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Microstock Footage Forum => Video Equipment / Sofware / Technique => Topic started by: Yay Images Billionaire on February 12, 2015, 23:23

Title: Beware of Super Video Convertor
Post by: Yay Images Billionaire on February 12, 2015, 23:23
On previous threads about useful video conversion software I have often mentioned Super as being a great simple program to convert any video formats. I am taking that advice back and just want people to know in case they try it.

I used Super for the last 6 or 7 years, and I have always been happy with it (Granted that I was converting non-critical videos from my crappy SD cameras).

I used it for the first time again last week when I wanted to convert videos to IS format (A codec not supported by my now standard batch convertor in Corel Video Studio). The latest version comes with bundled malware and adware that is a PITA to remove. I went through four spyware programs and eventually reset Firefox to get rid of everything.

It includes OpenCandy which pops up ads around the borders of your browser, and MySearchStart, a browser that just links to other browsers. Both of these took me hours to remove.

In addition, this was the first time I used it to convert to the MJpeg format. And the output was terrible. I didn't check the files after converting; I just uploaded them straight to IS, as I was pre-occupied with removing the crap from my PC. Only when IS sent me Deactivation letters to say the files were approved in error and the quality was not good, did I go back and check. And they were indeed awful pixelated messes.
Title: Re: Beware of Super Video Convertor
Post by: Difydave on February 13, 2015, 06:49
Don't know the software, but a lot of the well known download sites that offer downloads of free software put it in "installers" that can also install all sorts of adware and malware. Best to see if you can download direct from the maker, or at least check on Google to see if the site you are DLing from is free of fleas.



Title: Re: Beware of Super Video Convertor
Post by: Niakris on February 13, 2015, 07:03
Also make sure you always choose "Custom installation" or something similar and carefully disable all additional software installation checkboxes.
Title: Re: Beware of Super Video Convertor
Post by: PeterChigmaroff on February 13, 2015, 14:11
I've never heard of it. There's MPEG Streamclip and others that have good reputations. Not sure why you would go with something as esoteric as Super Video Convertor.
Title: Re: Beware of Super Video Convertor
Post by: Yay Images Billionaire on February 16, 2015, 03:47
Also make sure you always choose "Custom installation" or something similar and carefully disable all additional software installation checkboxes.

I usually do that with any installs, but this one conveniently had the custom install option grayed out... That should have been a red flag, but since I've been using it for years I gave it the benefit of the doubt.