ffmpegX Editor's Review

ffmpegXis a tool that allows you to trans-code your video files.

The interface of this application looks simple, but in fact it provides you a lot of advanced functionalities. Basically, 'ffmpegX' is a well designed front end for several video tools. The processing is done by another application, 'ffmpegX Progress', that is opened only when you press the 'Encode' button. I still can't figure out why these applications don't have a 'close' button, which is grayed out.

Besides the distribution package, you may need to download some extra packages in order to use the full power of 'ffmpegX' . These packages can be distributed with 'ffmpegX' because of their Open Source licensing, but the application provides you the required steps so you can easily install those add-ons.

The list of input/ouput formats is decent. It can read video formats like: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, or MPEG-4, DivX, XviD, VOB (unencrypted), VIDEO_TS, MOV, DV, Real Video files, Flash video files, and even some audio formats. The list of supported input is not complete. The output list looks like this: DivX, XviD, MP4, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DV, MOV, 3GP, etc. Besides the decent support, the video and the audio configurations allow you to fine tune the parameters of the encoding quality.

The conversion works quite smooth. Usually the whole conversion process outputs the right thing. In some weird cases the whole process fails, but it reports it as a success. If you study the process information, then you may find out that went wrong.

'ffmpegX' also provides you a 'Options' area where you can change the behavior of this program. Unfortunately I couldn't find the option that should turn off the annoying sound which announces that the trans-coding is finished. It sounds like an annoying cash register.

The 'Tools' section provides you various functions. These features allow you to do some extra things besides the trans-coding, such as: dvd4 which re-compresses a VOB file within 4GB, some DVD authoring support, multiplex or demultiplex, join, fix a broken file, build a disk image with the VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS folders, add pulldown flags to a 3:2 aspect ratio of a NTSC film format, or convert a SVCD to DVD.

The application comes as a non-time limited trial, which has several features disabled. It doesn't have any other restrictions such as a nice and fluffy watermark. Registering the application, besides the support to the producer, also unlocks the full functionality, and it removes any registration prompt.

Pluses: it has a great support for various file types, it is quite easy to use while it manages to provide advanced functionality, it includes a set of tools that extends the trans-coding functionality.

Drawbacks / flaws: the lack of the 'close' button for the used applications; annoying sound that can't be turned off.

In conclusion: this is one of the best video encoders for Mac OS X. The producer offers the trial without any time and video alteration limitations, so you can enjoy this application with minimal restrictions. Anyway, you can support the producer at any time.

version reviewed: 0.0.9x r2