Video file formats: part three

Understanding video file formats - Part Three

Converting Files

Converting video files from one format to another can be done with the aid of free online tools, such as Prism’s Video Converter, though many other solutions will cost you.

There’s also a free online service called Zamzar that converts files for free over the web. The advantage of this is that you can direct it to web pages where the video is hosted rather than downloading the video yourself. It also makes it easier to share the video with your friends. However, you’ll be limited by file size – 100MB is the upper limit for this service.

DVD decoders

Though you can play DVDs on your PC using free applications such as RealPlayer and Windows Media Player, you won’t get all the features of dedicated DVD player software programs such as PowerDVD (www.cyberlink.com) and Sonic’s CinePlayer (www.sonic.com). These features include full-screen video playback controls, DVD chapter listings and integrated cover art.

If you want to turn Windows Media Player into a more fully featured DVD player, download the free plug-in from Microsoft (www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/plugins.aspx). However, if you’re running Windows Vista, most editions will give you a fully functional DVD player with Windows Media Player, though the Home Basic edition doesn’t have this feature.