Before considering risky alternatives, it's important to understand what TMPGEnc Authoring Works 7 is. It's a professional-grade DVD, Blu-ray, and AVCHD authoring tool. In simple terms, it allows you to take video files and create fully functional, menu-driven discs that can be played in standard home media players.
It utilizes a high-quality encoding core that ensures crisp video and clear audio reproduction during the compression process.
While primarily a NLE (non-linear editor), its free version offers robust export options for video creation.