Total Video Converter from EffectMatrix is on of the most comprehensive and powerful pieces of video conversion software we evaluated. We would have liked to place Total Video Converter in of one of our top spots; however, there are few help files and no responsive support.

Total Video Converter converted just about everything we threw at it with skill and ease including WMV (Windows Media), AVI, MOV (QuickTime), RM (RealMedia) and VOB (DVD) and downloaded FLV (Flash/YouTube) files.

Not only can it convert almost any video file, it can also convert audio, game and animated GIF files. You can rip DVDs directly from your drive, convert audio and PC game files, combine multiple videos into one large file and its compatible with and supplies output options for several popular portable media players. 

Unlike most of the products we reviewed Total Video Converter's output selection is not presented as a drop down list of file formats. Rather it is a selection of buttons located on a separate screen. The "Mobile" section of the screen is extremely helpful including iPod, Zune, Cellphone and PSP options. This makes your choices very easy without knowing exactly which file format your portable player uses.

It will support most other media players like Creative Zen and Archos, but you have to select the AVI or WMV options and format your screen size manually. We found the only output Total Video Converter doesn't support is RealMedia and VOB for DVDs.

Total Video Converter can batch convert to multiple file types and combine files; it adjusts resolution, video and audio codecs, video and audio bitrate, sample rate, framerate and can extract audio from your video files.

It also includes a burner wizard for burning DVD, SVCD, VCD and CD. And Total Video Converter was one of the only products we evaluated that was able to read encrypted DVDs.

Although some others have fancier features Total Video gives the user complete control over their output videos including the ability to batch convert to multiple output file formats, merge files, adjust video dimensions, select video and audio codecs, change sample rate, bitrate, framerate and more. The only thing missing is the ability add minor effects like contrast, brightness or video feel.

We did encounter a few difficulties while testing the software. We found that when you try to convert unsupported formats Total Video Converter officially "aborts" and the entire application shuts down. Additionally, we had difficulty using the Total FLV Sniffer, a tool that is supposed to import videos directly from sites like YouTube. However, we were unable to make the Sniffer work properly and when we contacted the company, their response was useless.

Unfortunately, help and support is where a really great product can loose its cool. There is very little documentation for Total Video Converter. It includes a sparse in-program guide, a small selection of FAQs and an email contact with a Yahoo address. We did contact the company regarding our difficulties using the FLV Sniffer and although our mail message was returned, in about a day, they never really answered our questions.

Total Video Converter Screenshots.