VCDCut Pro

Digital video is quickly becoming the medium of choice online, guaranteeing in turn that video tools are multiplying rapidly. VCDCut Pro bills itself primarily as a video player, but in fact a wide range of other features make it better suited for people who want to do more than just watch. After a lengthy installation process, which can involve downloading additional files from Microsoft's site, the software offers a variety of options. Videos in many of the standard, non-proprietary formats can be viewed, but the program also allows users to view a video as a slide show, make screenshots, send a video as a simulated Webcam feed, and even copy DVDs into the AVI format. All the major functions are highly configurable and presented in a way that's fairly easy to understand. However, trial restrictions get in the way of the most basic video-watching feature, requiring a video to be shown in double-screen format. All told, we'd argue that anyone seeking only a video player should look for a more focused tool, but Web junkies who want more power to manipulate video might well find this useful.