Is anybody here using the Sorenson Squeeze encoder
to encode between different file types (WMV, MPEG, QT,
RM, etc.)? This software costs $ 400 bucks and
so must have lots to offer than a regular file encoder
available for $ 50 dollars. I need to convert between
file types (WMV to RM, WMV to QT) and also embed
different stream rates to the final files for VOD
streaming. If anyone has used the Sorenson software,
let me know if it does all that.
thx.

here and here for some background, sorenson's not quite cutting-edge or technically as good as a number of open-source solutions. it may have some advantage in ease of use, but i've never personally tried it.

Squeeze is good for your batch programs. I used it for a time. I have set it to render 10 scenes mpg, wmv, high and low. I would say for the money its pretty good. I think you can get a better price than that.
Your VOD stuff are you going to DRM? Not sure if squeeze does a DRM.