Free (but safe) file converter...

[TiggerToo]

... to convert video files (e.g. MP4 to .avi or .mpeg): does such thing exist?

Everything I tried so far gives an WARNING on my Symantec antivirus

 

[billcole]

I think VLC media player can do that, and is very widely used and respected

 

[Ehecatl]

Try Freemake video converter

 

[mcetap]

I've found Handbrake (http://handbrake.fr) to be the best "safe" free video converter.

 

[jbweston]

I've found Handbrake (http://handbrake.fr) to be the best "safe" free video converter.

Me too. It works well.

 

[agurney]

... to convert video files (e.g. MP4 to .avi or .mpeg): does such thing exist?

Everything I tried so far gives an WARNING on my Symantec antivirus

FFMPEG
It converts pretty much any video format to any other, with full control over such things as bitrate and resolution.

Free and open source, and works on multiple platforms.

 

[st599]

FFMPEG
It converts pretty much any video format to any other, with full control over such things as bitrate and resolution.

Free and open source, and works on multiple platforms.

Handbrake is a Front end to FFmpeg.

Although to change from a .mp4 to a .mpg or .avi doesn't require any control over bitrate or resolution as they're all just file formats.

 

[agurney]

Handbrake is a Front end to FFmpeg.

Although to change from a .mp4 to a .mpg or .avi doesn't require any control over bitrate or resolution as they're all just file formats.

..but that ability is very useful if the intention is to also, for example, produce a smaller file that you can email.

I've never tried Handbrake, I usually do my conversions in batches from a script in Linux.

 

[Burnham Bob]

I use DVD Videosoft Freestudio - its a complete set of tools for youtube downloads, video conversions and edits and transfers, dvd and cd burns, mp3s etc. its virus free BUT BUT BUT when you install choose 'custom' and untick the boxes otherwise you'll install 'bonus software' which whilst not malware is not something you need - it might change your home page etc

and every time you exit it will ask you to upgrade to the paid version but that is a minor niggle for such a useful set of tools

 

[LadyInBed]

I think VLC media player can do that, and is very widely used and respected

That's the one that I use. ?