Video Conversion Programs
One of the most common challenges facing the users of Windows Movie Maker (WMM) is the need to convert their video files into a WMM compatible file format. Fortunately, there are many video conversion programs available for doing this. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any comprehensive listing of these conversion programs to allow WMM users to determine which one(s) may be best suited to meeting their needs. This web page was created in an attempt to address this void.
The list below was prepared by doing an internet search plus a search of download.com and videohelp.com. The results of these searches were then "screened" to identify those video conversion programs that were currently available as "freeware" and that run under the Windows operating system. This list was then reviewed to determine whether they met the following criteria:
- Program supports direct conversion to a WMM compatible file format (i.e., .wmv, DV-AVI, MPEG-1 or an .avi file encoded with a "MM friendly" codec) with no requirement for any pre or post processing or the separate installation of any other software or codec bundles
- Program does not require use of scripting or command line commands
- Program supports conversion of three or more source file types to a Movie Maker compatible file type (three or more was chosen as a somewhat arbitary threshold in an attempt to identify those converters that might be viewed as "general purpose")
No attempt was made to download and run each converter to support a more definitive judgement for that converter. The judgements are based on my "best" but often limited understanding of the capabilities of these converters. No guarantee is made as to the accuracy of these judgements; other individuals with a more in-depth understanding of the capabilities of a given converter could make a different judgement. You are advised to conduct your own research to confirm whether or not a given converter will satisfy your specific needs.
Those criterion that a given converter failed to meet are highlighted in red while those that it met are highlighted in green in the table below.