VideoVangelist for Mac (Updated 5 Dec 2009)
I noted in my post for Handbrake that it lacked the ability to convert a video file into a DVD. While this would normally be a non-issue since I watch my personal videos directly on my computer, it’s nice to be able to share some videos with others where a computer isn’t the optimal viewing device.
That’s where VideoVangelist kicks in. It’s really simple: either drag-and-drop or use the Open menu to select you video(s), select you preferred output (there are tons of presets including iPod, Xbox 360, PS3, Flash, and of course DVD) and then just press Start. If there are more advanced features, it will prompt you when you enter the file name. It’s really nice that you can have it either just create the VIDEO_TS files, create a burnable ISO, or just have it burn the DVD automatically. The flexibility of the software is what makes it amazing.
There are only two flaws I find with the program. First, it’s Mac-only, so there’s no way I could use it on Windows or Linux. Second, if I want to get really technical with the settings, some of the advanced settings that Handbrake provides aren’t there.
Overall, I love VideoVangelist. Oh, I almost forgot- it’s totally free, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
Update 5 December 2009: As Leeward mentioned in the comments, it looks like Whimsplucky Software, the developer of VideoVangelist, has closed its doors. You can still get the software, now at the updated Download.com link, but there will not be any updates coming to this application.
December 5th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Thanks for the heads up.
Being a windows refugee, I’ve been looking for a tool that is comparable to mediacoder.
Something that converts audio, video, together or individually, into various formats.
I always found mediacoder’s UI horrrible though.
It would be nice to see handbrake, or some other code, expanded into the multimedia “swiss army knife” of the mac world.
While videovangelist doesn’t fit the bill, it sounds like good tool to have.
At least until someone comes out with a combined audio/video tool.
December 5th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Both links you provided are dead. the Versiontracker site’s download link, which link to the “WimsPlucky Software” site, which is still down.
I found Videovangelist 2.1.6 at this site:
http://www.videohelp.com/tools/VideoVangelist/old-versions
site looks interesting too. appears to have an archive of video based apps
December 5th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Well damn…. from the description on that videohelp site…. it appears that Development of Videovangelist has stopped….
December 5th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Quote from the site…
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, Whimsicaly Plucky Software has to close it’s doors.I’d ike to take this opportunity to thank al of the users of BackityMac, RadiioRocker, DochChanger and VideoVangeist for their patronage. There is a possibility we may open the doors again one day.Until then I’ve updated all the products to remove all registration requirements and they are all now FREE.Any versions previous to these listed will no longer activate. No further support for the products will be offered.”