QTAmateur is not iPod-focused - Splasm Software

QTAmateur is a good alternative to purchasing QuickTime Pro strictly for its media conversion capabilities, and is also a good way to enjoy full-screen video playback. Unlike Podner, however, QTAmateur is not tightly-focused on iPod video conversion, and lacks many of the features that make the process in Podner a simple drag and drop.

Here's a short list of what Podner can do beyond QTAmateur's simple file conversion feature:

1. Automatic scaling to iPod-compatible resolutions. Users do not need to calculate the proper resolution for their videos - Podner does it automatically. And, Podner gets it right - unlike other iPod video tools that are off by several pixels, or worse.
2. MPEG muxed audio support. QuickTime Pro and most QuickTime applications cannot export from MPEG muxed audio, but Podner can. Podner also employs a couple of techniques for better MPEG muxed audio synchronization than other utilities.
3. Quality control. Podner allows users to select preset quality levels, saving them the trouble of customizing the standard MPEG-4 export component. QuickTime Pro provides no iPod-compatible H.264 export options other than the Movie to iPod (320x240) export component, so its users are limited to a single preset quality level.
4. Respect for DV and HDV pixel aspect ratios. QuickTime Pro and most QuickTime applications ignore pixel aspect ratio, such as in standard DV, where the image appears at 720x480 instead of its true 655x480. This leads to a noticeably stretched image. Podner honors the pixel aspect ratio for distortion-free results.
5. DV deinterlacing. QuickTime Pro can deinterlace DV via its Show Movie Properties feature, but it will not deinterlace properly when deinterlacing and scaling are performed in the same export to a regular MPEG-4 container. Podner ensures deinterlacing takes place, per the user's preferences.
6. Cropping. QuickTime Pro can crop, but it's a painful experience. Podner makes the cropping process simple and intuitive by letting the user draw a rectangle over the actual video image to designate the part they wish to include in the final output.
7. Custom export to iPod-compatible H.264 and H.264 multipass. QuickTime Pro and most QuickTime applications cannot output iPod-compatible H.264 from any export component other than the non-configurable Movie to iPod (320x240). Podner allows the user to specify export parameters in the standard MPEG-4 export component, and if they are within the iPod's specs the output will be iPod-compatible.
8. iMovie HD project support. Users can drag iMovie HD projects directly to Podner.
9. Poster frame selection. Users may select the poster frame that appears in iTunes and other QuickTime applications.
10. iTunes integration. By default, Podner arranges for its output to be sent directly to iTunes, where it will appear in the Podner playlist.

It's these features, and more, that make Podner a good friend for iPod owners and others who need to create iPod-compatible video clips. It also comes in handy for general MPEG-4 and H.264 conversion, as well as adding files to iTunes that it just won't allow, such as AVI and WMV. Free is good, but friendly can be better. Give Podner a try and decide for yourself whether its features, quality, stability, compatibility and support level are worth the modest investment.

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Saturday, March 25 2006 @ 05:30 PM PST