Free software-based VFW MPEG2 codec??

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

I am looking for a freeware / open source software-based VFW MPEG2
codec, which will allow me to export to DVD-compliant MPEG2 files
using VirtualDub.

I am already aware of the Ympeg codec, .. but it is not free anymore,
so I have lost interest in it completely. I don't want to hear abotu
TMPEGEncodcer either, as the MPEG2 encoding fucntionalities expire
after 30 days. Surely, there are enough freeware / open source
applications floating around out there where purchasing these types of
applications shouldn't be necessary.

Basically, I want to put together a training video that demonstrates
DVD creation using only free (and LEGAL) software applications, ...
but I can't seem to find a proper, free solution for MPEG2 encoding.

I know that there are licensing issues in regads to the MPEG2 format.
However, ... how does one explain an application such as BBMPG?
Although it is not a standalone VFW codec, it DOES allow for the
creation of DVD-compliant MPEG2 files. So does that mean it's
"illegal" software, or in violation of the MPEG2 licensing agreement?
Or is there a clause to the licence that exempts software that is
technically still in a "BETA" stage?

Thanks in advance,
- yvan

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

Hello Yvan,

It is not possible to have legal MPEG-2 freeware. That is one of the
reason why many freeware implementation like bbmpeg stopped and also
YMPEG needs to change the status. Any freeware MPEG-2 implementation
(encoder or decoder) is violation of patent rights.

Follwing is reply from MPEG-LA when we requested to allow YMPEG as
freeware.

-> Thanks for information. Can exception given to freeware as I do not
-> charge for this product. This is sad as I will have to stop further
-> development on MPEG2.

->> As previously mentioned, all MPEG-2 products are treated the same,
->> including those offered for free. Therefore, the short answer is
->> that no exception is made for freeware.

Hope it clarifies.


> I know that there are licensing issues in regads to the MPEG2 format.
> However, ... how does one explain an application such as BBMPG?
> Although it is not a standalone VFW codec, it DOES allow for the
> creation of DVD-compliant MPEG2 files. So does that mean it's
> "illegal" software, or in violation of the MPEG2 licensing agreement?
> Or is there a clause to the licence that exempts software that is
> technically still in a "BETA" stage?