encoding forever @ 10KB/s to 80KB/s

[bitesize bennie]

i'm having trouble with encoding... the necoding rate is from 10KB/s to 80KB/s and the predeicted time remaining is about 18hrs! i've tried a few different movies and similar times are estimated. i have a new P4 lap top, so i don't think that area is letting me down. any ideas on what i'm doing wrong?

[setarip]

1) What software and procedures are you using?

2) What is your source material?