Video Converter Software Terms and Definitions
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Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Video Converter Software.
Ratings Input FilesComprehensive video converter software should accept a wide variety of input files allowing for maximum compatibility. The number and breadth of input files including common and uncommon file types, frequently determines the strength of the converter’s overall performance. Output Files Most people only need to output to a handful of formats, namely those that are compatible with their computer or portable media device. Good video converter software will provide a broad selection of outputs to account 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 Video converter software is meant to make the novice user’s life easier. 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 for you to download necessary ones for free. Help and Support Almost all video converter programs are easy-to-use and do not require much help; however, at the very least manufactures should include a comprehensive in-program guide for minor technical difficulties, a FAQ online and a responsive email contact. Supported Input Files WMV (windows media video)Windows Media Video- The Video Converter software accepts Windows’ proprietary file format designed to work with Windows operating systems and PC. AVI Audio Video Interleave- The software can convert video to a .avi extension with a Xvid or DivX codec. AVI is a common video file developed by Microsoft. This file format is compatible with PCs and most portable media players, except iPod. Xvid Xvid- A video codec commonly used when converting video to AVI. Dvix DviX- A common video codec associated with converting video to AVI. MPEG (1 & 2) Moving Pictures Experts Group- The Video Converter program supports this common file format used for video. PCs and Mac computers should play the format and most media players, other than iPod, also support MPEG. MOV (QuickTime) The format designed specifically for Apple’s QuickTime player. The software can convert a file specifically designed for Apple to a format compatible with PCs. VOB (DVD) Video Object- A file format contained in DVDs. The Video Converter software will support and convert DVD files. When you rip a DVD to your hard drive they are presented in .vob files. (DVD) To play these files on your computer you will need a compatible player like RealPlayer or VLC media player. DAT (SVCD/ VCD) The file format used on Video CDs SVCD and VCD. The converter software can convert these files, usually after they are ripped to the computer’s hard drive. RM (RealMedia) RealMedia- A file format designed specifically for RealPlayer. The Video Converter software will support input files with RealMedia extensions. MP4 (MPEG-4) Almost exclusively use with Apple and Sony products most files need to be converted to MP4 more often than they need to be converted from MP4. FLV (Flash) Flash Video- The Video Converter software can convert video downloaded from video share sites like YouTube, and converted to a file playable on their portable media player. 3GP (cell phones) Third Generation Partnership Project- The Video Converter software supports video captured and uploaded from cellular phones. IFO DVD Information file- The software will convert the additional information on the DVD containing chapter and subtitle streams. Rip DVD The Video Conversion software can rip a DVD directly from the drive to your needed format. You don’ t need to rip the DVD to your hard first. Rip CD The conversion software can rip CDs and Audio files directly off the drive. The files do not need to be on your hard drive first. More The Video Converter Software supports more video files not listed on the chart. Output Files WMVThe software can convert to Windows Media Video. It can be played on PCs with a Windows Media Player. This format is also compatible with the Zune media player. AVI The Video Converter software can convert video to an .avi, extension, most with a DivX or Xvid codec. These videos can be played on several media players including Windows Media Player and RealPlayer. Most media players will also support AVI, except iPod. MPEG (1 & 2) The converter can output to a common MPEG-1 or MPEG- 2 format. This format is not supported by iPod. MP4 The converter can convert a video for use on iPods and Sony PSP. Most other media players do not support MP4. MOV Apple’s proprietary format designed for use with their QuickTime player. This format is supported on iPod. VOB (DVD) The converter can output to a file format that when burned to a DVD disk, it is compatible with most DVD players. RM The video converter software supports output to a RealMedia file format. Frequently, this format can only be played with RealPlayer. FLV The software can convert files to a Flash format used mostly on websites and video sharing sites like YouTube. 3GP You can convert videos from your computer to your cell phone. Specific Selections for Media Players The Video Converter software provides a selection of portable media devices for you to convert to. These selections enable you to convert videos without having to adjust dimensions or codecs. More The software includes additional outputs not specifically stated here. Features Batch ConvertYou can upload and convert several videos in one large group. Batch Convert Multiple File Types You can upload multiple videos and assign each a different file extension, then convert in a large group. Merge Files The Video Converter software has the ability to merge several videos into one large file. Split Output File Each converted video is split into it’s own output file or folder. Some can be split into multiple media like CD, VCD or DVD. Video Dimensions You can adjust the height and width of your video output to conform with your monitor or portable device screen size. Set Start Time You can set the start time, within your video, to convert. Great for only converting moments of long videos. Set Stop Time You can set the stop time for conversion within the video. Video Codec The program that encodes or decodes the video. The type of codecs needed depend on which format you are converting to. Video Bitrate Video bitrate determines the quality of your output video. The higher the number, the better your quality. However, higher bitrates will take up more memory on your computer or portable device. Frame Rate The rate or frequency the video is displayed. If the frame rate is too slow, your video may seem to have a fast forward effect. Audio Codec The format the audio stream is encoded. A very popular audio codec is MP3. Audio Bitrate The audio track’s sound quality. The higher the bitrate the better the audio quality. However, the higher the quality the more memory the track uses on your computer or portable media device. Sample Rate An audio feature that allows you to adjust frequency. Channels The software can change the sound to stereo or mono quality. Converts Audio Files The Video Converter software can also convert audio files. Extract Audio The program is able to extract only the audio from a video file, like background music. Preview View The conversion program includes the ability to preview a video before or while it is converted. Include Effects The software has the ability to include minor effects into your video including text or scene transitions. Edit Tools You can adjust you video’s brightness, contrast or appearance using gray scale or picture rotation. Technical Help/Support Telephone SupportThe manufacture includes a telephone number for technical support. Email Support The company has a functioning and responsive email address. Live Chat The manufacture includes a live chat option on their website. Tutorials The website has some kind of “how to” guide, or step by step instructional about how to use the video converter software. User Manual / User Guide The software includes an in-program guide explaining the functions of the program. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions ©2003 – 2008 TopTenREVIEWS, Inc. |
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