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There are file converters for all kinds of different files, whether you're converting between different video, audio, or image formats. This might be the first time, however, that we've encountered a program that does all of the above. FormatFactory is an ambitious program that's capable of converting images, videos, and audio files between a number of different formats. Unfortunately, it's not exactly capable of delivering everything it promises.
FormatFactory has a straightforward, intuitive interface; a menu on the left lets users select video, audio, picture, or ROM Device\DVD\CD\ISO. The Advanced menu option even lets users join files together. To use FormatFactory, simply select the kind of file you want to work with, browse to your source folder, confirm the files you want to convert, and click Start. FormatFactory made pretty quick work of most of our files, but its performance wasn't flawless. At one point it inexplicably crashed as we were selecting the files we wanted to convert. When we attempted to convert an MPG to a GIF, something that FormatFactory allegedly permits, it went through the motions of processing but then revealed no actual change in the file. The program comes with a built-in Help file that's not particularly detailed but does contain screenshots to help new users navigate FormatFactory's features. If you need to convert, split, and merge files in a variety of formats, we definitely think FormatFactory is worth checking out. Just be aware that it doesn't always perform as expected.
FormatFactor installs a desktop icon without asking and leaves a folder behind upon removal.
FormatFactory - Convert popular video and audio - Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From Free Time:
Format Factory is a multifunctional media converter. Provides functions below: All to MP4/3GP/MPG/AVI/WMV/FLV/SWF. All to MP3/WMA/AMR/OGG/AAC/WAV. All to JPG/BMP/PNG/TIF/ICO/GIF/TGA. Rip DVD to video file , Rip Music CD to audio file. MP4 files support iPod/iPhone/PSP/BlackBerry format. Supports RMVB,Watermark, AV Mux. Format Factory's Feature: 1. support converting all popular video,audio,picture formats to others. 2. Repair damaged video and audio file. 3. Reducing Multimedia file size. 4. Support iphone,ipod multimedia file formats. 5. Picture converting supports Zoom,Rotate/Flip,tags. 6. DVD Ripper. 7. Supports 60 languages.
What's new in this version: Version 3.0.1 fixes a bug of "Video Mux", fixes install pack problem
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 269 votes
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Current version:
4.1 starsout of 18 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"SIMPLY AWESOME"
Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1
Pros
This program is simply awesome, i tried a few others before finding this one. and unlike the rest of the free programs this does it all!
well worth the time and effort, it's easy to useCons
well i have not found anything wrong, it lives up to what it claims
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"it worked quite well"
Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1
Pros
did exactly what i needed with no hassles. I recommend it, and will use it again, as it was much simpler than the majority of the free downloading converter software. I will always have this program on my computer
Cons
no hassles, none at all
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"Does its job very nice + it's free (ver 3.0.1)"
Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1
Pros
Converts videos from youtube to different video and audio formats easy, spotless and fairly quick,
Cons
Conversion of high-quality videos takes some time longer, but hey, it's free :)
Summary
People say that you can't chose whether to install toolbar or winzip or not. READ, don't just click. After the programs part of the installation is finished, it ASKS YOU to allow it installing Ask toolbar and winzip and you can choose not to.
All in all, it's a nice thing. 4.5/5 -
"Looking for Video Converters? Keep Looking"
Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1
Pros
None that I could find other than simple interface.
Cons
Could not get it to work - AT ALL.
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"Great Program"
Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1
Pros
Convert pretty much any format to any other format.
Cons
None that I've found.
Summary
I often record videos using xvidcap on Linux. Windows Media Player of course can't play these because it can't play anything. Since many non-technical users don't have VLC Player installed on their box, I use this to convert to WMV so they can play it in Windows Media Player. Some people are complaining about it coming with other crapware attached. There was one thing attached to it that has an opt-out button. Just don't keep clicking "Next" without reading what it says. Pay attention to what you're doing and it won't install crap on your computer.
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"Pretty good file conversions"
Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1
Pros
Friend gave me some avi files from his Samsung.
Would they load in Sony Vegas video editor?
NO
This program converted them into compatible wav files
No problems.Cons
none really obvious
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"Offers more than many paid programs"
Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1
Pros
Simple and easy to use, very extensive selection of formats and sizes.
Cons
None so far.
Summary
To complain it is you right. But then try and go to buy commercial
program. Maybe you will come back pretty fast cursing that you
had spilled money for nothing. -
"Great product. Easy to use"
Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1
Pros
Easy to use, simple
Cons
Wanted to change the output location and that was a bit confusing but I finally got it done.
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"Great software but comes with a terrible price"
Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1
Pros
Really good converter with flexible options of file types, codecs, and subtitles
Cons
Its forced installation of "crapwares" makes this more nuisance than a help to normal users.
Summary
I prefer this converter over any thing else because it can convert many media types (Video, Audio, Pictures, and CD/DVD/ISO) It supports many media types and its options are really flexible, especially it embeds the original subtitles into the output file perfectly.
At the first time I open the program, its bloated shiny interface looks like other shareware programs you can see all over the internet. But as I learned how to use it, it can be one of the best converter which comes as freeware.
Nevertheless, this software has big downsides, especially junk softwares which come bundled with it.
When a user installs it, it runs a setup file of Ask.com toolbar without any user's consent (and the user have completely no way of avoiding it) More importantly, for some release, is the notorious "V9". I presume some users installed FormatFactory without encountering this, but I am not so lucky. Although it was shown as an option, but the V9 installation occurs no matter which option the user takes.
The V9 does not only changes all browser's home page and search providers, but also changes the shortcut of browsers. This almost malware-like process proves difficult, not for only novice users but also for advanced users, to find out and remove it entirely.
My guess is, the developers are trying to make profit from these junk softwares in return for making this FormatFactory free. Maybe they does not think about its worldwide users, or they just don't know how to do it correctly.
The other notable issue I found is when I tried to delete "FFoutput" folder, which is the default conversion output, the explorer window closed mysteriously instead. I have to delete it using the command prompt. I suspect that FormatFactory makes change to the system.
These are some issues I have known so far, but not all of users encountered it (or even aware of it). Even so if you manage to get rid of these problems, this can be the converter of your choice. -
"Are these ALL paid reviews?"
Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1
Pros
Don't know...
Cons
Other websites have reviews that say this program auto-installs software on your pc, with no opt out. It used to put in the Ask.com toolbar, but now it is V9.com. Why isn't this mentioned at all here?
Summary
I don't want any malware or adware on my pc, so I will avoid this one!
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