Video format conversion software

I'm finding more and more occasions being asked to do things that involve converting videos from one format to another. Often, but not uniquely so, for inserting in a PowerPoint 2010 presentation. I invariably cobble together a solution, finding something that'll do a particular conversion, then next time that it's different formats that are involved.

I've got to the stage where I need to be better prepared. So I'd appreciate helpful suggestions on the best, especially the most versatile, software, be it free or commercial. If need be I'm happy to spend a reasonable amount - say <£40, on software.

If it''s relevant I'm running Windows 10 Pro.

Look no further.
If it's just simple format conversions you need, the basic £25 version will do you. I've used Xilisoft stuff for years and it just works although I've not used more recent versions.

I have used
http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/free-dvd-video-software.htm
but it does try to install 'other' things as you install it

also I remembered vlc has a convert function, which I just tried, seems ok too

http://www.freemake.com/
https://handbrake.fr
Both of these are free, and both worked for me. And if I can get them to work, ANYONE can

I vouch for Freemake too - and it will also do simple editing (in my very simple-minded case, cutting bits off the beginning and end, and occasionally cutting bits out of the middle too.) Oh, and slideshows too.

Another vote for freemake.

[Replying to most recent post for convenience]

Thanks for all the input, good food for thought and experimentation.

It's clear that video formats, conversion, etc. is something of a minefield. Given that I can't get PowerPoint 2010 to satisfactorily play MP4 files (with Quicktime installed) - it stutters unacceptably, though plays fine stand-alone, presumably the PowerPoint 2010 environment isn't working properly with QT. Thus the ability to convert files to .WMV format is essential in any converter.

I can't get Handbrake to create a WMV file - at least I can't see how to get it to do so.

Freemake easily and quickly creates a WMV file, and $9.99 to get rid of the Freemake header and trailer is not unreasonable, though PowerPoint can trim the video anyway.

Real Converter can create WMV but takes an age and all but cooks the CPU.

I haven't yet tried Xilisoft or DVDvideosoft.

Anyone know why PPT 2010 is unable to properly play MP4 files?

i had a quick search it seems upgrading from PP 2010 to 2013 fixed this issue for a lot of people i've seen nobody resolve it any other way yet though i'm not sure if thats a viable option for you.

I've been using 'video to video' for some time, not only for video but also as an excellent, free audio converter. It's totally free of spyware and malware (as long as you download from a reputable source as with all software) and covers more conversion options than I ever knew there existed. www.videotovideo.org

Post deleted by MrSaffron

Edited by karanprakash (Wed 12-Feb-20 07:46:46)

Free make is a good one for free. I recommend it