Prism Video Converter
Prism is video conversion software published by NCH Software available[1] for Windows and Macintosh Operating Systems. It offers users the ability to convert AVI, ASF, DVD, FLV, QuickTime, MP4, MPEG-PS and any other video formats[2] using Microsoft DirectShow to another video format. It allows users to set the compression/encoder rates, resolution and frame rates of output files. "Supports all of the popular multimedia devices including PSP, iPod, MP4 players and mobile phones",[3] and has been referenced by The New York Times as a “commercial software with faster conversion speeds and more features” when used to convert video files.[4]
Developer(s) | NCH Software |
---|---|
Initial release | 2007 |
Stable release | 6.03 (Windows)
6.08 (macOS) / January 2020 |
Written in | C++ |
Operating system | Windows, macOS |
Available in | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean |
License | Proprietary Software |
Website | www |
Features
Prism supports HD and high compression for smaller files. Users can configure encoder options to customize their video output, and color can be optimized by applying a filter. Prism can convert individual files or multiple files at once using batch mode, and can convert from any non-copyrighted DVD disc to any of the supported video formats. Prism supports a command line mode[5] for automated file conversions.
Users
Many educational institutions and government offices offer Prism for download to their students[6] or staff,[7] and many also provide instructions on how to use Prism for students/staff,[8] or how-to sites for general knowledge.[9]
Controversy
Previously, Prism and other NCH products came bundled with optional browser plugins like the Conduit[10] and Chrome toolbars, which sparked complaints from users and triggered malware warnings from AV software companies like Norton and McAfee. NCH has since removed all toolbars, browsers, and 3rd party app offerings in all program versions released after July 2015.[11]
Supported formats
Input
Prism supports files in the following container and file formats:
3GP, ASF, AVI, Matroska, WebM, MP4, M4V, QuickTime File Format, MPEG-PS, VOB, Ogg, OGM, DV, FLV, Smacker video, MOD
The following video coding formats are supported:
MPEG-4 Part 2, H.263, H.264, Huffyuv, Indeo 3, VC-1, WMV.[12] If Prism is unable to decode a format, it will ask permission to download the libavcodec library file to expand the number of formats it can read.[13]
See also
References
- "Prism Product Page". www.nchsoftware.com. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
- "Prism Review (supported formats)". www.real.com. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
- "CNET Prism Video Converter". cnet.download.com. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
- "New York Times Personal Tech". newyorktimes.com. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
- "FAQ Command Line Usage". www.nchsoftware.com. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
- "Kent University Library Guides". libguides.library.kent.edu. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
- "Department of Veteran Affairs". www.va.gov. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
- "The Tablet blog at NUS". blog.nus.edu.sg.
- "How To Use Prism". www.wikihow.com. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
- "NCH toolbars". www.shouldiremoveit.com. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
- "NCH Software Safety Guarantee". www.nch.com.au. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
- "Prism Video Converter Supported Codecs". www.nchsoftware.com. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
- "Additional Decoding Options". www.nch.com.au. Retrieved November 2, 2016.