Which programs are the best for file conversion?

leeward

I have not seen a thread in which Uploaders can voice their opinions about video quality vs file size. The new rationator rules force me to discover some information as to the kinds of software available for efficient file conversions.

(And for the Leechers who download full-length videos, what are your preferences as to the optimal file size(s) for each video hour. Do you watch on 15" screens or larger? What are your preferences for sound quality, MP3 over AC3? Do you care?)

For the Uploaders, what program(s) do you use to convert full-length videos? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

If you do care to post, lets have some information:

Program Min System Req Supported Input Files Supported Output Files

Codec(s) used Conversion time(s) per original video hour Freeware or Payware

Output video quality : Resolution (sharpness)
Color saturation
Color balance (accuracy)
Contrast range
Black level
Pixelation
Blocking
Staircase (edge) artifacts
Judder artifacts (stutter)
Panning artifacts

Output Audio quality Frequency range
Dynamic range

I know, most of you dont care, and will say I know video quality when I see it, just like (male) porn. Most of you will also say, What are you cra*y? I actually have a life.

But since so much effort is being put into this stuff, let's do some analytical survey. And you can alert us of any new developments, too - like high definition conversions.

leeward

Regarding the DX50 codec (DivX 5/6) and the Xvid 1.1.2/3 codec used in converting the vob file to an avi container, there is a difference. In videos shot using high definition cameras, such as the recent ones from Falcon, Bel Ami and RSS, there is sufficient video information within the standard definition format to confirm a visible difference.

In brightly lit, high contrast scenes, the better codec to use is the DX50. DX50 maintains the sharp, snappy look, keeping the bright white details and minimal staircase edge artifacts. Xvid 1.1.2/3 on the other hand, shows glare in the high whites and a greater decrease in the contrast range. The Xvid codec makes what should be a bright outdoor shot look as if we are seeing it through dark sunglasses. Surprisingly, the same advantage goes for dark scenes. I find that DX50 maintains the black level details better than the Xvid 1.1.2/3.

Where Xvid 1.1.2/3 excels are in the mid-tone, indoor scenes with evenly lit, studio lighting. In those scenes Xvid 1.1.2/3 brings out the creamy, high color-saturated look to skin tones.

Hence, you will see that I used the Xvid codec in Cross Country Part 1; whereas in Cross Country Part 2, where there are high-contrast scenes, particularly in the final bright-sun, on-the-boat scene, I used the Divx codec.