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November 4, 2006

Online File Conversion Services

Michael Arrington

39 comments »

Zamzar, a free online file conversion tool, launched last week. Like a similar tool, Media Convert, Zamzar allows users to upload a file and have it converted into a number of formats.

Common uses for Zamzar include converting PDF documents to Word, iTunes AAC files to MP3, and Flash (flv) files to MP4 for iPod use. Up to five files can be converted simultaneously. The process takes a few minutes - Zamzar emails a link to the converted file when it is done. It worked well in our testing. Note, however, that Zamzar is not able to convert DRM’d files. The maximum file size is 100 MB, but there are no limits on the number of files converted. For more on Zamzar, see Go2web2.

Zamzar has a better interface and design than existing service Media Convert, although we found Media Convert to convert files more quickly in our testing. Media Convert also allows input files to be locally stored or from a URL, saving users an extra step if a file is on the Internet. Also, Media Convert converts the file while you wait, and gives a download link on screen when the process is completed. Since no registration is required, users are not required to give up an email address as they are with Zamzar. However, only files that are 50 MB or less can be converted using Media Convert.

Both services are useful, particularly when converting flash movies (from YouTube, etc.) to MP4 for viewing on an iPod.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, November 4th, 2006 at 4:19 pm and is filed under Company & Product Profiles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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Comments

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  1. Justin

    November 4th, 2006 at 4:59 pm

    For services like this without any sort of registration requirement, I’d personally be a bit concerned about uploading any sort of sensitive files. I guess people wouldn’t be concerned with music files, but for other stuff I’d personally prefer to have an actual secure, registered account.

  2. Gurpreet Joshi

    November 4th, 2006 at 5:01 pm

    Very Useful & ‘much needed’.I really like this Idea.This will be very helpful to all those individuals who just want to convert a file without getting into the details of various Media Editors.

  3. Dan

    November 4th, 2006 at 5:16 pm

    The service is good but not all pdf to word conversions come out good. I tried to convert a file and the font converted so small it couldnt be used. If you increase the font after conversion it screws up the format.

  4. Faisal

    November 4th, 2006 at 5:32 pm

    Local PC converters are always better , no uploads , a lot faster , and gives the user more control.

  5. Arjun

    November 4th, 2006 at 5:45 pm

    Ditto Faisal’s comment - if anything, why not just expose an ActiveX / lightweight clientside app that does the same thing?

  6. Michael Arrington

    November 4th, 2006 at 5:59 pm

    That’s a good idea Arjun, and something tells me someone will be doing that soon. Just a guess though.

  7. George Morris

    November 4th, 2006 at 6:26 pm

    The usability was a bit odd, it wasn’t apparent to me right away that after selecting my file it was automatically moved from the BROWSE form box. I expected to see it there, hence I uploaded the file again. Interesting service..

  8. David Mackey

    November 4th, 2006 at 8:29 pm

    Not a bad idea, though I don’t usually need to convert files.

  9. Search Engines WEB

    November 4th, 2006 at 9:08 pm

    . :-D These Two Apps are very handy - especially if you need instant conversion and storage if you are away from your personal computer.

    In terms of Apps:

    Do a Google SPONSOR LINK Search and you will uncover several software APPs that do it locally. Some are offering free trials.

    http://www.google.com/sponsore.....le+convert

    :LOL they are only coming up in the Adwords Search - Not in the Organic Search

  10. Nik Cubrilovic

    November 4th, 2006 at 9:48 pm

    The reason why you would prefer to do it on the server would be because in theory the server would be faster, and it would be able to cache conversions across all users and store them incase somebody does the same conversion at a later date. If it isn’t faster than converting locally, then there is no point

  11. Orli Yakuel

    November 4th, 2006 at 11:18 pm

    Just a little note about ZAMZAR: All files will be stored only for 1 day after you’ll receive their emails.(with the download links)

    However it’s a great service!

  12. Anshul Jain

    November 4th, 2006 at 11:32 pm

    Both services are good enough for the average user. The only issue is can they survive only on ads and with no business model. They are essentially good for students to convert docs on the fly.

  13. dave at faceloop

    November 4th, 2006 at 11:34 pm

    In some (many) cases, local software is and always will be superior to any competing web service. I think this is one of those cases - but the “free” part makes it useful for many people…in a PeoplePC or NetZero sort of way.

    Note to TC Staff - If you want to play a positive role in the future of the web…I recommend that you include a W3C validation report for every site you review. Zamar (homepage) failed with 28 errors - not bad compared to most of the sites you think are cool. I hope you agree that this is a good idea.

  14. Stephen

    November 5th, 2006 at 1:10 am

    IS Nik Cubrilovic a member of TechCrunch now ? As he is showing up in the ‘alternate’ colour the same as Michael Arrington shows up in.

  15. Michael Arrington

    November 5th, 2006 at 1:20 am

    Nik is an occasional writer for techcrunch. Anyone with credentials shows up in that highlighted color.

  16. aboutthisboy

    November 5th, 2006 at 6:07 am

    These are useful but increasingly I am coming across Office 2007 *.docx files and computers that only have older versions. I’d love an online converter to downgrade such files where I am unable to install a Microsoft converter.

  17. Protrox

    February 15th, 2007 at 9:07 am

    This is a great program, thanks for making an article about it.

  18. FavoTube

    February 15th, 2007 at 9:08 am

    Mike, I love this app! Thanks 4 sharing :)

  19. charles

    March 1st, 2007 at 5:27 am

    great. both websites (zamzar and mediaconvert) have been improved since this news :

    - both support youtube, google,… video direct download
    - zamzar added a link to make it more easier
    - mediaconverts file size limit is now 150 megabytes and has video presets (to convert to specific hardware)

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