Basic TMPG questions

[fmctm1sw]

Ok, what exactly is the difference between "TMPG" and "TMPG plus"?
Also, I currently run 2.58 but I found a long lost copy of my 2.56 zip. I've heard some people stuck with 2.56. So what do you think. Would I get any benefit going back to 2.56?

[ZippyP.]

I believe the plus has the mpeg2 30 day limit removed, basically it's been bought.

[Lupin123456]

I could be wrong, but doesnt TMPGEnc only encode Mpeg-1? While TMPGEnc Plus encodes Mpeg-1 and 2?

[Tommyknocker]

I believe the plus has the mpeg2 30 day limit removed, basically it's been bought.

I could be wrong, but doesnt TMPGEnc only encode Mpeg-1? While TMPGEnc Plus encodes Mpeg-1 and 2?

Actually, gentlemen, you are both right. TMPGEnc is freeware, and can only encode in MPEG-1, AVI, BMP, JPG, PPM,WAVE, and TGA.

TMPGEnc Plus, on the other hand, can also do MPEG-2, but only for 30 days, unless you register it. There is also a plug in in the Tools section at left that provides some MPEG-2 capabilities, after the trial period has elapsed, but I do not its capabilities.

[Yirkin]

I think also that TMPGEnc can only do Mpg2 in CBR where as TMPGEnc Plus can do VBR encoding.

[Tommyknocker]

I think also that TMPGEnc can only do Mpg2 in CBR where as TMPGEnc Plus can do VBR encoding.

Actually, by unlocking the TMPGEnc version's template, you can also use VBR encoding as well.

[that noob]

Can anyone tell me about the plugins for tmpgenc? My trial period has expired. I read about getting a plugin or using windvd to open an mpg2 file. Does this also work for encoding? I always get the trial period has expired screen. I just got my burner this week and never really got to use the mpg2 part. Is there ANY free mpg2 encoder program? I'm trying to learn what I'm doing before I throw down a lot of money. I want to get the right software for me.
Thanks.

[Craig Tucker]

The plugin is for decoding mpeg2 not encoding. Once the 30 day trial has exprired you can no longer encode to mpeg2 without buying the software (which is well worth the money)

bbmpeg is a free mpeg 1 & 2 encoder, don't ask me what it's like though never used it.

[txpharoah]

Would I get any benefit going back to 2.56?

I thought 2.57 was most stable, however the newest 2.513 seems to be equally as good, so I have updated myself.