Need to pause while Compressor is converting.

Got a great Automator backup action that does everything I want it to; It backs up necessary folders via shell scripts, creates a simple log with Text Edit, and shuts itself down via AppleScript.

It’s great, except for one small problem: This computer is also used for video conversion, which can run for several hours, depending on the size and number of projects.

Basically, what I need is something to PAUSE the backup action while Compressor is converting, then continue when it’s finished.

Normally I’d just check to see if Compressord (what does the compression itself) is running, but it’s technically ALWAYS running in the background, so that won’t work unless I can check the amount of processor it’s using.

Does anybody have any suggestions?