- 
Format Factory I have to confess that there are some applications that I download and use for a while only to write a review about them. However, this is not the case of Format Factory, a tool that I have been using for a while and longing to review.
Format Factory is definitely my favorite converter, and the one I usually take as a model when assessing other software of the same type. Of course I have not used all of its features, so there could be some hidden flaw, but so far, I am completely satisfied with it.
Format Factory is one of the most comprehensive converters in the market as it is capable of converting such media types as video, audio and image; and not only that, it can convert practically all types of formats. The interface can seem a little complicated at first, but I am sure that after a while you will be using it with no difficulties. A bar on the left groups the different formats into their corresponding media types. Additionally, there is a group of options intended for ROM device operations and another for advanced features, such as video joiner, audio joiner and mux (mixing different video and audio streams).
This application supports batch conversion, which it does very quickly using multi-thread technologies. What is more, it will also let you add different types of media to the conversion list and convert them to different target formats in a single session. In the case of video conversion, it will let you extract segments, embed subtitles, crop the image and preview the results. In a similar way, audio fragments can be extracted, even from video formats. Also, pictures can be edited before conversion. All these features support further target format customization.
Format Factory is an application I strongly recommend. Although it is free, it includes advertisements; so you had better pay attention when installing it or this tool will add a probably undesirable browser taskbar and change your default search engine. After all, it is a fair price you will have to pay for such an excellent utility.
Download Format Factory
XMedia Recode XMedia Recode is a software application designed to help you convert audio and video files, targeting both beginners and experienced users with an innovative approach.
The utility works with most formats out there and it also has an option to convert DVD and Blu-Ray discs into any format you like. But probably the ace up its sleeve is actually the way it manages to address novice user and more experienced ones at the same time.
Download XMedia Recode
Download XMedia Recode Portable
MediaCoder MediaCoder is a very complete set of tools to convert audio and video. It has evidently been designed to please demanding users seeking for perfect media conversion with a high level of customization.
Its multi-language interface features three modes with different complexity levels: simple, normal and expert.
However, in my opinion, the simple mode, even with the help of the available wizard, may be still too difficult for some users with little experience. The difficulty arises because of the use of many technical words, most of which the standard user may not be acquainted with.
The program can convert batches of files fast and reliably. It supports converting practically every existing format. In addition, extensions can be downloaded to add extra features.
In general, MediaCoder can be everything expert users are looking for. It will absolutely satisfy those who like to be in control of the conversion process. On the contrary, neophytes could find this program is too much to take and should therefore look elsewhere.
Download MediaCoder 32-bit
Download MediaCoder 64-bit
Any Video Converter Any Video Converter is a free, multi-format video conversion tool. Combining powerful features and an interesting set of extras, the application is able to process all the known video formats and has the ability to convert files in batches. There is a basic video editor, a video downloader, and a multimedia media player included in the pack
It is capable of converting from and to most of the video formats used nowadays, including HD video.
The use of conversion profiles makes it easy to pick the output preset, which is a set of optimized settings to fit diverse devices, smartphones, portable media players, tablets, game consoles, among many others. Apple, Samsung, Nokia, BlackBerry, HTC, are among devices that populate the extensive list of output profiles. In addition to that, you can customize the video and audio settings as you wish by creating your own profiles.
To get started, you just need to load one or multiple video files to the conversion list. Since the application supports batch conversions, it can process numerous media files simultaneously. Additionally, it enables you to work with YouTube videos simply by adding a video URL; it downloads and converts the video to any desired format in one step.
Video editing options cover basic tasks like video clipping, watermarks, rotation and cropping. You will also find typical effects as well as options to adjust brightness and contrast, among others. In terms of performance, it supports GPU acceleration, which means it can handle large video files efficiently.
To sum up, Any Video Converter is a powerful, all-in-one solution for the conversion of video and audio. It provides excellent format support and has a straightforward interface that lets you work in a simple and efficient way.
Download Any Video Converter
XviD4PSP Even though this app's name could lead you to believe that it only converts XviD videos to PSP-compatible formats, this application actually supports a lot more video formats. It can load and convert into formats like AVI, ASF, MPEG, MP4, RM and so on, making it possible to convert files to formats supported by numerous portable devices such as PSP, iPod, iPhone, XBOX, etc.
Exporting to audio files like MP3, AAC or AC3 is also supported. Furthermore, this tool supports batch conversion.
Its interface is neat and well organized. It manages to offer an original design and yet still be self-explanatory and intuitive. The program is easy to use, but it is also surprisingly feature-rich; in fact, it is one of the most complex video converters that I ever seen, especially in regard to the intricacy of provided settings. This application includes a large variety of advanced settings under its hood, letting you configure every parameter of the output file or the conversion procedure.
On the other hand, there's an annoying screen that asks you for donations every time you add a file to the conversion list, and it can't be closed for 10, and it's a considerable disappointment. I agree with the fact that the program deserves donations and I support the developer’s choice to ask for them, but a less obtrusive ways to do that should be used, in my humble opinion.
Download XviD4PSP 32-bit
Download XviD4PSP 64-bit
iWisoft Free Video Converter iWisoft Free Video Converter is a free multi-format video converter. It has quite good format support and an interface that is similar to many other converters out there, but it still manages to be easy to use and intuitive. It uses conversion profiles to make the process easier and to help the user decide what format works best for the task at hand.
First, performance-wise, the converter is excellent. It supports most formats that you would expect it to and the use of conversion profiles is one of the best I have seen. I like the fact that the profiles are all arranged and when you select a category or device, you can choose from more specific profiles. Also, you can customize those profiles by changing individual settings like frame rate, resolution, among others. The fact that you can drag and drop files and even apply settings to more than one queue file at a time is also of my liking.
I don't really know if the user interface is original to iWisoft, but I have seen MANY converters use it. I am not saying it doesn't work. I believe it really does. It is intuitive and has on-screen help. It would help developers to create original interfaces so their products are easily remembered.
All in all, this is a free converter that works extremely well and has many useful features and excellent format support.
Download iWisoft Free Video Converter
VirtualDub VirtualDub can help you capture and edit video. This application is definitely not intended for beginners, but it is the kind of tool technophiles would usually love. When you use this application, you feel that you are technically in control of the results because you will not have to limit yourself to the options some developer has made available for you.
Technology lovers will be absolutely fond of the following features of the program: the use of fractional frame rates, the creation of AVI2 files larger than 2 Gb, real-time downsizing and noise reduction as well as access to hidden video formats supported by their video capture card. Moreover, those users are allowed to create and use their own filters.
If you need to clean up some video files, for instance in the case of excessive size, noise and unneeded parts, this may be the right application because it supports all that. You will possibly like the idea of being able to remove segments from a video and create a new one without recompressing. Additionally, this tool allows you to remove and replace audio tracks without changing the original video data, which avoids quality loss and saves a lot of time. You can use it to add multiple visual filters, such as blur, sharpen, emboss, flip and resize.
In general, VirtualDub is a very powerful pre- and post-processing video tool. A very simple example of what you can do with it is the following: it allows you to import a video clip, trim the unnecessary parts, eliminate some noise, change the frame size and create a new file. However, the features mentioned here are just a few among the huge amount of functions available from this application.
This tool is open-source and supports the use of the command line, which gives it extra value for software developers. In addition, it is a standalone application, which means that, as it needs no installation, you can even use it from an external storage device. It has the main limitations of supporting only AVI as output format and the need to install codecs separately.
Download VirtualDub 32-bit
Download VirtualDub 64-bit
Download VirtualDub Portable
Avidemux Avidemux is a free video editor and converter with cutting and filtering capabilities. It can open some of the most used video codecs, such as AVI, OpenDML, MPEG, ASF/WMV2, MPEG-4, 3GP or QuickTime and it can also create a video from a set of BMP, PNG or JPEG images. The output formats supported are AVI, MPEG, OGM and MP4.
This free program offers a wide range of settings and tools, while giving the less-experienced user the opportunity of using built-in conversion profiles for fast and simple video conversions for specific purposes – iPod, PSP, DVD, VCD and SVCD.
One of the main functionalities is its cutting tool to save and re-encode portions of any of the supported video files. Together with the formats mentioned earlier, Avidemux supports also less-known video codecs like NuppelVideo or H.263(+).
It includes a useful calculator to customize the size of your output file according to the bit rate applied and the media that will be used to save it. It also offers a Bitrate Histogram, and a series of frame tools to ensure accurate results – a frame rebuilder, a frame checker, and a tool to scan for black frames. It also includes useful tools for subtitling. Both video and audio properties can be personalized, and all of these settings can be saved as filters for future use. It also works with Jobs and Projects, allowing you multiple batch conversion with specific settings for each encoding process.
One of the main assets of this application is its complete Video Filter Manager. Here you can set your own preferences for a long list of functions, such as Transform (crop, resize, add borders, flip, etc.), Interlacing, Colours (hue, contrast, chroma shift, and so on), Noise (cleaners and denoisers), Sharpness, Subtitles (supporting SRT, SUB, ASS, SSA, and VobSub) and many others. You can create any combination of filters, save it, and use it with as many files as you wish, and whenever you need it.
Download Avidemux 32-bit
Download Avidemux 64-bit
Free Studio Free Studio is a suite of multimedia tools. The program has a modern and attractive interface, offering quick access to any app. The 'YouTube' tool provides you with an ability to upload videos to YouTube and Facebook, and to record Skype calls.
The 'MP3 & Audio' tool helps you convert audio files to different formats; likewise, you can cut specific sections of an audio file or burn audio CDs. The 'CD, DVD, BD' feature is similar to the previous one and it gives you an ability to burn and convert DVDs or CDs. Another related function helps you convert AVI, WEBM, 3GP, MP4 videos. What's more, you can flip and rotate the video, or cut a part of it. However, my favorite feature is the one that allows to create 3D videos.
The 'Photo & Images' pack offers another option: converting video to the JPG format. It is also a 3D photo maker and a screen video recorder. Another important feature gives the user the possibility to convert various files for mobiles or consoles. You can convert videos for Android, Blackberry, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, LG, SONY PSP, XBOX, NINTENDO, and many others. The 'Apple Devices' tool can be used only by users that own an Apple product, such as iPods, iPads, iPhones, or Apple TVs.
In conclusion, this is an all-in-one program which combines lots of multimedia tools. However, I would have preferred some editing options that would allow me to add special effects to photos or videos.
Download Free Studio
Freemake Video Converter Though it is free, Freemake Video Converter is also one of the most powerful and feature-rich video converters that one can find. It supports a large variety of file formats, including popular ones like AVI, MP4, WMV, MKV, 3GP. Besides converting videos to other video formats, it can also extract the sound from videos and save it to audio files, therefore it’s also a video-to-audio converter.
And that’s far from being all about it: it can also rip unprotected DVD movies, burn DVDs, burn Blu-ray discs and much more.
It is a very comprehensive and powerful tool, fact proven by the additional video editing functions that it supports. For example, it lets you cut, rotate or trim videos with ease. Joining several videos into a single one file and adding transitions between parts are another few examples of its many advanced capabilities.
Though complex and powerful, Freemake Video Converter is easy-to-use thanks to its intuitive and straightforward interface. The only thing to criticize about this neat tool is the conversion speed, which though is not annoyingly slow, is still rather disappointing. Anyway, it’s a free tool that offers a lot of features and functions and that works like a charm, so it gets my sincere recommendation.
Download Freemake Video Converter
Audacity Audacity is a freeware application that allows you to record, edit, mix, import/export files to and from the most popular audio formats like MP2, MP3, WAV, AIFFand AU. Also, you can add effects to existing music or recordings.
The list of effects includes compression, fade in and out, bass boost, wah-wah, delay and many others. Also, many of the effects' options are customizable. If you are a professional or an amateur DJ, you can create mixes for recording and using at your concerts or parties.
Audacity is ideal for transforming your collection of old vynil records and audio tapes to digital files. Also, you can enhance the sound of those original recordings by adding sound effects, cleaning the sound by removing unwanted noise, and even changing the pitch and tempo of the recording. This would be very useful if you are a musician who wants to experiment and create new versions of existing recordings, adapting them to your own voice pitch and/or instrument.
You can download Audacity for the three most popular operative systems today: Windows, MacOS and Linux.
Download Audacity
Download Audacity Portable
mp3DirectCut mp3DirectCut is a fast and extensive audio editor and recorder for compressed mp3.
You can directly cut, copy, paste or change the volume with no need to decompress your files for audio editing. This saves encoding time and preserves the original quality, because nothing will be re-encoded.
The built in recorder creates mp3 on the fly from your audio input. Using Cue sheets, pause detection or Auto cue you can easily divide long files.
Download mp3DirectCut
Mp3tag MP3tag is a powerful tool that lets you add, edit, delete and manipulate the metadata of audio files (the so-called tags).
Athough its name might make you think otherwise, this tool doesn’t support processing only MP3 files, but also other audio file formats, including AAC, DSF, FLAC, APE, M4A, MPC, OGG, WMA, WV, and many other more.
It can manage the metadata of these other types of audio files as well, and not only the ID3 tags specific to MP3 files. In fact, it can even handle the metadata for iTunes-compatible MP4 files too.
This powerful tool can be used to manage not only the tags of audio files, but also their names. It can rename files based on their tags and vice-versa: add tags based on the file names. The tag information can be exported to various file formats (RTF, CSV, etc.) and imported even from online sources like freedb, Amazon, discogs or MusicBrainz. MP3tag can also create playlists from the loaded selections of audio files. Last but not least, MP3tag comes with a pretty intuitive and straightforward interface. Managing the audio file tags gets to be an easy job that even beginners can perform.
Cutting long story short, MP3tag is a nice utility that makes managing audio tags a simple and pleasant job. Considering it’s also completely free, I’d say MP3tag is worth trying.
Download Mp3tag
TagScanner What makes TagScanner a serious contender over most tag editors fighting for a place in the market is a mixture of assets – an attractive and well-structured interface, its extensive support for all the most common audio file formats and for all ID3v1 and ID3v2 tags, a wide variety of automated tagging and renaming processes and, finally, the fact that it is a free tool.
TagScanner offers you all the features you need to effectively tag, rename, organize, and classify your music collection. It supports not only MP3, but also Ogg, FLAC, WMA, M4A, APE, WavPack, and AAC files, among others, and it allows you to edit, add, and replace tags either manually or by importing them from existing online databases (such as freedb or Amazon), including the album artwork and the lyrics (when available).
The program’s interface is neatly organized in various tabs, and all the information is clearly distributed into two main panels – one for the audio tracks, and another one for all features and settings involved in the selected task. You can add, delete, and modify any tag manually in the Tag Editor tab, and import new tags from selected online databases and sites using the Tag Processor option. The Music Renamer tab allows you not only to use the information stored in the existing tags to batch-rename the file names of your music collection, but also to organize all your audio tracks in neatly-named folders.
Finally, TagScanner offers you full support for audio playlists and tag lists. The List Maker tab offers you tools not only to export your tags into text-based files, but also to create audio playlists (such as M3U) and to produce HTML or CSV “catalogs” of your entire music collection. It is always very gratifying to come across free software tools that go beyond the functionality and the interface design offered by so-called “professional” commercial tools.
Download TagScanner
Download TagScanner Portable
Virtual DJ Home VirtualDJ Home is the free version of the most popular DJ mixing software of the same name, used by professionals. It has a few limitations compared to the pro version, but it is capable of mixing audio and videos yielding somewhat professional result.
With this program, users can start creating basic mixing compilations; and even though it’s not really a program for novices, it’s intuitive and can be learned fast.
Although the free version doesn’t support playlist saving, microphone input, separate audio decks or full-resolution video output, it’s still quite full-featured DJ software and it works great. Among the useful tools included, users can find the cue, loop, pitch, scratch, shift and other features.
VirtualDJ’s interface consists of two mixing consoles with turntables, and at the bottom there’s a tabbed multifunctional panel where users can browse tracks, sample music bits, add effects, and make recordings.
The free version works very well with popular usb turntables and decks.
Download Virtual DJ Home