Why Use Video Converter Software

There is no escaping the digital video age and understanding everything that is happening in the computer world just isn’t an option for most. We’ve all encountered that one time when someone emails you a video attachment that you can’t watch. With a video converter you never again have to download six media players to support a specific file format. Frequently used for watching home videos, online videos and movies on your computer or portable media device, Video Converter Software are simple, handy applications designed to make your life easier.

Here is how a video converter program can help your everyday life:

Home Video: There are almost 100 million iPod users world wide, many of them using PCs. Video Converter Software breaks the boundaries between Microsoft and Apple allowing you to transfer your edited home videos to your iPod with ease.

Online Video: YouTube is gaining in popularity everyday. Many video converters enable you to download and convert the Flash video on YouTube to file formats you can transfer to your iPod or other portable device and share with friends. This is great for other video files you’ve downloaded off the Internet like RealMedia videos or downloaded movies without DRM protections.

DVDs: DVD files you have ripped to your hard drive typically cannot play with standard video players like Windows Media or Quicktime. Video converters can change those .vob files to compatible media player formats. You can also place short chapters or clips on to your portable media player.

What to Look for in Video Converter Software

When selecting a video converter decide first and foremost what files you have and what they need to convert to. If putting video on an iPod is the main goal, look for a program that will output to MP4. If a friend insists on sending videos created on Mac, which uses formats Windows Media doesn’t like, look for something that can convert MOV to WMV.

Video converter software should convert common formats like WMV, AVI, MP4 and MOV to similarly common formats. The best video converter is defaulted to the most common settings, but powerful enough to customize. The interface should be intuitive and non-treating to the novice user.

This is the criteria TopTenREVIEWS to evaluate video converter software.

• Input Files- Comprehensive video converter software should accept a wide variety of input files allowing for maximum compatibility. The number and breadth of input files typically determines the strength of the converter’s overall performance.

• Output Files- Most only need to output to a handful of formats. Good video converter software will provide a broad selection of outputs accounting for a wide range of users.

• Features- The features included with good video converter software includes the ability to adjust multiple advanced options including video size, codecs, bitrates and framerates. Most features are reserved for advanced users, but they should be readily available and easy to find.

• Ease of Use- The software should be simple and intuitive. Tool bars, buttons and menus should be clearly labeled and self explanatory. The best video converter software will include a large selection of previously installed codecs, or a place to download necessary ones for free.

• Help and Support- Almost all video converter programs are easy-to-use and do not require much help; nonetheless, manufactures should include a comprehensive in-program guide for minor technical difficulties, a FAQ online and an email contact.