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Provides: Video copying and conversion
Developer: Roxio
System Requirements: Intel-based Mac, Mac OS X v10.5, 800MB to install all components
Review Computer: 2.2GHz 13” Macbook Pro, 2GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM
Network Feature: Yes (uploading to YouTube)
Processor Compatibility: Intel
Price: $49.99
Availability: Out now

Popcorn 4 is an excellent piece of Mac software; it converts video into any number of useful formats and automates the process to make it simple and painless.  Able to handle most popular video formats, it can export them to other formats, turn just about any video into a playable DVD, or convert it for use on an iPhone, game system, or YouTube.

Popcorn 4 (P4) actually has two functions: copying and conversion. Copying is focused on DVDs, and while it does not circumvent DVD protection, if you know how to do that (cough, cough, Mac the Ripper, cough), then P4 is dead useful for making backups of DVDs and Video_TS folders. Simply select the master volume and the target (blank) disk, then choose from a number of simple settings, including the ability to compress large video until it can fit on the DVD. P4 also offers simple extraction of DVD clips, or even ripping the audio track directly to iTunes.

Another great time saver: P4 has the ability to create a DVD from video files (handy if you just need something simple to pop into a player without mucking around in iDVD). Again, just drag the video files into the Popcorn 4 window, select a layout, and burn. You don’t get any extras like chapter stops or animated menus, but in a situation where you need to, say, collect several video files (even of different formats) on one disc, it’s a simple, workable solution.

But it’s under the Convert function that P4 really shines. Drop a video file (using a large number of popular video formats) you can export them out to other formats (Quicktime, of course, but also h.264, DV, WMV, and even flash video) or transform it into a DVD-ready video. You can also convert the video to be used on an iPhone or any of the latest game consoles, or convert and upload it directly to YouTube.

Running through all of its functions, P4 was quick and efficient, producing good quality files using only presets. Think of it as Final Cut Studio’s Compressor “for the rest of us”—you might not be able to tweak every setting down to the last pixel, but all the options it offers are likely all the options you’ll ever need. Messing with video conversions, even for popular formats like the iPhone and YouTube can be a headache; it’s great to see a program that not only takes the guesswork out, but simplifies the whole process considerably.