I recommend Hamster Free Video Converter – Full version is free for everybody - no limits, converts any video to iPod, iPad, iPhone, PS3, PSP, Blackberry, xBox, Zune, Apple TV, iRiver, etc. More than 200+ devices

Converts to 3GP, MP3, MP4, AVI, MPG, WMV, MPEG, FLV, HD, DVD, M2TS and others, Drag-n-Drop! It does not require special knowledge. There is Wizard for beginners.
Changes codec/System type/De-interlaces your video file
Converts many video files in batches
Adjusts audio video bitrate, frame rate
Integrates into Windows! Windows 7/Vista/XP compatible!

Supports 40 languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Japan, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, etc.)

http://videoconverter.hamstersoft.com/

Re: Chris' comment above: "The Pro upgrade is $9.95 but there’s an additional $2.95 charge for ” Download Insurance” that you cannot opt out of. That’s just plain insulting my intelligence. Pass….."

You can opt out of the $2.95 "download insurance" (or other items in the shopping cart) by clicking on the trash can icon on the left.

Thank you #34 TheDac, looked for that and didn't spot it. oops.

Don't know how I missed your post.

The Pro offer just isn't worth it if it stays single-core. I was hoping Pro would get dual-core, while Ultimate unlocked 3 or more...

Got this confused with the Aiseesoft Total Video Converter at GOTD on 7/4. I was wondering why I had v5 and they are giving away v4. Spelling is so similar! That was a huge giveaway!

the special offer shows fine with my firefox 3.6.7, but until I find out if multicore is supported for that 10 clams I'm holding off. This version seems to find only 1 core.

Nobody commented on the snapshot feature so I thought I would.

You have 2 formats to pick from... JPEG & BMP. I would suggest you have other choices.

As far as I can tell there is no hot key for this feature. You just have to keep clicking the snapshot button. I would suggest the hot key just because some people might prefer that.

The size of the photos are 10 X 6.667 inches & 72 for the resolution. I would suggest you allow the user to pick the size & resolution.

You get to pick where the program saves your shots which is nice. Some folks might prefer a clipboard option. Personally I like the fact it saves it to a folder of my choice. I use PSCS3 for my photo needs so the clipboard isn't something I usually use.

I used the snapshot feature on something I had recorded on my DVR. The shots didn't come out half bad... some of the best compared to other programs that do this.

Also, I had no problems downloading or installing on a Vista Ultimate 32 bit machine.

And for those wanting the $9.95 deal look at the 1st post in here & it has a direct link. Also, when you run the program it says at the top Only $9.95 to Upgrade to Video Converter Pro (Just for Today). click on that & it takes you to the page. I had no problems with this & I use Firefox.

I assume the program registered properly, but really have no way of knowing. If you click on the register button, under the help button, it doesn't show anything in the Licensed email or Registration code. The fact it offers me the GOTD price of the day makes me wonder if it registered ok.

I can't comment on converting files because I haven't had time to do that. Besides other folks have done that. Mainly I just wanted to share about the snapshot feature because no one else had & I thought others might be interested.

Thanks GOTD & Wondershare/Aimersoft for the chance to try this software.

Like other commenters, I sent a message to support which has not been answered yet. The fact that the error I get happens every time I convert a file on two separate laptops means that I have decided not to take up their $9.95 offer which I had been keen to do. Especially as I am doubtful about the quality of support.

The error is when I choose to convert to mpeg4 or vob and use their high quality setting, no other changes, Aimersoft tells me the file is converted to a 124mb .vob file, but it is actually only 5.5mb. Not once has the program actually worked outside Aimersoft, yet it does when I 'preview'. The error message comes up at the end of the conversion and requests two log files be sent to their Support, which I have done.

The Pro upgrade is $9.95 but there's an additional $2.95 charge for " Download Insurance" that you cannot opt out of. That's just plain insulting my intelligence. Pass.....

its from WONDERSHARE, perfect. grab it while its here.

Clicking on the link for "80% off" next to "Aimersoft Video Converter Pro" above takes one to www.aimersoft.com/video-converter-pro.html, as several have commented above. The $9.95 price is on that page (perhaps it was added later, but it is there now). The link works in Firefox.

Thanks as always for the informative reviews; learn a lot from some of the in-depth comments here.

I have used the GOTD Activate, but I cannot tell whether the program is registered or not. When I try to register through the program, I get a pop-up box asking for Licenced e-mail and registration code. How do I get these.

I figured out the problem with the banner. I had AdBlock Plus running in FF. Disabling AdBlock on that page only and refreshing the page made it show up.

For those not seeing the Video Converter Pro offer banner using the Firefox bowser - you are probably using the Adblock Plus addon. The offer will become visible if you right click on the ABP icon and choose 'Disable on this page only'.

#38, Mike
If, for this specific site, you disable the add-on ABP (Adblock Plus) by opening the menu via the small black arrow right besides so the logo turns green (from red) you should be good to go.

I followed the instructions in the ReadMe.txt file to install it and then run Activate.exe. At first installation it wanted me to register. After running Activate.exe it did not ask. Simple. No email needed.

I primarily use video conversion to get programs off my Comcast DVR and onto my computer. I use the $50 Instant DVD Recorder that plugs into a USB port. I run the recording process at Highest priority (if I don't, sound can get out of synch). IDR records as DVD format, VOB files plus the extras for menus etc.

I had been using Dr. DivX to convert the VOB to XviD format, but Dr.D does not work well on my Windows 7 installation.

This GOTD works best and simplest of any replacement for Dr. DivX that I have tried so far. A 30 minute TV program that takes 1.8 Gig in DVD format comes out as 375 Meg using the Aimersoft XviD preset. The preset specifies the same resolution as the source. It took about 32 minutes to convert. Very close to Real Time. Dr.D used two passes and took about 2x real time.

I compared the same frame in Windows Media Player looking at the VOB file and DivX player looking at the XviD result from today's GOTD. I used a very busy scene that had motion and strong contrast.

Yes, I could see a difference, but I LIKED the result. I have tried many other GOTD video converters and have not liked any results when the resolution is that same as the original, they have just been too lossy.

I have a test file that I did with Dr.D under XP but it's now on my Linux machine so I have not compared, but Dr.D was a little bit lossy too, so based on that I think this is comparable.

I cannot speak about other formats. I have only tested the conversion that matters to me, for my personal use, which is mainly getting programs off my DVR and onto my computer (in Xvid or DivX format) when I have not gotten around to watching them yet.

I am not a pro, I do not have pro standards, but I am picky about what I am picky about and have been very disappointed in many other converters. For my one test of today's, I am not disappointed.

I am seriously tempted to do the $10 upgrade, even being seriously broke.

YMMV, I hope this helps,
August

For those like me who couldn't find the elusive $9.95 offer, the answer is this:

It wont show the banner in Firefox... maybe other browers as well.

Open it with Bill Gates' Internet Explorer, and there it is!

Unbelieveable!

Old Guy

The discount banner does NOT show in Firefox (3.6.7). It DOES show in IE 6.0. Perhaps it is a BROWSER issue?

The penny has dropped! For those not seeing the $9.95 offer banner that others have referred to, it's because Adblock (or equivalent) thinks it's an advert and doesn't show it.

Just unblock ads for that page and refresh - you can't miss it!

YAWN! If it looks too good to be true, it probably is! I wasted WAY more than $9.95 in time chasing a wild goose.

Thankfully add/remove programs works well!

Aimersoft Video Converter [std.] is a nicely polished conversion app for the casual user, meaning it's not for hard-core video enthusiasts, or anyone wanting the absolute best quality results. Video's messy -- it often requires several apps to process [there is no perfect app] -- there are loads of standards [not to mention plenty of non-std videos] -- PCs [including Macs] don't always handle it well -- & it seems there's always more to learn. If you don't want to get into all that -- just want to use what feels like a real Windows app [complete with re-sizable window] -- then Aimersoft Video Converter [from Wondershare], could become your favorite video conversion app.

Personally I fit into the video fanatic category & have a load of video apps, often using several in a project, often trying even more to see which comes closest to doing exactly what I want. It's sometimes a mind-numbingly dull, tedious process that would bore you to tears should I list things step-by-step. A Huge potential problem is when you have a bunch of video software, if you're not very careful it can conflict. Aimersoft Video Converter fits slightly into that class of video-related apps that "doesn't-play-well-with-others" -- it's not as bad as Format Factory or Super, but it's not self-contained like VLC or most Cyberlink or WinX or Sony Vegas either. This GOTD's transgressions in that area are Xvid, & AC3 filter -- of the 2 AC3 filter has the more serious potential -- but in many cases neither will cause any problems. RE: Xvid... along with "ac3filter.ax", "AI_ContestMenu.dll", & "iconv.dll", "xvid.ax" is added to Windows' system folder & registered with Windows -- that's a problem if your installed version is newer, + you don't get the full Xvid install [Xvid is a free video codec mostly interchangeable with DivX, which isn't free]. AC3 filter is for playing [not encoding] AC3 audio, & if/when installed normally it has an involved set-up applet in Control Panel -- AC3 filter can sometimes take over AC3 playback from whatever you use now [if your system already plays AC3], which isn't always good thing. You can download the full Xvid & AC3 filter installs from videohelp.com.

With that out of the way, Aimersoft Video Converter includes the MainConcept encoder, which is usually very, very good [both Sony & Adobe high end products use it]... Alternatives sometimes use X264 for H264/AVC encoding, which is world-class [perhaps the best there is] & ffmpeg is extremely common. This GOTD accepts the .VOB files containing the audio/video/subs on DVDs -- it lists the .m2ts files found on Blu Ray & most other formats. Minor editing is included in a multi-tabbed window -- crop, brightness/contrast/saturation/+ a few FX, watermark, limited subs support -- while trimming your video happens in another... Hint: the Crop tab is where you set aspect ratio [it's not automatic]. Speed converting seemed average, & while profile handling is good [you can remove those you don't use to lessen clutter], they don't use VBR [Variable Bit Rate]. [VBR is commonly used on everything but MP3 (where it's trouble prone) to make encodes much more efficient -- why allot full bandwidth/bit rates to a more-or-less static scene when you can use the minimum, spending the disk space/file size you saved on high motion stuff at your peak setting? That said, constant bit rates are easier with 1 setting instead of 2 or 3, & the video plays on slightly more devices.

For alternatives, when I can use them [input/output are limited], the free A's Video Converter &/or the ATI Catalyst Converter [both use ATI code] let me get into the 700 - 800 fps range for DVD -> 320 X 240 wmv [for a Zune]. My son recently got a DroidX, & the WinX converter [a prior GOTD] *seems* to have worked OK [1080p -> 854 X 480 AVC/AAC at maybe 2/3 real-time], but hasn't had a lot of use/testing on my part [854 X 480 is unusual BTW]. The free X264 encoder ft ends I've tried [videohelp.com] left a lot to be desired in terms of usability -- it was often easier to use the command line -- & most all seemed very similar. The Roxio Creator 2010 VideoWave & Converter apps are nice, but AVC customization is limited & I've never gotten a 1.5 hour or longer video through them that played. Sony AVC encoding is abysmal. So far WinX seems the best for a lot of AVC, BUT, it won't encode to AC3 [Blu Ray/AVCHD] audio at the same time (only aac). I've yet to find one app that does everything well.

For those contemplating buying the Pro version, note that, according to Aimersoft's website, the Pro version does not support multi-core processors. Only the Ultimate version supports multiple cores. You can follow the "Compare Versions" link on the product's page, and look for the next to last item in the checkbox list.

to Todd July 24th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Which Banner? I found several buttons and at the bottom of the page a download, but nowhere did I see the GAOTD price. How about being a little more specific for a newbie.
Thank You

just converted an flv video to mkv, avi and mp4. but the converted files doesnt have audio at all. any ideas?

The same here! I sent an email to their support address 4 hours ago and I am still waiting for a reply.

They say to send questions to their support (comment #1) but I am not sure they will answer.

@24, @22, @18 - what am I missing? I've clicked the link for the $9.95 upgrade that appears inside the application once launched and on all of the links GAOTD visitors have posted here and I don't see a banner, a link or any mention whatsoever of the $9.95 upgrade on Aimersoft's site. Help? Thanks!

I really like this software so far. I have been using it today to convert media to a format that will play on my Android EVO (It has a preset output setting for MANY devices EVO 4G included among others.)

If I ever find a reason to get the pro version, I will probably not hesitate to make the purchase.

Thanks!

How does this compare with Aiseesoft Total Video Converter given away a little while ago?

aRenegade (#12): Ashraf has told us in the past that he made an arrangement with GOTD to get the giveaways early, enabling him to test and review them before they are offered to the rest of us. Most of us are very grateful for his helpful reviews.

@Genghiz -- Go to the URL you listed in your comment (http://www.aimersoft.com/video-converter-pro.html). There it shows ordering for $49.95, but just below that it shows the $9.95 price for GOTD users Today Only.

Thank you GOTD for the offers, and Ashraf and Inas for the always excellent reviews.

Good program, does as advertised.
Only downside: editing is not frame accurate. So when you select a particular frame as the start or end point, it jumps to the nearest keyframe.

To get the $9.95 upgrade go to the pro page and click on the banner.

http://www.aimersoft.com/video-converter-pro.html

Hello All-

Doesanyone know if this converter will allow for saving of more than onw audio file and more than one subtutle file?

Thanks

Ghengiz at #13

I discovered this inability to access their $9 upgrade hours ago! I mailed them immediately, and so far all I have is a stunning silence from the company! I sense an 'Oh Shoot' moment at the other end. Someone boobed!!!

Dear me! Money on offer and no way to spend it! Most unimpressive!!

I installed this and in the read me it says to reg. this software. However I cant without a code and there is no explaination as how to get the license for it.

#9 if you have Glary Utilities it has a Context Menu Manager that you can use to remove entries. Hope this helps :)

Post #2, this does not do .wmv files. What is up with this? Just beginning to scratch the surface of this and it does not convert .wmv files. I would think that it would convert this and maybe not other types of files.

To get the $9.95 upgrade price. First download the GOTD offer and install it. Then come back to the download page (this page) and click on the "80% off" link on the advertisement for "Pro." You'll be taken to a page with the Pro offer for $49.95 and right below that offer is where you'll find the upgrade offer.

I don't write very well so what I've written might be a little (or a lot) confusing but I try. Best of Luck.

Marty

I'm a gotd noob. I came on board just around the time of the last converter giveaway from AIEESOFT. My wife needs it and is pleased thus far. Now we got this option. Is it worth getting/switching, or having both on hand? Well experienced conversion devotees, please advise? Thanks.

After some limited testing this product seems great, the quality of conversion is very good and the program is very user-friendly.

I downloaded the trial version of 'Pro' and the DRM feature worked fine (I pulled off short clips from an Avatar DVD no problem). I am really interested in getting this version for $9.95 (as it advertises on the banner of my installed 'Standard' version), but I have no idea how to get this promotion. The link just takes me to the normal product page, and purchasing from here doesn't register the 80% discount. Any ideas?

@Fum: I use Portable Context Menu Editor (http://www.portablefreeware.com/?id=273) to remove entries from context menu in both IE and Windows Explorer.

Previous version in 2007 had the ability to adjust the audio volume when you convert (increase or decrease). It doesn't seem to be available in this version (or in the pro version you can buy).
Anybody know of one that does this?

I would like to take up the Aimersoft offer to GOTD of $9.95 to upgrade to Video Converter Pro .... BUT ... I can't find a way to order. The web addresses given here, and in the Converter toolbar, all take me to www.aimersoft.com/video-converter-pro.html where the price is $49.95.

Please would you provide the correct web address for this offer?

As far as input and output files the program has a good mix of video and audio file formats. Adding to that the amount of file formats the program supports seems enough to suit most users. I didn’t have any problems figuring out how to convert multiple videos in the same session. And the same also went for using the programs clipping and editing features which I thought were excellent. I couldn’t really notice those edits in the output file even though I made them. All in all, I feel fairly confident that the end result for anyone is going to be a result they’ll be happy with. Thanks GOTD...

@#2 ashraf - Many people in the past have complained about the GOTD rating system because from the time the Full Version of a program is released at 3:00am, there’s insufficient time for the number of people that made ratings to be objective enough to have rated that program fairly so shortly afterwards. It makes me wonder how can you do a so called ”full review and recommendations” posted at 3:02am not here at GOTD Comments or the GOTD Forum, but at your personal homepage when the Full Version of a program isn’t released by GOTD until 3:00am? And isn’t the GOTD Forum good enough for you to post your extended comments as Whiterabbit does with his Games Review? I might add that making a so called review and recommendations on a Trial Version isn’t being fair to that Developer unless stated, and you should state that upfront in your comments here.

FYI, version 1.0.21 was given away in August 2007, the file size then being neat 5,3 MB.
Look at the breath-taking voting score - by Chinese standards on the other hand just ordinary (:-)

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/aimersoft-video-converter/#more-1622

I am not sure whether to replace the old version by the new one. With brilliant apps such as this it may be worthwhile to keep 2 or 3 different versions at a time and thus to observe their progression.

@Diana: Thanks!
Can anyone install this and say if there's any way to get rid of it in the context menu? I hate the clutter all these conversion, zipping, extracting, previewing, burning, scanning software add to my context menu :/

Whats the difference between this and the "Aimersoft HD Video Converter" offered here recently, is this more updated then the HD one, so I know if its worth downloading and replacing that one.

Anyway all the Aimersoft converters have been pretty good, keep up the good work.

There are some issues with Aimersoft Video Converter Standard. It's definitely capable of messing up your system, as it messes with XviD, AC3Filter, and installs an Explorer context menu. Messing with your codecs isn't acceptable for a converter, it should keep its own codecs separate. Very limited ability to override settings. You're limited to its settings (you can't type your own), and it doesn't give you the option of using original (source) settings. When I reinstall my OS, I'm going to use an application virtualizer (not the same as a VM) to install almost all multimedia apps. Despite the glowing reviews by some of the regulars here for particular video converters, I recently actually needed to do some conversions. They're all crap. Because they're all so bad, I wouldn't pay for any of them, but it's nice to have a bunch from GOTD. After trying many of them, I was able to find one that could do one conversion, and another for a different conversion. They all had problems. So it's generally good to install these when GOTD offers them, but you have to watch out for those like this that mess with your codecs. This wasn't too bad, XviD is easily replaced if necessary. Messing with AC3Filter can cause all sorts of problems, however.

actually i will try it. i had many converters but they don't work so well, i loved Super but it doesn't take advantage of multicore processors... does this ?

Love i don't have to use another software to merge and love the xbox profile ... i will give it a try

Thanks GOTD

Okay typically I keep my peace after posting my short review here but today I have to comment on something. The Aimersoft Video Converter Pro for $9.95 is an amazing offer (I assume lifetime license).

While I have not personally used or tested Aimersoft Video Converter Pro, after using Aimersoft Video Converter and having experience with Wondershare DVD Ripper Platinum (Wondershare owns Aimersoft and their software are the same), Aimersoft Video Converter Pro (which does video conversions, DRM removal, and DVD ripping) for $9.95 is a steal in my opinion. The only one thing I would be careful on is if Aimersoft Video Converter Pro is able to pass DRM/region locks on DVDs (the website does not specifically mention DRM/region lock removal for DVDs, so if you are thinking of buying I would suggest grabbing the trial version first to see if it does).

Just a heads up, it adds itself to the context menu without permission (that I saw).