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Provides: Video conversion

Format: Download

Developer: Squared 5

Minimum Requirements: Mac OS X v10.2, Quicktime 6 (other codecs as required for conversion)

Processor Compatibility: Universal

Retail Price: Free

Availability: Out now

Version Reviewed: 1.9

So, let's say you need to convert a video. Say you've shot something on a Sony DV-R camcorder (which records straight to disc as a playable DVD .VOB file), and you want to edit it in DV, or upload it to YouTube as an AVI to decrease the video artifacts. Or maybe you have a DivX file that you want to add to your video iPod. The number of video formats and compression techniques can make this a big headache... unless you have MPEG Streamclip, a freeware utility from Squared5 that makes it a snap.

The design is a dream of Mac elegance; you drop the video file onto the main window (MPEG Streamclip, despite its title, supports over 30 types of video and audio), select your in and out edit points (if desired), and then choose your conversion settings. You can set the format the file will become, which codec is used to compress it, the dimensions, and even rotate the video if you need to (a common problem in my house when using a digital picture camera to take video).

For users who need a particular adjustment, the program lets you get into such settings as contrast, brightness, et. al. under the "Adjustments" button. Really, the interface is a thing of beauty: it takes very technical choices and presents them to you in simple, easy-to-understand options and check-boxes. If you do the same sort of thing over and over (like transferring your videos to YouTube), you can create your own presets to go with the regular (and more high-end, HD focused) options the program uses.

Streamclip is something of a resource hog, which I noticed less on my Intel iMac than on my G4 Powerbook (for obvious reasons). Also, the program did have an odd problem with crashing: I would convert a video, then go back and try the same process again, only to have it suddenly quit without explanation. This was, however, an unusual occurance and happened only at the beginning of the conversion process, so it never caused me to tear out my hair because the job was 99% completed.

Obviously, you'll need the correct codec installed for whatever form you want to rip the video into, but Streamclip automatically detects the ones you have installed. Best of all, the program is free.

Strengths: Free. Easily converts between numerous video types.
Weaknesses: Occasional crashes. Converting video can be processor-intensive.

Bill's been using Macs since the late 80s. When he's not making smartass remarks to amuse Kirk Hiner, he enjoys fighting for the user.