FormatFactory User Reviews

CNET Editors' Rating 3.5 stars

Very good

Average User Rating stars

out of 272 user reviews

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Results 11-20 of 272

  • 4.0 stars

    "Great product. Easy to use"

    January 28, 2013  |   By wharton

    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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  • 3.0 stars

    "Great software but comes with a terrible price"

    January 23, 2013  |   By red_romanov

    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.

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  • 1.0 stars

    "Are these ALL paid reviews?"

    January 20, 2013  |   By new48er

    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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  • 1.0 stars

    "Infected my BIOS!"

    January 12, 2013  |   By Monte5150

    Version: FormatFactory 2.70

    Pros

    Looked good. Looked legit. However...

    File (a 50.9 MB ZIP file) was virus scanned on download completion - passed.
    Just to be safe, I scanned the zip archive - safe.
    After extracting the sole exe file, I scanned it before running it - safe.
    This was with AVG free, latest updates)

    Something in the executable that *looks* safe is actually very dangerous!

    Cons

    Tried three conversions, all failed.

    This is what it did to my old 32 bit PC:
    1. PC got progressively worse as the worm first disabled UDMA from primary AND secondary IDE channels. I knew this because of the characteristic noises the drive makes in PIO mode (like a squeak).

    2. Then it went about creating bad blocks on my system drive. A WD drive utility I used via a system rescue CD confirmed this and corrected (erased) the bad blocks.

    3. It wiped my drives serial number, making it 0000-0000 as reported by same WD utility.

    So I enabled system BIOS boot change warning (virus) alarm and this simply confirmed my suspicions. On restart, there were the warnings of boot sector change request.

    My BIOS is still infected, but now contained.
    I'll have to re-flash it.

    Summary

    Lost a few days due to this "freeware" that I downloaded from the "official" site:
    http://www.pcfreetime.com/

    All because my lounge room DVD player is fussy on what type of AVI it's willing to play!
    See kids? Technology is evil >:

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  • 5.0 stars

    "A very good converter"

    January 8, 2013  |   By mangoglas

    Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1

    Pros

    minimal video quality loss, converts my 1280x720 video with no loss in size of video.

    Cons

    can convert a bit faster but I can live with it, it's free.

    Summary

    Has no problem converting my video files, never had any crash incidents and am very satisfy with the quality. A big thanks to the publisher.

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  • 4.0 stars

    "Good, but sometimes fails conversion"

    January 8, 2013  |   By tomysshadow

    Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1

    Pros

    It has sooo many features. It can also convert between Pictures. It has a Video Joiner which works very well, as well as an Audio Joiner, and Muxing (that is, dubbing the audio of a video and taking away the original). You can also choose a device to convert to. Not very glitchy either. It also can Crop videos, and start them from a certain time.

    Cons

    Not as many formats as SUPER by eRightSoft, just the most common. The MP4 conversion is perhaps the most questionable, as it converts, and plays properly in WMP, but when uploaded to Youtube, the video repeats itself twice, the second time without audio. It doesn't have DirectShow Decode, which might make it more reliable if they add it.

    Summary

    Definitely a worthy competitor with SUPER and good to have on your system for when you need it. This review is of version 2.60

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  • 5.0 stars

    "The best one out there in the format pack"

    January 6, 2013  |   By mdhauke

    Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1

    Pros

    Easy and simple to use, does not attempt to install bloatware.

    Cons

    Nothing significant, it does the job.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Great program"

    November 17, 2012  |   By cawalth

    Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1

    Pros

    Converts many different media files all in one. You don't need one for CD's another for DVD'x etc. It's all here in one package amd it's FREE!

    Cons

    Can't think of any.

    Summary

    Give it a try.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "It's all you need to convert your audio and video"

    November 14, 2012  |   By tmangio

    Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1

    Pros

    The program is very comprehensive

    Cons

    I have not come across any issues using it.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "I love it! Big thanks!"

    November 11, 2012  |   By J_VonD

    Version: FormatFactory 3.0.1

    Pros

    Efficient, fast, free, all formats! The newer version of the app even makes the MP4s hinted for streaming. I use it for FLV and MP4 encoding.

    Cons

    A little bit confusing when it comes to the layout.

    Summary

    Got to give 5 stars because it has produced great quality videos for my rss feeds.

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Results 11-20 of 272

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