Now that I've ordered the packaged version rather than a download, as I have the previous 4 upgrades, can I install the trial and use it at full capacity 'til I receive the package?
I would guess it works like the others...15 uses (or something like that) then get a serial number.
You won't have full use with the trial. For one thing, you won't get MPEG-2 encoding. The trial version of DVDA won't let you burn a DVD from your own content. I'm sure there are other limitations as well. You'll still have access to all the editing and authoring functions and you may work on projects with the trial version. You just may not be able to create finished output until you have your serial number.