It seems like it is easy to update HCEncoder with DVD RB Pro. However, is it possible to make this update in DVD RB free version? There is not a place under setup to point to the HCEncoder file here like there is in Pro.
Rename the file HCbatch.exe. Then move it to the HCenc folder inside the Rebuilder folder. When asked if you want to replace the file with your new one, click on yes.
Errors I got were, "encoding resulted in no .m2v retrying" In the HC Encoder .23 it said it "could not load avisynth createscriptenvironment". So far what I have done is: Replaced the HCbatch file (0.19) with the new one (.23) after renaming the new one. Next I copied all new files into the folder which had the .19 version stuff and overwrote everything that was prompted. I changed the target you suggested so the QUenc path now goes to HCbatch instead of the Quenc exe file. I am glad this time I backed up a copy of the original folder for .19 in case this doesn't work.
I installed HC 0.23 as Trotsky77 suggested and installed Avisynth 2.5.7 as well. My encoding time dropped from over 4.5 hours per DVD to around 2.25 hours. Needless to say, I'm very happy with the 50% reduction in encoding time. Combine that with the batch processing feature and I'm almost ecstatic! Vulcan94