May
Many of you are probably familiar with the major encoding systems available today, such as Sorenson Squeeze, Compressor, Adobe Media Encoder, Telestream Episode or Digital Rapids StreamzHD.
However, there are other software to consider including in our collection of encoding tools. Most of the ones listed below are free or very inexpensive, and more than once could get you out of problematic file conversion situations.
MPEG Streamclip
A free compression software, well known and loved among the world of editors. Among its functions we find the playback and conversion of files to multiple codecs and formats, the ability to cut or join videos and the ability to extract and convert videos from YouTube (about which we already talked in this tutorial).
These are the supported import 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 and AC3.
MPEG Streamclip is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. You can download it from this link.
HandBrake
It is a multiplatform and open source video encoder. Its main function is to output files in .mp4 and .mkv containers, encoded with H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2 or Theora.
It is also possible to encode audio, add subtitles and make chapter selections.
HandBrake is completely free and compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux. Here is the download link.
iSkySoft Video Converter
It converts to most standard formats and includes presets for some formats such as MP4, AVI, WMV and MOV.
Although there are different models, Video Converter is the free option and allows you to convert and download videos from different Internet platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, Vevo, etc. In addition, it is also possible to add subtitles, make adjustments to the image (aspect ratio, contrast, brightness, etc.) or insert a watermark.
The most advanced configuration, called iMedia Converter Deluxe, allows you to convert, copy and create DVDs. On this page you have all the information and you can buy or download Video Converter for free for Mac and Windows.
Flip4Mac
Flip4Mac is absolutely useful and necessary if you want to view, convert and export WMV files on Mac.
There are several models available; the free one allows you to play Windows Media videos using QuickTime. The next is Flip4Mac Studio ($49), which builds on this support to allow importing, exporting and even using other systems such as Compressor for this purpose.
If we want the export to be completely customized we will have to go to the Studio Pro HD model ($179). Here you can see, compare and purchase all of them.
Clip Wrap
This software from Divergent Media makes it easy to pack HDV (m2t) and AVCHD (mts, m2ts) files into QuickTime movies. According to its developers, the latest version is capable of encoding to ProRes faster than the Final Cut Pro editing system.
From this page you can download the trial or buy it for $50.
Magic Bullet Grinder
This is Red Giant ‘s tool for converting material recorded with popular DSLRs, importing H.264 files and converting them to editable codecs that you can work with.
Magic Bullet Grinder is only compatible with Mac OS X (10.5.8 or higher) and is priced at $49, although you can try it for 30 days for free. Here is the download link.
MacTubes
Although it is not an encoding system, it is an application that also deserves to be mentioned. It plays and downloads videos from YouTube, allowing you to create playlists for it.
It is free and compatible with Mac OS X (10.4.2 or higher). You can download it from here.
Video Comparison Tool
Finally, I would like to talk about Video Comparison Tool, a comparator of videos with the same content but encoded differently. The two videos can be dragged directly to the comparison window and move the visible portion of each one.
It can be downloaded from here for free, although it requires Adobe Air to be installed.
And if you feel lost among so many different software and file types, I recommend that you take a look at the next Codecs, Formats and Workflows Course.
*Original source: http://splicevine.com/compression-helper-apps/
