Best Free Audio / Video Format Conversion Program
The ready availability of audio and video material in digital format has allowed all of us to have access to a huge range of content with an ease and accessibility never before possible.
This wonderful blessing has, however, been tarnished by the proliferation of different audio and digital media formats. The existence of so many formats has meant that seemingly simple tasks, such as transferring a YouTube video to your iPod or making an MP3 file from a DVD soundtrack, can end up being complex tasks; so complex that they become nearly impossible for non-technical users.
In response to this situation we have seen the market flooded by expensive commercial media conversion programs which can cost up to $199. The good news is that there are many free media conversion programs available that will do the job just as well as their commercial cousins.
My long-time favorite has been Super, even though it's really no more than a user friendly interface for a variety of command line conversion programs. It has two great strengths: first, it's reasonably easy to use, and secondly, it handles a large number of different file formats. For example, with video files it handles 3gp/3g2 (Nokia, Siemens, Sony, Ericsson), asf, avi (DivX, H263, H263+, H264, Xvid, MPEG4, MSmpeg4, etc), dat, fli, flc, flv (used in Flash), mkv, mpg (Mpeg I, Mpeg II), mov (H263, H263+, H264, MPEG4, etc), mp4 (H263, H263+, H264, MPEG4), ogg, qt, rm, ram, rmvb, str (Play Station), swf (Flash), ts (HDTV), viv, vob, and wmv. It also handles audio file format conversion including ac3, amr, mp2, mp3, mp4, ogg, ra, wav, and wma.
The download link for Super on the author's site is quite hard to find so I've listed an alternative download site in the product details below.
The new kid on the block is FormatFactory. It can convert all popular video,audio,picture formats to other formats including phone,ipod multimedia file formats and BlackBerry. It supports Zoom,Rotate/Flip,tagscan also repair damaged video and audio file. It can even rip DVDs! Conversions can be a little slow at times but that's OK with me because I am too, LOL.
Yet another alternative is MediaCoder . It has the advantage of being open source and, arguably, is even easier to use. It doesn't handle some of the formats handled by Super but is being continuously expanded by its authors. iPod and PSP owners will appreciate the special features for these devices that make usage particularly straight-forward.
If you are mainly interested in just video conversion, check out Any Video Converter. It has a better interface than the others mentioned here and is very fast as well. Input formats include DivX, XviD, MOV, rm, rmvb, MPEG, VOB, DVD, WMV and AVI. Its set up to make MP4 conversion as simple as possible, but it can handle other output formats if you are prepared to delve into the options.
I also have added Pazera Free Video to iPod Converter to the list of great Freebies due to the fact that the Author has spent countless hours on his work, and he also has 19 other programs for use, ranging from Pazera Free MOV to AVI Converter 1.1 to WinInfo 1.0.3, I find that some authors do offer good software, but for an author to share all of these great programs tell me that he understands the value of freeware, he does ask for donations to continue his work, and for the price of the programs (Freeware) most could afford a small donation for such great work.
Super (Simplified Universal Player Encoder & Renderer)
Website: http://www.erightsoft.net
Download link: http://www.erightsoft.net/S6Kg1.html
Alternate download link: http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/video_encoders/super.cfm
Author: eRightSoft
Current version: v2008.build.24
Version date: January 18, 2008
License: Freeware
Download File size: 26.1MB
Operating Systems Supported: 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: Yes
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: None
Other relevant information: None
FormatFactory
Website: www.formatoz.com/index.html
Download Link: www.formatoz.com/download.html
Multiple Screenshots: www.formatoz.com/screenshot.html
Author: Chen Hao (Author Unverified)
Current version: 1.42
Version date: April 26, 2008
License: Freeware
Download File Size: 14.5MB
Operating Systems Supported: XP/Vista 32Bit Editons
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: No
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: 23 Languages Besides English that is Supported with Translation from contributors
Other Relevant Information: When downloading try to avoid the foreign Web download sites
MediaCoder
Website: http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/
Download link: http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/download.htm
Author: Yi-Chun Huang
Current version: 0.6.1.4031
Version date: January 18, 2008
License: Freeware
Download File size: 17.7MB
Operating Systems Supported: 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: Yes
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: Yes
Other relevant information: None>
Any Video Converter
Website: http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free/
Download link:http://www.download.com/Any-Video-Converter/3000-2194_4-10661456.html?tag=lst-1
Author: Any-Video-Converter.com
Current version: 2.6.2
Version date: July 16, 2008
License: Freeware
Download File size: 13.7MB
Operating Systems Supported: 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: Yes
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: NA
Other relevant information: None
This software category is maintained by volunteer editor Mick Barker Sr.
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What's going on with the FormatFactory install,I had previously used Super to see flv file from Youtube,then opened Avs to burn to dvd,so seen that this could do it in one,so first download was less than 1mb and when tried to extract it stated corrupted file,so downloaded from another sight,16mb file that's more like it,extracted ok but when ran the install, Windows said no do,tried with Admin right'a still no joy,cannot remember having this problem before.
Forget all what I wrote for a I am thee stupid one,noticed a security issue early evening when my partner was on the computer so hoicked up a level of the Comode firewall from training to pc clean mode and even when prompted by firewall not quick enough to catch install hook,all ok now back to training mode.
I then decided to try AVC,wow very easy to use,within a minute of starting dragged and dropped file from desktop ,selected dvd and directory to and started,an excellent tool that can do a lot more as well.
the one i recommend is Quick Media Converter, It is certainly the best so far.
http://www.cocoonsoftware.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=...
Hi Mick
I must say thank you very much for this excellent site. It has saved me hours of searching for the right products.
I do have a suggestion though.
For Converting DVD's to AVI to play on your stand alone player at home, I have just discovered a great product, and very easy to use and you can preview all the changes you make. The product is avi.NET and pgc.net that can be used.
I usually used AutoGK but have now lately started using this program.
Please let me know what you think.
Dickson
I am using viDrop too. I use it to rip DVD's and convert them in format for my mp4 player. It works great and is very simple to use, although it has advanced features too. And the last time i checked, the installation was about 10MB.
I recommend it.
I am using Quick Media Converter which works fine on 20meg files but on a large file 150meg it stalls and doesn't convert it properly. Can you tell me what converter will handle a 150meg flv file to convert to mpeg4.
sysnewbie@yahoo.com
viDrop is also very good video conversion software. It supports a lot of codecs/formats and can embed subtitles, rip DVDs and more.. And its open source!
http://learnfree.eu/download/vidrop/vidrop-0.56.2-install.msi
A couple of tips from my experience: I have an Archos 705 (yeah, it's nice), but, without buying plug-ins, it only accepts AVI using the XviD and MP3 encoding - well, as far as I know, so far it works for me (it will convert using WMP11, but I don't like using it). Hope it's useful:
My brother-in-law with an earlier model Archos said my conversion of a movie was way better than what he has been using (using 600 bitrate, ~300MB per movie). I pointed him to this site :)
1) I use MediaCoder after making an ISO using DVD Shrink.
2) You can cue up several files to convert, then click Transcode. However, on my single CPU computer, it takes a long time (~40 minutes, 1.5 hour movie, 328MB final size)
3) I suppose I should take the time to learn it better, but it does have an Extensions menu. Several portable players are listed, including an Archos 700 interface. You select Format, framerate, bitrate, cropping and other options, then transcode from there. You can show a preview during/after transcoding in the little window, too.
Personnaly I am using Quick Media Converter and I am very Happy with it is by a mile the user most friendly and the most complete reliable piece of converter I have ever found, Best of all it is a real freeware and that is all I really need.
QMC http://www.cocoonsoftware.com
hey guys what about mpeg-4 direct maker. that is a darn good convertor i should say
Do you have the Site Link for that Program Please, The only one I could find it Not freeware, but $49.95. So if you have a Freeware Suggestion, Please Post the Link to the Site, and I will be more than Happy to review it for us.
Thank You,
Mick Barker Sr.
Category Editor
Thank You Postman Pat for pointing out such a great site Loaded with awesome Freeware, I have added your recommendation to the list, Again, thanks for the heads up!
Mick Barker Sr.
Category Editor
I wanted something to convert FLV files to use on my iPod Classic (and wife's Nano). I searched the web and came across SUPER. It really is all things to all men but a little bit over-the-top for my needs. A further web search for something more concise unearthed Pazera's Free Video to iPod Converter 1.0. It is really fast (very fast), simple to use and doesn't need to be installed. He (Pezara) also has lots of other dedicated video converters on his site which I imagine work in the same way as the 'Video to iPod Converter'. He seems to be providing some very useful stuff. Take a Look.......
http://www.pazera-software.com/products/video-to-ipod-converter/
Postman Pat
I tried the "Super" program but it is way too complicated!
I am looking for a program that has two drop down menus - one that says to 'browse for file you are wanting to convert' and another that says 'convert to media format type'
And of course where to save the converted file. I tried a trialware program a few years ago that did this and it was great.
Are there any freebies that will do this as well?
Cheers,
Tom
Tom, did you try this : on-line converter. I did for 2 years and is very easy to use. Try Media-Convert at http://media-convert.com/convertir/
Denis Gauthier
I use Media-Convert at http://media-convert.com/convertir/
On-line converter. Is it a good idea?
Denis Gauthier
Again,I really don't understand the recommendations.As #6 said,Quick Media Converter http://www.cocoonsoftware.com/#us is the simplest,most often recommended,adware/spyware free program .Been using it with no problems for a while now,and it has a much more user friendly interface and more features than any of those recommended in the article.
It says that Format Factory has a portable version. I don't see the download for that. Where is it?
Use 7-zip to open FFSetup.zip then FFSetup.exe to location of choice.
That information has been updated and fixed, thanks for pointing that out for us.
Mick Barker Sr.
Category Editor
Current version of Any Video Converter Free is 2.6.2 at their web site. Your download link is not the latest.
Hi
I fixed it.
Gizmo, I was on the verge of recommending Format Factory! Just converted 100's of line dance flv's for my neighbour - no crashes! Except just a few reported internal codec errors which I suspect came from the flv's themselves.
Super gave me hassles....
HappyCat..... :)
I agree with both of you. I just started using File Factory and have been very happy with it. Easy to use and good results.
Thanks Gizmo!
I'll give my 2 cents too. I have tried 'em all. Name one and just input my response as, "Yep, tried that one too."
I had the most problems with SUPER, it had a long learning curve, and the interface was confusing. Granted that was over a year ago, but the experience has scared me forever. My new favourite "All-In-One" is now "Format Factory". Simple and it works everytime!
Just reading Lifehacker this morning. They recommended Quick Media Converter today. It looks like is has a lot of the one-click functionality of Super.
Hey guys....
You guys seem to know a lot about video conversion. I don't.
I just want a single FREE program that will convert AVI files AND burn them to DVDs so that they will play on my JVC DVD player. Simplicity and speed are important to me.
Thanks for your help.
Bert Zuber
Bert
I am not sure on the converter, but if the movies are encoded with DivX or XviD (which many are) then you may not have to convert. Almost all DVD players within the past few years are DivX compatible, which means they will play DivX or XviD files.
Almost all of my .avi files are encoded with either of those and all I have to do is burn them to disc as data and they play. Takes a few minutes.
Just be sure to read what type of discs you can use. Mine only plays them on CD-R (I wasted a few DVDs before reading the manual).
Keroff....
Many thanks for your thoughtful and helpful suggestions. Turns out that my player supports neither DVD +/-R nor DivX. I'm now shopping for a new player that supports both. It's really good to know that it's not necessary to go through that LONG conversion process. Thanks again.
Bert
DeVeDe - Open Source
http://www.rastersoft.com/programas/devede.html
Haven't tried it yet..
Works great - but be aware conversion takes a long time. The vids played fine on Dvd player after burning the mpeg files!
HappyCat...
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