Re: 3D BR mastering software?
 

The MVC-encoders in tools like Vegas or Moviestudio are true MVC-encoders - but with the artificical limitation in the data rate (otherwise they would not be able to sell the "professional" encoders). The quality is fine to my opinion, but that depends.

If you can afford to shoot with two Reds or similar cameras, if you run your production in 10 bit and a color sampling of 4:2:2 or even better, THEN I would care about the quality of the authoring - and would like to use higher data rates as recommended for profile 5. Because then you work in a broadcast enviroment, and can afford the authoring tools for $20.000 or even more.

If you shoot with prosumer cameras, running with 8bit and a color sampling of 4:2:0, then it is unlikely that it makes sense or that you will like to spend the $20.000.

So it depends.

Re: 3D BR mastering software?
 

Yes, these are fairly obvious deductions. Unfortunately these don't address what I am after.. It is my understanding that all these "budget" authoring packages for people w/o 25k budget have fairly severe and different BW limitation. Image deterioration is additive, IMHO. More universal player compatibility is also important, at least to me. Outside of hacking Vegas, I am curious which one provides the best detail and dynamic image quality.