BEST Video Conversion Software?

[flynnstone]

Hello,

I like to stream video content from my PC to my xbox 360, which works out great with AVI files, however with MP4 obviously it's a different story. I've tried many of the video conversion packages available, and the software tends to either hang, or doesn't support video conversion for all file types. I've recently tried Any Video Converter, which is recommended here in one of the sticky threads. Although the software works, it took at 720p MP4 video file, and when converting it to XVID (1280x720), the final product is grainy and nowhere near as nice as the original file.

Can anyone recommend a good all around Video Conversion program that handles most media types, and provides a solid final product?

Thank you!

Matt

 

[rap33042]

welcome to SF!

LightWorks Video Editor was just released as open source: Powerful Video Editor Lightworks Released as Open Source

WinX DVD Converter just had a give-away; I don't know if it's still in effect.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Rap:

Have you tried Lightworks?

I just downloaded it. You have to register.

My video editing needs are rather simple, but I have the same issue as the OP--not all apps convert or edit all formats, and you often have to endure degradation in pic quality.

I use the Vista version of Windows Movie Maker on most stuff. I use VirtualDub at times, particularly on AVI files, but it is a pain in some respects.

I suspect Lightworks is way overkill for me, but I am willing to try anything if the learning curve is not vertical and if I can adapt it for my minimal needs.

 

[rap33042]

I downloaded it yesterday along with the necessary Codecs.

I fired it up and was immediately overwhelmed. I had no clue...

I also got the PDF docs downloaded but haven't had a chance to peruse them.

I don't really do any video editing so I know it's going to be overkill for me personally.
( I confess, I find it very difficult to pass up a Free program of this caliber.)

It appears to be a high-level application; I'm sure there is, if not a vertical learning curve, a very steep one, indeed.

If you decide to give it a whirl, I'd be very interested in what you have to say about it.
TNX

 

[Wishmaster]

MeGUI does a very good job. Various codes choices for Video/Audio as well container choices.

A bit of a learning cureve, but itn't too bad to get the hang of.

Keep in mind though, regardless what program you choose,..

When you recode a video that is already compressed, the result will be of lower quality. Theres no way around it. Although some apps may do better than others, it will also depend on settings you use.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Rap:

Looks like we better get to the PDFs. Here is my screenshot of the app when opened. See that "Create" button? That's all you got and it does ABSOLUTELY nothing. I accepted all defaults on the install and also installed that Matrox package mentioned on the download site.

I haven't even figgered out how to close it.

Wishmaster--yeah, degradation is always an issue. I think you can avoid it (mostly if not completely) in VirtualDub if you choose "Direct Stream Copy", but that app has other issues for a tinhorn like me.

 

[rap33042]

If I remember right, you need to move that window to see the X (close) button (upper-right corner)

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Right you are.

I notice that it has mysteriously made 2 empty folders on my D drive: Material and Sound. The app itself is on C.

Hmmm.......................

Edit: made a little headway and deadended.

Created a "project" with a name, which you have to do.

Then tried to import an AVI file--got a "format not supported" error.

Not promising.

 

[rap33042]

I know- that part sucks.
I have maybe 15 partitions on several drives and LightWorks created those folders on all of them!

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Looks like it's going to have to go over the side.

I poked through the Quickstart guide and was referred to Lightwarebeta.com features tab, where the input and output file formats are listed.

No sign of WMV, mpeg, divx, mpg, or anything else I have.

And, you can't even see all of the toolbars at 800 x 600 resolution, which I am locked into.

Apparently, it is not intended for mere Philistines.

So, I will uninstall it and take a look at Wishmaster's recommendation.

 

[rap33042]

OK- I'll probably end up doing the same after some tinkering with it.

TNX for the feedback and Good Luck!

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Found this site re best free Windows progs. It's the website of a guy who made a highly regarded MeGui tutorial;

Logichaos


He mentions MeGui, Virtualdub, and AviDemux. The latter is described as similar to Virtualdub, but with more input and output modes.

MeGui is said to be for creating and editing H.264 videos.

I'm going to check AviDemux.


Get AviDemux here: http://fixounet.********/avidemux/