Recently I started doing some DIVX encoding again. After figuring out a codec error, I have to say that the new versions of Gordian Knot really do make it a much more straightforward process, virtually automating the whole thing. Especially nice is the queuing, which lets you load up a bunch of jobs up for overnight encoding. 2-pass encoding goes at about 1/3 realtime on my 1800+XP. Much faster than the stuff I was doing on my old Celeron, or even my old T-Bird, but still not something you’d want to necessarily sit through.
Related: removing noise: techniques for animation versus live action, high quality anime ripping, SMP and DVD2SVCD, New smart sharpening filter