Hundreds of video converters exist for the Windows operating system and commercial applications need to provide additional features that their free counterparts do not offer to justify paying money for them. ConvertVid is a basic video converter that can process single or multiple files easily. The program comes with the usual layout that uses controls at the top, a queue in the main part of the program interface and additional controls at the bottom.
Videos are loaded into the interface by clicking on the + icon in the header or by right-clicking the queue and selecting Add from the context menu (the program window states that drag and drop is working as well but we were not able to get it to work). It is possible to select multiple videos at once if they are located in the same directory.
Videos that are loaded by the program are displayed with their file name and playtime in the video queue.
The available video formats are displayed at the bottom in a scrolling bar. The user has to scroll quite a bit to see all the video formats offered which is probably not the best way to present the options especially for new users of the program.
Video formats can be added or removed in the program’s options. This is the same option that is available during installation. Removed video formats are removed from the list which is recommended to make the list of available formats more accessible.
Available for video conversion are generic formats like divx, xcid, avi or h.264 videos but also device specific formats including support for iPod, PSP, Apple TV or DVD format as well as audio formats to only extract the audio of the selected videos.
The advanced options are accessible from the same screen. They can be used to change quality settings, aspect ratios or frame rates.
Download and Installation
ConvertVid is available for free at the Giveaway of the Day website. The developer’s website can be found here.
The program comes as a zip file that will extract the setup file. Installation could pose a problem for some users as the program asks the user to select the video formats that videos should be converted into during the setup. All of the formats are selected by default but this is confusing and not helpful. The readme.txt that is extraced with the setup contains the serial number for ConvertVid which needs to be entered after clicking on the Buy Now icon in the header of the program.
Alternatives
There is definitely no shortage of video converter alternatives. From online converters like Movavi or Media Converter to software solutions like XMedia Recode Video Converter or, Super
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Supports batch processing including the option to save a batch to process it later
- Supports basic conversion profiles and advanced settings
Cons:
- The selection of video formats during setup is confusing.
- Drag and drop not working although it is mentioned in the program interface
- No video previews
- No custom video profiles that can be saved, e.g. for devices that are not included in the list of supported formats.
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Some time back, I had gotten some hidden inserts from GOTD detected by RKR as rootkits, I complained at GOTD and asked the developers of the softwares what it was and why it was so hidden, they said it had to be on GOTD’s end, not theirs because they had nothing like that and I proved it by downloading it direct from their site, no hidden items.
I first noticed due to odd PC behavior like slowdowns, constant running Hard Drive and application errors. I proved it was from GOTD from uninstalling, removing these items and then scanning, then doing a reinstall from the software from GOTD, then scan again to find the items back. I would not use GOTD since.
I decided to try the above, thinking things are different, well, I didn’t get so far as to install as I got a quick GOTD popup that quickly went away, then asked to install toolbar and homepage “boxes pre checked” a bit further down the line of the install so I cancelled.
If this is tolerable to others for a shot at free software, so be it, it’s a choice, however, not one I’m willing to make. Would have like to try it but not from GOTD.
These do not need to be installed. Its your choice.
True, which is why I stated if it’s tolerable to others, it’s their choice but not mine. If I didn’t have issues in the past with GOTD, I would likely not care either way about pre checks.
And a correction , it’s a favorite added, not toolbar. Also to be fair, not just opinionated, I did a thorough scan on this install with numerous tools and found nothing intrusive which I’m glad to see. No malicious registry keys, rootkits, malware, etc… I’m still leary though and will check everything I get from them but they have great giveaways if it stays clean for sure.
Finding reviews of GOTD’s daily offerings here is kinda like being given the final score of a ballgame before I get to watch it. I’ll have to change the order of my daily internet routine.
That said however, I’m pretty disenchanted with GOTD anyway. Using FF, it has become well-nigh impossible for me post or vote – and my little contributions were always so enlightening :) – As if that weren’t bad enough, last two downloads were corrupted. Didn’t matter which browser I used.
As to PChammer’s post: Glad to have that information. “Choice?” If I don’t know it is happening, how is it a choice? NOW, it is a choice. Thanks.
If I don’t know it is happening, how is it a choice? It is choice for those that care to read what they are installing on their computer. Users who simply do not care and install anything the developer’s throw at them are making a mistake, but it is not the problem of the developers nor of the guys posting about those applications.
Talking about choice. You can read the review here if you like or you can skip it. It is not that hard, you should try it.
Testy, aren’t we?
Of course I read before I click. Being forewarned, I know not to waste time downloading from GOTD or at least to be extra vigilant if I come across something I can’t live without trying.