Need some free Video file conversion software

[KeyboardDemon]

I have a batch of video files shot at 1080p with clips that go up to 10 minutes that I shot for a friend. He wants to edit these but his laptop (I know, video editing on a laptop!) can't handle 1080p, so I want to convert them down to 720p. My only video editing software wouldn't run on my Windows 8.1 PC (Pinnacle 16) and I need to convert these as quickly as possible. Can someone suggest a good, free, software package that would do this.

[virtuo]

I'd always try Handbrake first, it's a little daunting but you don't really need to mess with most of the settings to get a decent output. It's a converter/transcoder rather than an editor, but sounds like it'll do what you need - and it's free.

What format are the original files in? If it's something VirtualDub can import then that's a decent converter and basic editor.

[Jonj1611]

Try this one mate :- http://www.freemake.com/free_video_converter/

[AETAaAS]

I would echo what virtuo said. Handbrake is powerful and free. If you want an easy batch converting front end for Handbrake, try Cyko. It makes the job a lot easier and you can downscale batches readily.

I use it when I want to convert things like anime for my phone because it compresses well and has quick options to do hard subbing which helps reduce CPU overhead on my tablet and phone.

But the easy batch processing and down scaling should be attractive features for you.

[KeyboardDemon]

They are in a .mov format.

I had a look at all the suggestions and the Freemake option was both the easiest and the most convenient, as an added bonus it has allowed me to process all 35 files as a single batch while I did other things and was done before I got out of the shower.

Though if I were after more professional results I would have looked at Handbrake in more detail.

I would urge people to be a little cautious when installing Freemake though as it wanted to install a game and RealPlayer too, none of which are essential for the software to work.

[Dooms]

I use Handbreak, does the job.

I used to use nVidia badaboom back in the day, no idea if its still any good but it used to encode faster than Handbreak.

[Jonj1611]

I never had that when I last used Freemake, that must be something they have added to the installer recently I guess.

For what it does it works well, like most things you can always advance to the next level if it doesn't quite meet your needs.

[KeyboardDemon]

I use Handbreak, does the job.

I used to use nVidia badaboom back in the day, no idea if its still any good but it used to encode faster than Handbreak.

Wow, I completely forgot about that, I have a video conversion utility that I can to my video card drivers called AMD Video Converter, seeing this post reminded me, oh well job done for now anyway.

** edit **

I posted this at 10:36 and had a solution in less than 2 hours, thanks guys.