I use Handbrake because it handles almost any kind of file. The interface can be somewhat daunting initially. I have a few others on my hard drive but use then if I'm working with specific kinds of files.
Nick is right though we need a rough idea of the types of video files being converted.
Specifically for me, it's a YESVIDEO file .VOB, for this project. Have DVD and internet access to these about 3 hours worth of recently digitized 8 millimeter films, but iMovie does not recognize that file type, no way no how. Wouldn't mind buying because I also have some old mwavs and .MOV's from all these various devices we have used over the years. What's the best converter that iMovie can talk to?
I use both VLC, and Handbrake, both previously mentioned. I haven’t had an issue with either of these in quite some time. But, older versions of Macs and OS X, I used, Perian, Flash, Flip4Mac, Shockwave, Silverlight, etc.
There are a number of video converters in the Mac App Store in addition to apps not found there such as Handbrake and VLC. Many of the programs in the App Store are free. Free programs are possible because they are often relying on the same program libraries just with a different wrapper (GUI).
I actually have several converters on my hard drive because sometimes one program will balk at a file while another program works with the same file.
Dennis, IIRC older versions of VLC did indeed allow one to save a conversion. Unfortunately, I've been unable to get this feature to work with more recent versions.
One way to get at those options is to use the stream/transcode wizard. The version I have now (2.2.4 I think) seems to be working for saving. I'll know shortly. This save didn't involve a transcode though.
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