Avi Converter

Just like any file on your computer videos come with corresponding extensions to be compatible with players. The variety of formats is because of different quality settings and encoders used, with some requiring special codecs to be played. However, Avi Converter aims to help you out and convert different video types into a popular format, such as AVI.

The application doesn't stand out from the crowd through visuals, but the overall simplicity of the design quickly gets you up and running. A table displays all files you import, with thorough details provided, as well as several tabs to handle video and audio output parameters.

File support is decent, with formats like MP4, ASF, QT, VOB, RM, FLV, MOV, WMV and 3GP being suitable targets. However, you can't just drag files over the main window to get them ready for processing, nor can you select more than one through the open dialog.

A default destination folder can be set so you're not asked each time you perform a conversion. Options at your disposal cover various areas, both for audio and video layers. You can pick the preferred codec, framerate, aspect ratio, size, bitrate, number of channels, as well as sampling frequency.

There aren't any preset profiles to quickly convert to a specific type, compatible with some mobile devices, for instance. What's more, the only output format is AVI, which is a shame considering the diversity of files you can load.

It all seems like fun and games, but truth is revealed a few minutes after pressing the “Convert” button. Sadly enough, the main purpose is not achieved and regardless of quality settings, codecs used, video length or format, we couldn't manage to convert a single file. There aren't any errors or prompt messages, with progress getting stuck at zero percent.

On an ending note, Avi Converter came packed with a lot of potential, but literally got stuck when it was its time to shine. It's not just a disappointment, but all of its practicality is lost since the main purpose can't be achieved. Everything is highly-intuitive, with a large variety of settings, but future updates are the only solution of pulling it from the dust.