CNET Editors' review
Prism is a shareware video file converter from NCH Software. It can convert files from and to most common formats, including AVI, MPG, VOB, WMV, and FLV, singly or in batches, and it also converts any file format based on a DirectShow codec into AVI and WMV files. Basically, if you can play it with Windows Media Player, you can convert it with Prism, according to the developer. It also fetches and converts files directly from DVDs and multimedia devices.
Prism's gridded main view and control icons have the familiar look of most such tools, largely dictated by function and efficiency. Icons labeled Add Folder, Add DVD, Remove, Remove All, Play, and Convert hardly need much in the way of an explanation, and we quickly added an MPG file from our library to the program's convert list. Beneath the main view, we could browse to and select an output folder and format for our converted videos. Clicking Encoder Options called up a small dialog labeled AVI Encoding Settings with settings for video and sound compression standards as well as digital audio frequency and sample rate in both mono and stereo formats. The Video Options dialog let us resize the video and change the frame rate, while the Effects suite let us adjust brightness, contrast, and gamma; apply filtering; and add text for a title or captions in a font color of our choosing. Once we'd made all our choices, we clicked Convert, and Prism quickly processed our file and saved the finished job in our chosen folder. When we clicked on our converted video, it opened and played normally, to our eyes a perfect copy of the original.
Of course, there are many free video converters out there, and they do a good job too, so why would you buy Prism? Pro users have certain expectations of pro-level tools, and Prism certainly seems to meet them. However, NCH is apparently well aware of the competition since conversion to AVI and WMV formats is still free after the shareware's 14-day trial expires. That makes Prism an attractive choice for the multitude of users who really only want to convert videos into a format they can view anyway. It also integrates with NCH's other tools via the Toolbox utility.
Editors' note: This is a review of the full version of Prism Video File Converter 1.61. The trial version is limited to 14 days.
Publisher's Description
From NCH Software:
Prism is a universal video file converter for Windows. It can convert video files from avi, mpg, vob, wmv, flv, 3gp and more into avi, 3gp, flv, mp4, mpg, asf or wmv files. Converts avi, mpg, vob, asf, wmv, mp4, ogm and all video formats that have a DirectShow based codec to AVI and Windows Media Video formats. Load multiple formats and convert to a single output format. If you can play the video file using 'Windows Media Player', you can convert it using Prism. Supports all of the popular multimedia devices. Preview original files and output results before converting. Add video files directly from DVDs. Set compression/encoder rates of output files. Set resolution and frame rate of output files. Set a specific size of output files. Conversion to AVI and WMV continues to be free after 14 days.
What's new in this version: Version 1.82 improved overall operation.
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All versions:
3.4 starsout of 133 votes
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Current version:
1.9 starsout of 8 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-8 of 8
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"was good at first, but now im not sure"
Version: Prism Video File Converter 1.82
Pros
converted files quicker than other software i tried....
once the conversion settings were set right it worked perfect..Cons
i used this product for about two years and had the full purchased version... recently i had to restore my laptop and reinstalled this from the ORIGINAL installer that i had saved on my HD... it told me it was only a trial and i needed to purchase again..... i didnt bother and instead after the trial had ended i switched to the free version.... WITHOUT ASKING IT CHANGED MY HOMEPAGES AND SEARCH TO SOMETHING ELSE...... i cannot actually remember what it was, so i wont badmouth a company incase im wrong,, but it took a LOT of messing around to get rid of it and lost me bookmarks and saved pages. then, because i had deleted the relevant search folder from the prism folder it reverted me back to the trial , instead of the free one.....
Summary
if you get it setup right then its good...... but be carefull of the sting in this ones tail.
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"Very bad user terms"
Version: Prism Video File Converter 1.82
Pros
Dont know, wasnt willing to try the program even after reading their lousy term of use!
Cons
Reading the below scared me away really. Also others offer one time fee for all future upgrades while this cost the same amount but is requiring you to pay for updates! If it cost much less this could be acceptable but not at this price range.
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Q. What restrictions apply to the license?
If the license is named as an "Installation License" the main restriction is you need to purchase one license serial number for each computer that the program runs on.
Can I move the software or reinstall the software in future?
Within reason - yes. As long as the software does not continue to run on the old computer you can install the software on a new computer. As a piracy control measure we do limit the number of reinstalls to 2 times in any 12 month period.
Note: we do run an anti-piracy system which can detect multiple installs. But as long as the software (with one serial number) runs on one PC at any one time, you will not have problems.
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Same as cons, bad pricing and term of use scared me away. I want to be able to install & uninstall how many times i want!!! it something i payed for. Also no full image is give but internet download which i hate.
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"Crapware installed - difficult to remove again"
Version: Prism Video File Converter 1.82
Pros
The program itself is fine.
Cons
A "on-demand-installer" to a load of crap is also installed.
I can see that this program itself have crashed peoples entire Windows installations.
It messes up your program-menu and also installs hooks in other programs.
The "on-demand-installer" installs all kinds of software without your explicit consent.Summary
STAY AWAY. Find another program to use.
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"Crashed my computer"
Version: Prism Video File Converter 1.82
Pros
Looked really nice in the review
Cons
Not blaming it on this entirely, but I downloaded this and then 1 minute later my computer frooze and then crashed.
Summary
Wouldn't get it
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"Horrible Audio"
Version: Prism Video File Converter 1.82
Pros
none, won't do what I need.
Cons
Horrible audio converting .MOV to WMV. Even playing my MOV video from my camera the audio is a loud screaming scratchy sound. When I play it with my Quicktime, it is perfect. So on to the next freeware.
Summary
Horrible audio converting .MOV to WMV.
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"SPAM and crapware! Avoid all NCH products."
Version: Prism Video File Converter 1.82
Pros
It does convert video files when it is not busy infecting your system.
Cons
Installs itself maliciously on yours system, and tries to install other crapware from NCH software. Once installed there software is difficult to remove and finds ways to reinstall itself.
Summary
Spamware and crapware. Avoid all products by this company.
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"Worked exactly as advertised."
Version: Prism Video File Converter 1.82
Pros
It's all good.
Cons
None that I have experienced as of yet.
Summary
I like it a lot.
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"Good, but I could do without the spam."
Version: Prism Video File Converter 1.82
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Poor output quality
InvasiveSummary
I really do not appreciate being forced to go back to the company's website each time I close the program. Another reviewer said that Prism will open itself up unasked, and if this kind of garbage starts on my laptop you can bet this review will go from three to one stars. Don't claim to be free if you're really not.
Still, I was able to convert a file for a homework assignment like I needed to, so it's not completely useless. It doesn't seem to be much of a resource hog, either.
Results 1-8 of 8
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