Freeware Review: Any Video Converter
Evan Banks
This post kicks off a series of nutshell reviews on various and sundry pieces of freeware and software, most of them utilities.
Without any unnecessary fanfare, I'll jump right in and start reviewing Any Video Converter, a freeware utility designed to do what the name implies- convert files of "any" video format for watching usage on both mobile devices and monitors.
But first, let me explain my simplified, nutshell review criteria:
Ease of use: Is the user interface easy to navigate? Is there a preferences or options panel that lets me customize the software to suit my needs? Could my mom pick it up and start using it right away without calling me and telling me her computer is broken?
Functionality: Basically, does it do what I need it to do? Is it powerful enough to maintain functionality when handled by an advanced user? And does it do its job efficiently?
I may add more criteria as time passes, but honestly, I've found that its hard enough for a program to try and balance just these two elements of a program while presenting a user interface that is intuitive for beginners and powerful enough for advanced users. Many teeter to one side or another on this fence, and I'll comment on which side each program falls as I review it.
So without further ado:
The free version of Any Video Converter is a medium-sized (61.31MB installed on my HD) utility that's designed to convert video files for mobile devices and for easy watching on your PC. The converter suppports a wide array of input and output formats, including .mp4, Flash video (.flv), Shockwave flash (.swf), .mpg, .avi, Quicktime video (.mov), Windows Media video (.wmv) and, one of my personal favorite codecs, Matroska video (.mkv). The application even accepts F4V and .TS transport streams, which comes in handy when you're looking at converting DVD video.
Functionality
Output formats are organized in "Profiles," which are generally grouped by device type (mobile phone, flash video, etc.) for ease-of-use. I was promised, in a splash screen, the ability to rip DVDs as well as output formats for iPods, Zunes, PSPs, and 3G phones, but more on that later.
Any Video Converter's starting state provides easy-to-follow instructions: Screenshot by Evan Banks, American Observer
There's also a "YouTube" button that is supposed to capture files from the popular streaming site. It worked seamlessly to capture one of my own videos, though for capturing streams I would still personally rely on browser plugins for convenience sake.
Quality-wise, the final products come in about par for the course. You get what you ask for, of course, and when your output options are limited to a certain set of filetypes designed for use on portable devices, well, you can't really ask for much to begin with.
User Experience
As far as the user interface goes, Any Video Converter does a stellar job of presenting its best face to the user straightaway. Step-by-step instructions for basic conversions are imprinted on the application's "work area" before clips are added, and a very clean interface with large "Add Video," "Convert," and "Stop" buttons befitting the program's billed easy-to-use functionality. The preview window, which allows users to set in-and-out points for rudimentarily cropping clips down to size, was a nice touch, but I would instead like to see more choice in output containers and more efficient transcoding.
Which brings me to my next point- this converter takes a looooong time to do its thing. While transcoding, in and of itself, is a very time-consuming process, you'd better have a sandwich, friends or a good book at the ready, because it's a bit of a snoozer when it comes to conversion speed. Maybe I'm pampered, but pricey "professional" transcoding programs like Compressor seem to get the same jobs done much faster.
So, does it pass the mom test? Yes, with flying colors. I would recommend this program to my own mother, assuming she ever developed a need for portable video (highly unlikely).
How Free Is It?
The basic program is free, with a semi-annoying splash screen reminding you that if you buy the professional version ($29.95), Any Video Converter can do so much more in terms of output containers. The splash screen makes an appearance every time the program finishes a job.
Final Thoughts and Score
I would have liked to see more output choices, but there's a limit to what you can ask for out of a free program (or is there? find out next session!). The interface is clean and sharp, but the application doesn't sacrifice basic functionality for simplicity. While output customization is at a premium here, a modicum of options present themselves in the nicely-tabbed options menu. Any Video Converter might not do it all, but it probably does enough for the amateur user who wants to turn their captured clips into something viewable on a portable device. Sure, transcoding apps are a dime-a-dozen out there, but I would put Any Video Converter just ahead of the freeware pack based on its user interface and only marginally annoying splash screen. Unfortunately, I can't put it ahead of the pack in terms of functionality, but as I previously said, it should be able to do everything the standard user needs it to do without too much fuss.
Ease of Use: 4 out of 5 widgets
Interface: 4 out of 5 gadgets
Standard User Functionality: 4 out of 5 whatsits
Advanced User Functionality: 2 out of 5 gizmos
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