AVI to MPEG converter Qs?

[Beaver]

Ok I'm looking to convert AVI to MPEG and have found some free downloads. Does anyone have a good program that they have found? The ones I have show a watermark or come with a bunch of spyware. Also, how long should a one hour conversion take? I am converting a sample 1 hour of "30 days" and the program says 8 hours left. Would I be better off just going to the store and purchasing a program?

Thanks.

 

[nathan]

http://www.tmpgenc.net

You want to convert to MPEG1, right?

 

[nathan]

Also, how long should a one hour conversion take?

How fast is your processor?