TMPGEnc functionality after

[coffeecup-sf]

I am wondering, it says TMPGEnc program (2.520.54.163) functions fully for only 1 month (30 days). Question, after the 30 days, is it still functional and just has a pop-up screen asking you for a friendly donation like some other freeware programs (i.e. Getright download utility), or does the program either alter partially or completely become inoperable after 30 days?

I just started to use it two days ago. I should be very honest and make it clear by saying that the reason I ask is because I am indeed on a very tight budget, am an undergraduate student, and I really wouldn't even be trying to make svcd/dvds without free or very inexpensive programs. I hardly think I have $68 to pay just for an encoding program, not only my budget, but from what I understand encoding is just 1 of 4 or 5 steps in svcd/dvd making. But it's mostly about budget. If anyone knows if TMPGEnc is still functional after 30 days (with request screens for donations) please let me know. If not, I will have to find something more basic and free. For that matter, if anyone knows of a completely free encoder, please let me know. Thanks.

[Tommyknocker]

It will lose its ability to upload and encode to MPEG-2. There is a plugin you can download from the Tools section at left, but it will only allow you to load MPEG-2, but not encode to MPEG-2 files, as I recall. You still will be able to long after 30 days to encode MPEG-1 files, AVI, jpeg. etc.

[coffeecup-sf]

Oh ok, thanks for the reply. I am still somewhat new at much of this stuff, even though I've done several hours of homework to get the routines down. But if I am correct, DVD and SVCD mode require MPEG2, yes? Therefore, after the 30 days, essentially TMPGEnc won't allow me to make dvds or svcds any longer since from what I understand mpeg1 is not enough for (or not compatible with) svcd/dvd and is only good for vcd(?). Even if it was strictly in a limited mode (but still allowing mpeg2) I would still use it. But if that's the case, I will have to look for a cheap/free encoder afterwards -- it's a different life being on a budget.

I do have this funny little program I picked up for $4.95 called DVD Maker by Topics Entertainment (www.topics-ent.com). Picked it up a while back in a clearance isle. Used it a little, but the encoding quality seemed significantly more blurry than what I got with TMPGEnc, not to mention much fewer selections. So for now TMPGEnc is all I have worth anything.

[FOO]

bbmpeg is a free MPEG2 encoder.

[SLK001]

But if I am correct, DVD and SVCD mode require MPEG2, yes?

No. SVCD requires MPEG2, but DVD has MPEG1 modes.

So for now TMPGEnc is all I have worth anything.

If is worth something for you, then why don't you spring for the $50 or so to register it?

[Tommyknocker]

If is worth something for you, then why don't you spring for the $50 or so to register it?

I hardly think I have $68 to pay just for an encoding program, not only my budget, but from what I understand encoding is just 1 of 4 or 5 steps in svcd/dvd making. But it's mostly about budget.

[coffeecup-sf]

FOO, thanks alot. Will check it out a little later. I notice that the vcdhelp screens for bbMPEG talk about how to cut an svcd. I guess I assume it is also the same for dvd(?).

SLK001, oh so DVD could still the use mpeg1 mode? Would that still be in 720x480, with higher bitrate and standards? Hmm, how is that so, since I thought mpeg1 is of overall lower resolution and clarity than mpeg2. I guess when my brain is more empty I will do some more reading up on that, but I was somehow left with the impression that mpeg1 is of lower standard (hence more appropriate for vcd) while mpeg2 offer higher (hence svcd/dvd).

As for registering TMPGEnc, I would be thrilled and want to. However on my budget $60 is not an option at this time. As I posted in another forum, I only have one hard drive and do not have the $50 to $70 to buy a second one. I know for you fulltime working guys $50 is a few hours pay. I can't even afford to add an additional hd at this time, and will simply have to stick with what's free and what I already have. Thanks.

[Tommyknocker]

This is the spec for DVDs:

[coffeecup-sf]

Oh thanks Tommyknocker for the pointer .

You know, actually when I've been doing my capturing in Virtual Dub (1.5.4 -- latest one), I have been setting the screen width at 640x480 and at 24bit RGB (I think that's the word). Then when I converted the AVI file to MPEG2 with TMPGEnc I just selected DVD NTSC and went with that.

Now I can't help but wonder if I selected the wrong resolution (640x480) when capturing with VirtDub. I wonder if that has any effect as opposed to 352x240, either positive or negative. Maybe when there's extra time I should try the same capture in each mode, convert it, and see if there's a visual difference. I would assume that the 640x480 would make a better pic, but don't at all know. Any opinions? Thanks.