14 DAY TRIAL // We have already reviewed several applications from Digiarty Software in the past, a developer that specializes in video conversion applications, and this time we're evaluating and reviewing version 5 of WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe.
As the name implies, this program is primarily designed to create HD videos. It features an attractive and user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of output profiles apart from HD video, including for media devices and publishing on social networking websites. The utility comes with standard and advanced settings alike to meet the requirements of users from both groups, along with intuitive video editing features, a downloader for YouTube clips and a photo-to-video converter.
NOTE: The version provided for the giveaway promo is called WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe World Cup Edition. Since this is a limited edition and has the identical feature-set as WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe, we are using the latter name in this review.
The trial runs for 15 days and the only limitation is that a watermark is automatically embedded in the output videos. After this period, users may purchase the full package for $31.95 / €23.74 (temporarily discounted from $49.95 / €36.95, VAT not included).
The installer is unwrapped quickly. When it comes to the interface, HD Video Converter preserves the same look, structure and most options that we have previously seen in our review for WinX DVD Ripper Platinum, as well as most applications developed by Digiarty Software.
The app also integrates a feature for downloading YouTube clips from any URL and with a preferred profile. They can be either saved to the original format or converted into something else immediately afterwards. Photos may also be put together and transformed into videos with music (i.e. slideshow).
It is possible to consult video information to find out the total duration, file path, format, number of audio, video and subtitle tracks, along with audio and video properties, preview clips in a built-in media player and capture frames, use a high-quality engine when converting, activate safe mode and deinterlacing, as well as select the number of CPU cores to use.
The Good
Casual users may apply default settings when converting videos, while power users may customize the audio and video parameters, as well as edit the video (e.g. trimming, cropping, add subtitle).
WinX can download YouTube clips and (optionally) convert them automatically, and turn photos into videos with music.
We tested the tool on an Intel Core i5-3470 with CPU @3.20GHz and 12GB RAM, running on Windows 8.1 Pro. A 4.37 MKV movie with a duration of 1 hour, 34 minutes and 48 seconds was converted to TS HD video (MPEG2) in 29 minutes and 48 seconds. Default settings were applied. The conversion time was reasonable and the output quality was fair, while CPU and RAM consumption was minimal.
The Bad
It does not integrate an option for creating new output profiles with customized settings. The remaining time shown during conversion is inaccurate.
Although the first screen at startup suggests that the app is capable of reading movies from DVD discs, this is in fact inaccurate (clicking the button does not trigger anything).
The Truth
NOTE: Softpedia and Digiarty Software are giving away unlimited license keys for WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe World Cup Edition. Each key has a lifetime availability (does not apply to software upgrades), works for unlimited PCs, and must be activated before July 22, 2014. All you have to do is access this landing page to claim your reward. The deadline for this giveaway promo is Tuesday, Jun 24 at 15:00 UTC (8:00 a.m. PDT/PST).
Follow us on Twitter @spgiveaways to find out the latest Softpedia giveaway offers.
UPDATE: Giveaway over.
