To comment # 52: Are you sure that, for the Free Anime Studio 5, you did not mean to give this link?:

http://my.smithmicro.com/freeanime/

...because I looked all around the page of the link that you gave and could not find anything that would lead me to a Free Anime Studio 5 download. However, after some searching through other websites talking about the deal, I found one that gave a link back to a definitive Smith Micro page for the download (as shown above).

On that same page, they ALSO present Anime Studio 6 for you to download instead for a seemingly great price of $19.99, which is 60% off the regular price of $49.99...so, you can download the free one, or download the latest for a great price...or both if you want.

To those who said that WinX Video Converter wouldn't launch, I had the same problem. I went directly to the program folder, and launched it from there. Afterwards, it launched from the shortcuts. Security logs indicated that the first successful launch was via SVCHost rather than Explorer, which launched all the others. That makes me very uneasy. I didn't mention it earlier because other people hadn't reported the same problem earlier.

BUT thanks GOTD, and particularly thanks highly animated and ann for the link!

hmm, too late but I can't seem to install, it prompts for me to select something to open an unknown file (tried editpad, paint etc.) but newer finds whatever it is, and does not install (winxp pro sp3, amd 1.4, 784 ram)

Format Factory is a much better option,I like the interface too,and ff is a lot faster..

Installed fine on Windows Vista 32 bit. However according to the description of the software it converts a large number of formats. After installing the program I only count 6 main format. NO 3PG, 3P2, VOB, ASF, and most of all NO "and so on". Frankly I am extremely disappointed. My main reason for downloading was to see if I could convert my movie collection to 3PG format and be able to customize the quality. NO LUCK Try the program SUPER works much better and you get the formats.

#35 & #37 Just thought I'd say that I have Wondershare Video Converter Platinum (not premium) that was offered on here before. This program installed and works quite fine, no problems at all (as with other Wondershare pgms). It converts ALL the major files as well as many minor ones AND also has edit functions as well. It is set up to convert to many of the major portable players but is also VERY flexible as far as changing the settings for converting files. You have control to modify different settings for both video & audio. This is the pgm I use.

For free? No complaints at all. I just downloaded it and installed it in less than 2 minutes. So far, I converted a couple of files to try it out and it was very quick, quite simple to use, no lock up at all. I can live with an ad on a free program that works. I'd recommend it. (Windows XP sp3).

WinX is very easy to use, fast conversion and convenience for common users who dont need to much about the configuration and specification.
I have introduce it to two of my friends.

Thanks for another great giveaway. Installed & works on vista 64-bit.

@ #52; Ann:
You seem to be correct about the free version of Anime Studio 5, but a better download link would be this:
http://my.smithmicro.com/freeanime/
Serious!

For who don't know,is a free serie of comercial soft in graphics at :vicman.net.It was commercial and now is free.

WinX Video Converter is another front end [GUI] for the commonly used free-ware: Lame, Mencoder, & ffmpg. Real & Xvid code are also used. The developers, Free Time Soft, Inc., packaged these into the program files instead of using the separate code libraries... this has the advantage of avoiding potential conflicts with the same files installed elsewhere on your system -- the disadvantage is older code can't be updated independently. Relying on the same code as other, popular converters, WinX Video Converter's performance [quality & speed] should be roughly identical.

#39: "When someone will provide a video converter able to convert .vcr files (an ATI video standard) to any other video standard?"

ATI *owns* the format -- as you've posted, it's an ATI std. ATI software that can create .vcr files also converts it to other formats, & that's about it. You *might* get AviSynth to work with it, &/or Graphedt/GraphStudio, but would need the original decoder (part of ATI software package) installed. And better hurry -- ATI stopped using that long ago, and pretty soon you're going to have a real hard time finding it (it can be difficult to get working with updated XP as it is, & there's no Vista or 7 support what-so-ever).

* * *

#51: "Does anyone here know of paid or free programs that can convert these damn 1280 x 720 .mov files and keep same quality?"

Research your camera 1st -- If I'm not mistaken the format it uses might require extra work. Otherwise pretty much any conversion software should do, but, if you want the same quality you're going to have to stick with the same frame sizes -- making big video frames & files small is going to drastically cut quality, or there'd be no reason for HD. ;-)

"I also need DVD building software that would handle making a DVD using these .mov files."

DVDs use mpg2 -- some (many) players will also support DivX/Xvid. Whether in a DVD Authoring program or beforehand you'll have to convert them... See videohelp.com & doom9.org for a info including on free or pay-ware.

* * *

#53: "on uninstall this program also gorked a couple of my other codecs, had to uninstall and then reinstall the K-lite codec pack full to get my video splitter to stop crashing- on *half* of the DivX blocks I’ve captured. now *that* was strange."

It certainly is strange since WinX Video Converter is self-contained, meaning it doesn't need or install any codecs on your system.

RE:#40 My earlier comment. The problem was with my computer. It went haywire for a while. I went back and read all the good comments and decided to give the program another try. It appears to be working fine now. I found my DVD drive (on which I store my downloads) was not stopping like it should have. It just kept on running and apparently was still running when I thought I was unzipping rhe program. In fact it must have been running (crazy) when I thought I was writing the program to the CD. Anyway, my apologies to the software producers for the bad report.

I would guess the copy of WinX Video Converter supplied by Free Time Soft, Inc. *might* be a limited feature version -- it's smaller than their trial. Normally, even if there are added share-ware nag screens, the trial is smaller since it doesn't have the GOTD wrapper. It doesn't use a serial number or GOTD activation program, so it's a special build. The difference is not the links in the center of the GUI folks are complaining about, since they're in the trial also. Maybe of interest to Free Software advocates, there are (7 - 8 mo old) reports of Free Time Soft GPL violations with this & other apps.

Lets be fair to the promoters and their giving GAOTD the software to share with us. We all should cut a little leeway on these things. I for one am glad to have the choice to download their product or not. It gives a chance to try something program/software out we made not be willing to pay to try.

My biggest complaint would be that it seems to be more of the same type of software DVD copy, Audio etc, you catch my drift would love to see some other companies, developers letting GAOTD offer and widen the selections we have. Thumbs up to GAOTD and all who allow the software to be used.

Vista Home Premium: SP1 - Installed smoothly and worked exactly as described. I like it. I don't do this type of conversions very often, and don't really have time to go re-learn a program when I do. This one was so simple and staight-forward I didn't even need to click any help links at all. This one is definitely a keeper for me.

I also agree with #21 - wondering why people who've not even installed a program write criticizing comments about them... just to say that some other favorite program "must be better.." or the like. I decide to try or not try GOTD programs based on actual usage reports, such as the ones by #1 & #18. Thanks, everyone.

on uninstall this program also gorked a couple of my other codecs, had to uninstall and then reinstall the K-lite codec pack full to get my video splitter to stop crashing- on *half* of the DivX blocks I've captured. now *that* was strange.

well....thanks but no thanks for todays downloads.i think I`ll wait for tomorrow offer.but i wanted to tell you about a free licensed product called the anime studio 5 .this is a free offer from Smith Micro Consumer with keys and and this is a full version.
all you need to do is to register and download.here is the link
http://my.smithmicro.com/win/index.html

Downloaded tried and .... works but output is crap. My situation is - my camera (canon SD780 IS) takes mov movies at 1280 x 720. This program converts and make small file size but quality sucks. It would be ok if I wanted to down size and show on web etc but keeping same size or down sizing results in blocky pixelated details. Too bad, I did hope this would work.

Does anyone here know of paid or free programs that can convert these damn 1280 x 720 .mov files and keep same quality?

I also need DVD building software that would handle making a DVD using these .mov files.

###

There's an editing option in the program to let you select the start and end time if you want to cut a clip out from a longer video. Unfortunately, every clip I tried started at the beginning of the source.

Not too bad - need to mess with the settings a bit but good results are attainable.

Can be used as a portable (standalone) application! I UPX'd the DVDDeadDLL.dll and WinX_Video_Converter.exe and got the programme folder down to under 6MB - seems to be running without an issue so far.

Thank you Digiarty Software and GAOTD - I can see this as definitely coming in handy.

Regards,

Oh no... the converter software season is opened again...

Everything work OK on XP SP3.I make some conversions and i like it.Thank.Free alternative at:
http://www.cocoonsoftware.com/
http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/
http://www.formatoz.com/

But, but..... does it extract & convert audio tracks from DVD concerts to mp3 files? that's what I need....

I was a bit surprised to see so many thumbs down for this software, but obviously they mainly concern the looks, rather than what's under the hood. The program certainly isn't an eye candy in terms of interface design, but it has clear logic, and is easy to handle. I tried it out and can say that the converter engine is very good. The output picture and sound turned out to be really nice and eye pleasing. Another great thing about this program is that you can quickly set all output options in one screen, choose start/end time, change audio/video format settings, aspect/resolution, and even increase volume and save snapshots in jpg or bmp formats. Too bad it doesn't support drag'n'drop when adding files, the devs should add this feature. And improve the interface. And add a good User Guide.

Overall, it's a nice video converter for home use. Thanks GAOTD and Digiarty.

PS: oh, this half a screen advertising is really out of place and distracting for many users, I agree.

NO PGP OUTPUT... The SW description indicates the following:

"...allowing to convert files between all popular video/audio formats such as AVI, ASF,DIVX, FLV, MPEG1/2, RM, RMVB, MOV, VOB, WMV, XVID, 3GP, 3G2 and so on."

The SW does not deliver what it promises. Thumbs down

This is terrific! I converted an .mkv to a .avi smoothly and perfectly. I've been looking for something like this for ages!
Running XP Pro and installed with no problems.
Thanks GOTD for this, it's definitely a keeper!!

RE: Comment #2 by Pullman:

It sure is nice to get a totally unbiased view of the company's other software. Typically, only the software authors would bring up links and information about their other products. It's nice to know that someone that's not affiliated with them in any way would grace us with such invaluable information.

Thank you Pullman for that wonderful unbiased diatribe!

I've been checking GOTD every day for over a year now. I've downloaded many programs. I usually feel bad about all the complaints about FREE software. However, I realize that the comments are valuable to the software producers. This is the first time I've had any problem with a program. I'm running XP home SP3 and this program locked up my computer so badly that I had to reboot twice to get rid of it. I rebooted the first time and then removed it through control panel and it locked up control panel, so I had to reboot again. This is only a comment, not a complaint! Thank you GOTD for all the great software.

When someone will provide a video converter able to convert .vcr files (an ATI video standard) to any other video standard?

Just back from a 2 week vacation in the desert (I know, stupid, summer in the desert with no air conditioning:) But it was fun and my chip was filled with those darned .mov files that needed converted. Just downloaded the program, loaded 87 separate video files into the program which had installed correctly it seems and it converted all of them to .avi in under 7 minutes. I would say I'm pleased and happy this was available the day after I returned home. Thanks GAOTD.

How does this compare to Wondershare Video Converter Premium (a former GAOTD title)?

Specifically, can I merge VOB files into multiple AVI? For example, lets say I have 6 VOB files that I want to convert to 3 AVI files--Wondershare allows files to be merged, but will merge them all into 1 file; makes for a lot of manual work, instead of setting it up and letting it run!

Note to all GAOTD users:

I have posted help on the activation of GAOTD programs at http://btscreations.webs.com/apps/blog/show/861971-helpful-hints-for-the-activation-of-giveaways-78.

I also found a active contest that is still available where you can post reveiws of this website: http://btscreations.webs.com/apps/blog/show/867795-review-of-giveawayoftheday-com-1002.

Anyone knows of a software that does Video Editing? I recall GAOTD had offered such a program before but just cannot remember the name.
I need a software that does video editing.

WinX Video Converter claims to be able to take segments of the video and add special effects here in GAOTD. However, in its website, it never says that. I am of two minds installing this because of the comments given here. Surely does not need a software if it is going to mess up my pc.

If it is purely to convert video from one format to another, then I choose to stay with Format Factory, even though for some files after conversion, the audio is gone.

Not good. A 25 second .rm file took 5 minutes to convert to .avi,
the the .avi file played alright except the voices sounded like
the chipmunks on speed. Deleted it all.

@ comment 26: It does support Format Factory does support .mov, my Koadk camera uses that format and I convert them all the time. 720p .mov files.

Does not accept VOB files ripped by DVD decrypter,was however able to convert Div x avi video to play on IPod Touch.

Nice Software no problems installing, just need WinX DVD Player on here now .

Same problem #7 had...and the 'Debug" window pops up and then the program disappears off the screen. Uninstalled it.

#26 The latest FormatFactory does MOV

@26 "Format factory does not say it does MOV (which is what my camera produces"...It does an MOV. Why don't you download and install it and see for yourself. Don't rely on ads.

>> 6 Opinion: FormatFactory is free, MUCH faster, supports more formats, better (not much) GUI,
...
>> 12 @6 I have been using Format Factory which in my opinion is excellent and like what you have said is FREE. But its latest

Format factory does not say it does MOV (which is what my camera produces), and this says it does (at least somewhat? see 15 >>> mov and flv files don’t support h264 video/aac audio)

#3) Advertising: the price you pay for free software.

What is it with these software companies' and their video converters. They keep excluding dvr-ms files made with Media Center that have TV tuners. I have to use my Nero express dvd movie maker. That only converts to vob. Which then I could convert that to whatever. I would just like to skip the vob step.

Hello... This is just another great video converter.
I just converted a full flv movie to avi with no problems of any kind, and it all went very fast.
And I had no installation or registration issues either under Windows Vista Ultimate 64x sp1. (run under admin account)
Thanks a bunch!!

#17 You have the option to select any output folder you wish.

Installed on Win XP SP# just fine and works quite well.
I don't see a problem with links to their other FREE software.
Obviously they aren't trying to sell anything - IT IS A FREEBEE!

Thanks GAOTD - it is a keeper.

I’ve always believed if you’re going to rate and comment on a GOTD you should at least install it and play with it for an hour or two. Now there are exceptions to that rule, and I think this program falls into those exceptions. On the developer site they make reference to the awards they’ve received; a favorable editors review on Softpedia, Snapfiles, and PC World. Searching at Softpedia I found a WinX Video Converter Platinum and WinX Video Converter 3.7 Build 20090513, only they name the developer as Freetime Soft Inc. and neither had a Softpedia Editors review. Snapfiles has a “WinX Free iPhone Video Converter” by Digiarty Software, however there is no WinX Video Converter at that site. PC World has a WinX DVD Author that had an editors review, but there isn’t a WinX Video Converter on their site.

The “About” us on the developers site makes reference to Digiarty Software working together with MasterSoft as “cooperating partners with shared resource and independent identity” (for whatever that means your guess is as good as mine). They go on to say that “Digiarty Software, Inc. is a software company specialized for DVD and other common popular pocket-sized multimedia devices such as iPod, Zune, PSP etc. converting. We started this program form 2006, for about 3 years, and now, we nearly have 8,000,000 clients using our products”. “We are still always trying our best to improve our products, for example, our WinX DVD Author version is enhancing to 5.5 now. We wish one, or more of our products could make your free time colorful, if you have any suggestion about our products, could you please tell us? That will be very appreciated if you could contact with us, and we will go to great lengths to satisfy you or do as your suggestion if we could. Wish everything goes well for both of us”.

We started this “form” 2006? Claim they have nearly “8,000,000” clients? Be afraid people, be very afraid! With these types of discrepancies the program is simply not worth installing and trusting the code is stable enough not to reek any havoc on my PC. And from all I’ve seen I’d carry that attitude through every product made by this developer.

Works well.Easy to use.