If you keep a video blog it will happen eventually. You will need to convert video. (Insert SCARY MUSIC here.) The Xilisoft Video converter is software that converts video. Whether you want to move video to your Google Phone, iPhone or an iPad this software can probably do the job.
But is it worth it? Following is my review of the Xilisoft software.
The video converter software comes in three flavors: Standard, Premium, and Ultimate. Each version handles HD video.
- The standard version is unable to convert picture to video or video to picture nor does it allow editing, cropping or watermarking video.
- The Platinum Version can edit video and handle pictures but it can’t crop video, add video watermarks, edit video effects or add subtitles.
- The Ultimate Version does all of the above as well as having the ability to compare source video and customized video.
Consider what functions you actually need. Video editing software such as Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro can also edit, crop, add effects and subtitles. If you have such software you may be wasting money on the Ultimate Version. Of course Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro can also convert video, BUT not always in every format and often with quirks in the way the conversion is managed. The Xylisoft Video Converter specializes in video conversion, and this is definitely a big plus.
However, before you rush out and buy this software, consider what you can get for free.
Handbrake is an open source freeware package for MacOSX, Linux and Windows that can convert between many variations of video files and output as MP4 and MKV. It also has a built in subtitle function. The support is lacking compared to paid software but it’s fairly simple to use and is a completely free option that works well.
MPEG Streamclip is another free (and powerful) piece of software for MacOSX and Windows that converts a wide variety of formats including MPEG (DVDs). However the learning curve is a little bit higher.
To sum up my xilisoft review (or if your eyes glaze over when you read technical information) here’s what I recommend:
- Download Handbrake, attempt the conversion. If it works – great! You saved yourself some cash. If it doesn’t work, move on.
- Download MGEG Streamclip. Repeat the above.
- Finally, get the trial version of the Xilisoft software. You’ve tried the free ones, you understand their capabilities. Now you are in a position to make a fully informed decision. (The Xilisoft hd video converter download is available at numerous sites and will allow you to try the software out for free for five minutes of conversion).
Is this software worth it? Try it. The rest is up to you.
The Xilisoft 3gp converter works with the following formats: AVI, MPEG, WMV, DivX, MP4, H.264/AVC, AVCHD, MKV, RM, MOV, XviD, 3GP, and audio MP3, WMA, WAV, RA, M4A, AAC, AC3, OGG.
MPEG Streamclip works in these formats: MPEG, VOB, PS, M2P, MOD, VRO, DAT, MOV, DV, AVI, MP4, TS, M2T, MMV, REC, VID, AVR, M2V, M1V, MPV, AIFF, M1A, MP2, MPA, AC3.
Handbrake imports a wide variety of formats and outputs in MP4(M4V) and MKV.