Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
MediaCoder provides all the tools needed to convert audio and video clips, but it also adds a level of complexity that audiophiles will love. Casual users, however, will be confused and should steer clear.
The program's interface was helpful but also baffling. While it walks you through the setup process, it does so online, which was a bit odd and certainly different. Nevertheless, it coordinated the program setup in a few easy steps. We were able to convert our audio and video files into corresponding formats like MP3, MP4, AMR, WAV, and a few others. MediaCoder works with a single button, though the conversion took several minutes longer than we expected for a 6-minute file. Regardless, the results contained all the data of the original, with the media specifications we requested. The program offers a ton of special features that are great for the audio obsessive but a bit overwhelming for the casual user just looking to convert some files. Its head-spinning array of options are a dream for serious AV lovers and include everything from adjustable bit rates to picture and sound quality settings, and all with descriptions heavy on the jargon and technical terms,--just how they like it. Those seeking a simple, hassle-free converter should look elsewhere, but for users looking to customize files, MediaCoder is perfect.
MediaCoder is freeware.
Publisher's Description
From MediaCoder:
MediaCoder is an universal audio or video batch converter, which puts together lots of excellent audio or video codec's and tools from the open source community into an all-in-one solution, capable of coding among different audio or video formats. It contains many extra features and expandable architecture. MediaCoder is more than a GUI of a bunch of command line tools.
What's new in this version: Version 0.8.22.5500 fixed distributive encoding breakage Distributive mode supporting H.264 and VP8 encoding.
More Products to Consider
-
Get various codec's and tools for converting batches of audio a...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Burn the files and images on CD and DVD discs.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Create, edit, burn, mount, and encrypt CD, DVD, and BD image fi...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert CDs to MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, FLAC formats, convert audio ...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Emulate up to 18 DVD/BD drives.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Play video and audio files, convert to other file formats, burn...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert audio files between various formats.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Mix, scratch, and remix MP3 or music videos live.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert and backup DVDs to AVI, DivX, iPod, iPhone, iPad, WMV, ...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Get fast and flexible digital-media playback with access to sma...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert DVD movies to all the popular video or audio formats wi...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Cut desired parts from your MP3 files.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert FLAC audio files to MP3.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Rip CDs, convert audio files, and burn discs easily.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Take control over natural sounding and versatile filters to pro...Download
Installed
Smart Install - Take control over natural sounding and versatile filters to pro...Download
Installed
Smart Install -
Burn CD, DVD, and Blu-ray discs.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Make your drums more powerful with re-synthesizers.Download
Installed
Smart Install -
Edit, filter, and convert your video files.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Keep your sound levels in check with loudness meter.Download
Installed
Smart Install -
Rip data onto disk with this DVD-to-MPEG-4 ripper or converter.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert M4A/AAC into MP3/WAV format.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Make your drums more powerful with re-synthesizers.Download
Installed
Smart Install -
Play MPEG-4 movies with AAC sound with latest version of Apple'...Visit SiteThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
-
All versions:
3.1 starsout of 53 votes
-
Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
-
"Doesn't work like they say it should."
Version: MediaCoder 0.8.21.5395
Pros
* The subtitles of the converted file sync well.
Cons
* The "nagware" which is common with all freeware. You get what you (don't) pay for.
* The audio of the converted file doesn't sync with the video file.
* It won't convert movie-length files.Summary
You're better off getting a second computer and finding a way to connect it to your flat-screen TV. There's no point in having a so-called freeware that wastes your time and frustrates you.
-
"Gets the job done, but..."
Version: MediaCoder 0.8.18.5345
Pros
- MediaCoder works.
- It can and will convert multimedia files to a fair amount of other formats available.
- It's free. Well. Sort of.Cons
- It's batch processing is crippled via a nag screen that appears every 10 files converted.
- Close the program, and MediaCoder (the unregistered version, of course) will open a web site that's trying to sell you something.
- It's not your traditional 'Donation'-ware because of above mentioned nag screen.
- The GUI and the options are a bit confusing. There's a learning curve, here.Summary
MediaCoder is one of the best converters out there. And it might be worth your bucks, considering it gets the converter job done.
However, it has some limits in it's usage. When you are not willing or able to pay for it, you will bump into the nag screen more than once or twice. Which is annoying to say the least.
As for converting one file to another; it takes some time to understand where to find the correct options to convert a video in one format to another format. Some understanding of what you are trying to do, will help you a great deal with figuring out what to change in the options before conversion takes place. The end result will be what you expect of it.
If you lack any kind of knowledge about what sort of media files there are, what the best quality can be, and what to avoid when converting; MediaCoder isn't really for you.
Conclusion:
MediaCoder can get the converter job done. And does it very well, when you know what you are doing.
The unregistered version of MediaCoder is no fun to work with because of the nag screen that 'asks' for a donation or you must do a calculation to go on with your batch processing of files. It does this after every 10 files converted, with no exception. Every time you use MediaCoder. And after closing MediaCoder, it will open a commercial web site for you with some sort of offer.
If you are not willing or able to pay for it, than this is the price you must pay for a successful conversion job. You must decide if all this nagging is worth using MediaCoder.
On a side note:
MediaCoder might be Open Source, but it lacks all the charm of it. It doesn't 'feel' like an Open Source program at all. It's more like using any other commercial adware or nagware program. -
"A Good Converter But Bad With Ads"
Version: MediaCoder 0.8.1.5185
Pros
-Converts MOST Of Media Files Excellently
Cons
-Advertisement
-Nag Screen
-Bugs And HangsSummary
It Maybe A 4.5 / 5 If This Isn't A Nagware / Adware. But Since It Has A Bug PLUS Nagging Everytime It Converts 10 Videos, I Gave A 3 Stars.
-
"Works well"
Version: MediaCoder 0.8.1.5185
Pros
Fast transcoding of video files
Fairly straightforward to useCons
Sometimes 'hangs' at the last few frames of a video file and takes awhile to finish the job (typically showing 5 seconds remaining).
Summary
The website makes it clear that the installation file includes 3rd party software (open candy) and when installing you have the option to "not install" open candy. In other words "watch the screen and read the text".
Excellent free software that handles everything I've tried it with.
Version 0.8.1 Build 5200 -
"FLAC to MP3"
Version: MediaCoder 0.8.1.5158
Pros
needed to convert flac files to mp3. This does that job well. It is easy to use. Unlike others I've tried you can select the output bitrate. Free/ open source. So glad I found this. Looks like it does all kinds of other stuff too incl. video.
Cons
none at this time.
-
"Adware detected"
Version: MediaCoder 0.8.1.5158
Pros
Ok for a freebee
Cons
McAfee detected adware-OpenCandy.dll
Summary
Better off spending a few bucks on something better if you are serious about video manipulation.
-
"Didn't work - useless."
Version: MediaCoder 0.8.0.5032
Pros
Very funny. I entered NONE here and the form refuses to submit. "Please enter at least 10 characters". Well here's your 10 characters and more. There are no pros - only cons!
Cons
Didn't work.
Summary
Downloaded and installed.. worked through the wizard... and I kept getting nothing but errors so I gave up and uninstalled it. I just wanted to do one thing, convert an MTS file to MP4 or WMA, and it just didn't work.. took an incredibly long time to do some sort of processing and then just threw up an error.
-
"Doesn't Work; wait for next update"
Version: MediaCoder 0.7.5.4799
Pros
None. It installs properly but hangs on startup every time.
Cons
It fails to function at all. Hangs as a system tray app. Brings up a browser config window but that's as far as I get. Unintalling & reverting to 7.5.4797 works fine. Why go thru the trouble.
Summary
Wait till the next release; don't bother with this one.
-
"converting"
Version: MediaCoder 0.7.5.4797
Pros
works ok on some of my video projects
Cons
does not work well with sub titled videos.. at least the ones i have done
Summary
the program needs a tutor for converting with sub titles, over all the program work good. I only gave it a low score because there is a high learning curve on what settings you need to use to get the desired file and its size.
-
"I was never able to use it."
Version: MediaCoder 0.7.5.4795
Pros
Never got to use it.
Cons
Never got to use it.
Summary
I don't know if it was this or something else, but my computer crashed and I had to restore it to its factory settingd. Yes, I lost everything.
