Total Video Converter: What It Does & How to Use It

Total Video Converter is a Windows desktop program that converts video and audio files between many formats, such as MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, MP3, and WAV. You add files, pick an output format, and click convert; the software then re-encodes the media so it plays on devices like iPhones, Android phones, game consoles, or media players. It also includes basic editing tools like trimming, cropping, and merging clips, plus the ability to extract audio from video.

Background and History

Total Video Converter was first released in the mid-2000s by EffectMatrix, a small software company. At that time, video formats were fragmented: DVDs used MPEG-2, early digital cameras produced MJPEG, and portable players each required their own codec. The program gained popularity because it supported a huge range of input and output formats, including obscure ones like 3GP for old phones and FLV for early web video.

The software has gone through several major versions. The current version, Total Video Converter 7, is a 64-bit application that supports 4K and even 8K video. Earlier versions were 32-bit and struggled with high-resolution files. The interface has remained fairly consistent: a main window with source file list, a format selection panel, and a large convert button.

How the Conversion Works

At its core, the program uses FFmpeg, an open-source multimedia framework that handles decoding and encoding. When you add a file, the software reads its container (like .mp4) and its codecs (like H.264 for video and AAC for audio). It then decodes the raw frames and re-encodes them according to your chosen output settings.

The conversion process involves three main steps:

Decoding: Reading the source file and extracting uncompressed video frames and audio samples.
Processing: Applying any edits you’ve made, such as cropping, adding subtitles, or changing resolution.
Encoding: Compressing the processed data into the target format using a specific codec and bitrate.

You can control the quality by adjusting the bitrate, resolution, frame rate, and codec settings. Higher bitrates produce better quality but larger files. The program also offers hardware acceleration using NVIDIA CUDA and Intel Quick Sync, which speeds up encoding on compatible graphics cards.

Key Features and Tools

Beyond simple conversion, Total Video Converter includes several practical tools that many users find useful:

Video editing: Trim, crop, rotate, add watermarks, and merge multiple clips into one file.
Audio extraction: Pull the soundtrack from a video and save it as MP3, WAV, or FLAC.
Subtitle support: Burn subtitles into the video or convert external subtitle files (SRT, ASS) to other formats.
DVD/Blu-ray handling: Convert DVD titles to digital files, though you must own the disc and it must not be copy-protected.
Batch conversion: Add hundreds of files at once and convert them all with the same settings.
Device presets: Choose from preconfigured profiles for iPhone, iPad, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, and other devices.

How to Choose the Right Output Format

Selecting the correct output format is the most important decision. If you are unsure, follow these general guidelines:

For general playback on computers and phones: MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio. This has the widest compatibility.
For editing in professional software: Use a lossless or high-bitrate intermediate like ProRes or DNxHD, if supported.
For archiving: Use MKV with H.265 (HEVC) to save space while preserving quality.
For uploading to YouTube or social media: MP4 with H.264, 1080p or 4K, and a high bitrate.
For old devices: Check the device manual for supported formats; often AVI with MPEG-4 or 3GP for very old phones.

If you are unsure, stick with MP4 (H.264 + AAC). It works almost everywhere, and you can always convert again later to a different format.

Common Problems and Solutions

Users often encounter a few recurring issues. Here are the most frequent ones and how to fix them:

Converted file has no sound: This usually means the audio codec is not supported by your player. Reconvert with AAC audio instead of, say, AC3 or DTS.
Video is choppy or out of sync: Lower the resolution or bitrate, or disable hardware acceleration if it causes issues. Also ensure your computer meets the minimum requirements.
Source file won’t load: The file may be corrupted or use a codec the program doesn’t support. Try playing it in VLC to check if it’s valid. If VLC plays it, try converting with VLC instead.
Conversion is very slow: Enable hardware acceleration in settings, close other programs, or reduce the output resolution.
Subtitles don’t appear: If you are burning them in, make sure the subtitle track is enabled and the encoding is set to “burn in” rather than “soft” subtitles.

Comparison with Other Converters

Total Video Converter is not the only option. Free alternatives like HandBrake and VLC Media Player can handle many conversions without cost. HandBrake is excellent for converting to MP4 or MKV and offers fine control over quality, but it does not support as many output formats (no AVI or WMV). VLC can convert but has a clunky interface and fewer options.

Paid converters like WonderFox and WinX HD Video Converter offer similar features at a similar price. Total Video Converter’s advantage is its broad format support and built-in editing tools. Its disadvantage is that the interface feels dated, and the software is Windows-only (no Mac version). For most users, HandBrake is sufficient; Total Video Converter is worth paying for if you need its specific format support or editing features.

Cost and Licensing

Total Video Converter is not free. The standard version costs around $45, and a professional version with more features costs about $59. There is a free trial that adds a watermark to output videos and limits some functions. The license is per-computer, so you cannot install it on multiple machines without buying additional licenses. The company occasionally runs discounts, so the price may vary. There is no subscription; you pay once and get updates for that major version.

Safety and Legality

Download Total Video Converter only from the official EffectMatrix website or a reputable software store. Some third-party download sites bundle adware or malware with the installer. During installation, uncheck any offers for extra software. The program itself is safe when obtained legitimately.

Legally, you can convert files you own or have permission to use. Converting copy-protected DVDs or Blu-rays bypasses encryption and may violate copyright laws in your country. The software does not include any tools to circumvent copy protection, so you cannot convert such discs directly. Always respect copyright and only convert content you have the rights to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Total Video Converter free?

No, it is paid software. The trial version is free but adds a watermark and has limited features. The full version costs about $45 for the standard edition.

Does Total Video Converter work on Mac?

No, it is only available for Windows. Mac users can try HandBrake or use a Windows virtual machine, but there is no native Mac version.

Can I convert 4K video?

Yes, version 7 supports 4K and 8K video, provided your computer has enough processing power. Hardware acceleration helps significantly.

Why is my converted video larger than the original?

This happens when you choose a higher bitrate than the source. Lower the bitrate or choose a more efficient codec like H.265 to reduce file size.

Can I use Total Video Converter to extract audio from a video?

Yes, select an audio-only output format like MP3 or WAV, and the program will extract the audio track without video.

Does it support batch conversion?

Yes, you can add multiple files and convert them all in one go with the same output settings, which saves time.

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