proxy files are standard def ones, and though you can probably have a standard def video file using Frame Based, I am still not sure it can go up to 59 as opposed to 29.97 fps... So like lata, all I can do is suggest your try X5 as X4 was not specifically made to deal with full 1080p progressive files, apart from the avi work-around he already suggested... X5, on the other hand, specifically includes such video, though you have to enable what they call 60p mode under Settings.

[berndbausch]

As lata has already told you in your other thread, the problem is most likely the fact that your original video is progressive at 59.94 frames per second. I don't think VS can create a proxy file using that frame rate

Ken, thanks much for your input. I can confirm that VS4 has no problem creating smart proxy file from progressive material and working with them. I have also found a way to considerably speed up the proxy file creation process by tweaking system settings.

For now I am moderately happy camper regarding smart proxy, and when I have the time I will try out Lata's suggestion to work without it.