Video Downloader Comparison: The Best Way To Save Videos From The Internet

August 16, 2013 by Larry Kless

Something so seemingly routine as downloading video wouldn’t immediately strike you as an area where there’s room left for much innovation. That’s not the case. With literally tens of billions of videos being viewed every month, you know lots and lots of them are being downloaded. That’s created a competitive niche for a video downloader. The result is a wide range of design approaches, differences in ease of use and quality.

Comparing 4 Video Downloaders

There are hundreds, maybe thousands of video downloaders available. Many are often referred to as Flash (FLV) or YouTube downloaders. There’s plenty more content online than just YouTube videos for you to explore and download. While there may be a lot of video downloaders readily available, we’re going to compare four free video downloaders: Ant, Freemake, Orbit and RealDownloader.

At first glance, this seemed a comparatively straightforward topic. I’m familiar with video file format converters and they are complicated. Converters are the language translators of digital media. Format converters sift through the differences in containers and compression algorithms to enable compatibility among other formats and devices.

How complex could it be to download video? More than I imagined, as these video downloader programs had many different features and functionality. For testing, all downloads were done through Metacafe, as they cover a number of content areas, and all of it is free to download.

The Ant Video Downloader

Ant’s approach is to embed its video Downloader activation and control mechanisms directly into a toolbar on your browser. You must do separate downloads and installations for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) and Mozilla Firefox. Ant does not install on Google Chrome, Opera, or other browsers, so if you prefer using those browsers you’ll need to choose a different free app.

The icons within the green line above show the Ant controls that get embedded in IE. Downloads can be initiated by either clicking on Download, or on the green circle with the blue “a” at the bottom of the screen grab above. The red and blue lines with the number 2 next to it takes you to their traffic ranking page, full of all kinds of categories and searches.

When on a web page with a video playing, just click either of the two download buttons, and Ant goes into action. It then places the file in a folder you’ve designated. Those files can be viewed by clicking on the Browse button. The Ant Download Manager shows a list of all the video files in your folder, plus progress on any downloads that may be happening simultaneously.

Ant only downloads FLV files and it also has a built-in Flash player where you can view your videos. The window can be expanded to the limits of your screen, but the list of clips will always be present, so you can’t get a true full screen display.

All in all, Ant worked well. Embedding the controls in a tool bar on the browser makes for easy access. You can play the files in whatever media player you like by going to the folder holding them, and opening the file with your player of choice.

The Freemake Video Downloader

Freemake uses both an old school approach and the embedded method to download video. Like Ant, Freemake plants itself with one button in your Firefox or Chrome web browser. Sorry, Internet Explorer. Freemake installs in both browsers automatically. No need to do separate installs as with Ant.

When a video is playing, simply click on the Freemake Download icon on the browser. That opens the program, showing the progress of the clip being downloaded. If you’ve already saved some videos, as I have below, that list will be shown. Clips can also easily be deleted. Freemake does not have a built-in video player like Ant. Clicking on the green triangle play button sends the video to open in your default media player.

Interestingly, Freemake also has a built-in format converter. Clicking Download in the window above reveals a drop-down menu with choices for the file format or device you want the video converted to. A nice touch.

Remember I mentioned Freemake also uses an old school approach. Well, that is to actually copy the URL address of the clip you’re viewing from the browser by clicking on the Paste URL button in the downloader panel. You’ll need to do this when using Internet Explorer or another browser Freemake doesn’t support.

It works fine – just a bit tedious as we’ve come to expect one-click solutions to download videos. Freemake consistently downloaded MP4 videos from Metacafe, but also handles FLV. It’s simple enough to use and got the job done, plus the converter feature is slick.

The Orbit Video Downloader

The Orbit downloader tries to be more progressive with its user interface than Ant or Freemake. Part of the program embeds itself in the browser, but only in Internet Explorer. This feature isn’t available in Firefox or Chrome, there is a preferences pane for monitoring those three browsers, plus Opera, Avant, Maxthon, and Custom. Confusing. This program had me going in circles from the start.

Interestingly, the Orbit download process actually mimics how RealPlayer’s RealDownloader operates, by activating when placing the cursor within the frame of a playing video. When you do that, the GetIt button pops up, usually near where the cursor is positioned. Just click on the arrow next to GetIt to reveal a drop-down menu.

I remember from the installation that I was prompted to also install GrabPro. So I click on the With GrabPro option. I certainly didn’t want to Disable GetIt This time, and I don’t know what Grab++ is. Nothing seems to be happening. No window opening showing the name of a video clip, or a progress bar indicating a download is taking place. Instead there is a yellow box on the right with the icons and the number 3.

Clicking on it looks like there is at least the potential for downloading by clicking on Download it (in blue on the right). The process starts and the video clip is downloaded and placed in the Orbit folder I’ve created.

Success, but with more effort than expected for what should be a simple download. It works; it’s just that the user interface isn’t exactly intuitive. GrabPro works well enough. Orbit supports several video file formats: FLV, AVI, MPG, MPEG, QT, ASF, MOV, WMV, RM and WEBM. The confusion factor is high and it lacks a built-in video player.

RealDownloader Video Downloader

It has a direct, intuitive interface, and provides easy downloading of video from the Internet. RealDownloader works with Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox. It does not embed any buttons into the browser’s tool bar. Instead when you are watching a video online, place your cursor within the video frame and RealDownloader’s “Download This Video” box appears at the top right. Click it and the download starts and you can watch the progress. (Note: Previously downloaded videos are also displayed in the screenshot below.)

Notice the icons for Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Email. Each of the videos in the list can be shared directly from RealDownloader to a social media site.

RealDownloader even has a built-in player so you can watch the videos you’ve downloaded without having separate player software installed. RealDownloader supports several video file formats: FLV, MP4, ACC, MPEG4, H.264, MOV, RV, and RM.

Which Video Downloader Is Right For You?

As with all product comparisons, each application has its strong and weak points. Downloading video from the Internet should be a straightforward, simple process. This isn’t a complex technical challenge.

Ant works fine through its embedded buttons in the browser. However, it’s limited to downloading FLV, but does have a built-in FLV player. Freemake also embeds its download button, and shares a similar download progress and clip list window with Ant and RealDownloader. Freemake can also copy and paste URL addresses if necessary. It’s format conversion capability is especially convenient.

Orbit was far and away the most complicated and troublesome. It tries to mimic the “Download This Video” technique used by RealDownloader with its “GetIt” button, but adds layers of additional menus, windows and download buttons, muddying the process.

I’m imaging you’re thinking something like, ‘Of course this guy is applauding RealDownloader.’ Don’t’ take my word for it. Do the comparisons for yourself. All these downloaders are free. Run your own tests and see which you like best.

Read more of Tom Volotta’s work on the RealPlayer blog.

Content marketing: Let’s identify the best (and discourage the rest)

May 5, 2013 by Larry Kless

By David Murray

You know who claims to know content marketing these days? Everybody who likes money, that’s who.

What if there was a way to separate the veteran communicator from the Johnny Come Lately?

So that in the midst of this content marketing gold rush, clients and hiring managers can begin identify the pros who know how to think about marketing, conceive strategic content, create the right media, craft compelling messages that actually resonate with key audiences.

You know, the pros who have been doing content marketing all along—as opposed to the person for whom “content” is just a lucrative new vocabulary word.

Behold the all-new Content Marketing Awards, presented by the Content Marketing Institute and sponsored by McMurry/TMG. It’s judged by the very leading lights of content marketing, who are as eager as anyone to identify the best in every aspect of this burgeoning business (and discourage the rest).

“Honestly, the industry needs this,” writes Content Marketing Institute founder Joe Pulizzi. “This is all in the natural progression of a growing industry. “Showcasing the best that the industry can offer, both projects and agencies, will help us get to where we need to go.”

So enter your best work in the Content Marketing Awards—by the May 17 deadline— and prove you belong.

Or get off the bandwagon.

David Murray is program chairman for the Content Marketing Awards, and editor of ContentWise. For two decades David has written and spoken widely on corporate, political and personal communication issues. He’s editor of Vital Speeches of the Day and his writing has appeared in Advertising Age, The New York Times and The Atlantic

Monthly. He blogs about the communication life at Writing Boots.

5 Rookie Mistakes When Investing In Business Video Initiatives

July 16, 2012 by Larry Kless

This article originally appeared on The SmartVideo Blog as 5 Rookie Mistakes When Investing In Business Video Initiatives posted by Shmulik Weller on April 17, 2012.

Online Video Publishing [dot] com welcomes SundaySky as a new blog content partner.

There’s lots of enthusiasm in the market among marketers, advertisers and customer care executives for use of business video (see recent Forrester-ANA study). Video has become a necessity, particularly for online brands, in order to create or maintain an “innovator” perception. However, many settle for just “checking the box” when adopting video for certain business initiatives without paying enough attention to the question – how can video truly have a meaningful impact on my business?

Here are some common rookie mistakes made by online brands that just check the video box, and hence miss the true potential and impact of business video:

Video production and distribution without attaching measurable business value. Creating and posting videos is not enough. Make sure they are measured and optimized to your business needs. For example, if you wish for your videos to increase your site stickiness and the number of repeat visits, make sure your videos refresh frequently to make it enticing for viewers to return and find out what’s new. Measure performance with each refresh. Or perhaps you would like for videos to drive higher conversion rates, in which case you need to establish a control group to measure the overall effect of video on your target metrics.
Selective placement of videos. What’s the point in investing in such a rich asset if it is not going to be prominently featured in your online presence? For example, if your play buttons and your video calls-to-action are big and clear, you will see greater click-to-play rates and hence more significant impact. In many cases only small percentage (single digit) of visitors actually watch the videos. Aim for at least 25% of unique users to play your videos.

Static videos. The Web is a dynamic medium where content is ever-changing. Your video content and creative should be ever-changing and be continually updated, too. Videos should feature the latest products, news, deals and offerings. Low video count and static videos that do not update over time quickly become a ghost town on your site. This is not the innovator message you want to send to your customers. See example below.
Use of generic video content. One-size-fits-all content is less effective, than personalization, particularly when it comes to engaging with your prospects and customers. Personalized video takes your engagement strategies to another level.
DIY. Online video, and especially online video for business, requires unique expertise (vs. traditional video production). Tap into online video experts who can help you not only strategize, but also navigate the nuances around what works and doesn’t work, how to make it dynamic and continually optimize it to deliver desired business outcomes, how to ensure usage. Clearly someone with domain experience can share best practices and help you achieve your goals, and execute on your video strategy. These questions are key to a successful business video deployment.

Video can be a very impactful medium. However, these common mistakes can prevent online brands from realizing its true potential. Don’t just check the video box – master it and make the best out of it.

AT&T is an example innovator who is mastering use of video to further strategic customer care initiatives. View this video to learn about their video strategy.

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SmartVideo delivers a compelling, personalized, real-time video experience designed to reach people with what they need to know in the most engaging, entertaining and informative way possible. SundaySky’s innovative convergence of technology and creativity has advanced the use of SmartVideo to more effectively engage people at every step of the customer lifecycle. Our platform generates hundreds of thousands of SmartVideos daily that attract traffic, retarget prospects, convert prospects to customers, support customers and enhance customer relationships. SundaySky SmartVideo users include leading consumer-facing organizations like AT&T, Office Depot and Tiger Direct. Follow SundaySky on Twitter and Facebook.

How to start your own Videography Business

June 17, 2012 by Larry Kless

One of the first things you have to consider when thinking about starting your own videography business is whether or not you are suited to owning your own business. As difficult as it may be to hear the truth is not everyone is capable of being in business for themselves. It takes discipline and dedication and owning a decent video camera does not automatically qualify you to be in business.

If you are working you might consider taking on a project or two in your spare time to determine if you have the skills needed. Even the best videographers may be able to produce a great product but without the knowledge of running a business, you can find yourself in over your head in a hurry. You will be giving up your time and trading it hopefully for at least some money. The thing to remember is that if you don’t make money at it, it’s a hobby.

Although, markets are decked with corporate video production companies, yet if you have a rage and passion, you will surely achieve what you desire.

However, if you pass introspection and believe you have the passion for the occupation begin by identifying the type of projects your skills are best suited to produce. You will need to have top quality equipment if you expect top quality production. On top of that since you will be charging for your work, your customers will expect top quality results.

Develop a business plan that includes the money you will need for quality equipment. Having a great camera will mean nothing without post-production equipment of the same caliber. You’re going to need to go all in on your equipment if you expect to receive rave reviews of your product.

Knowing your competition should have been part of your business plan in order to determine if there is enough business in your area to go around. Compare your skills to others and be honest with yourself in deciding who can offer the best product. Every day will be a learning experience and when the time comes that you decide you know everything about the business, it may be time to find a new line of work. One skill that has raged like an epidemic is video marketing; it’s all about marketing your efforts. So, don’t lag behind in this aspect.

Promoting yourself will be the means by which you are measured by potential clients. Put together a website that can showcase your work and don’t be stingy on its design. This is something that shouldn’t be left to a niece or nephew as a school project. You are trying to show yourself as a professional and your website needs to project that same image.

You will need a professional brochure as well as potential clients will want something they can use to compare your services and your prices with your competition. Some new business owners tend to offer reduced prices to undercut the competition. This is a really bad way to gain business. Most believe you get what you pay for and when they see exceptionally low prices might think they will get substandard results.

Above all, be honest with clients you do get. Especially when shooting weddings as some clients will have expectations that are simply unrealistic. Regardless of your agreement, their expectations can drive you crazy. That is something that goes with the proverbial territory and will simply be a part of doing business with the public. Something they don’t teach in business school.

About the author:

The article is written by Peter Smith. Peter’s expertise lies in vintage and digital photography, apart from that he is regular contributor to various technology blogs. To know more about his creative powers visit his website: Corporate Video Productions Company | London Tracc Films

Apple’s Thunderbolt Display Port Dismays the AV Industry

June 9, 2012 by Larry Kless

“AV Industry Challenges Brave Mac Techs Who Are Confined to Speaking In Terms of Re-Branding, With Little Success Given the Fact that They Are Unaware of Specs, Really want to Help, but Are Rendered Helpless by the Apple Core Design Team.”

Guest author Lorin Nelson

This is an issue that’s hitting the A/V nerd community. Serious problems result when newer Mac’s are tied in with “display port”. We’re in the process of creating a reliable cure, but nobody else has done this yet.

OK folks, here’s the scoop on the encoded Mac Display Port outputs.

They’re no longer simply Display Port outputs. As of late last year, all new models of MacBooks, Air’s, etc. now employ the Thunderbolt output.

It does the video output from the same size mini DVI, along with much more…..much more than we want it to do for our purposes. Apple employees are instructed not call it a display port any more….which is a bit unnerving in itself.

Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt_(interface)

Key quote from the specs:

“The cable is actually a crossover cable, it swaps all receive and transmit lanes, e.g. HS1TX(P) of the source is connected to HS1RX(P) of the sink.”

In other words, it tries to “talk” to every piece of equipment in the signal path.

While we believe we have a few ways to conquer this little challenge, nobody really has a 100% reliable fix for this yet. The EDID boxes that Bob suggested may very well to prove the most reliable way of fooling it by locking in the signal to a Thunderbolt compliant monitor first, then routing into our system.

Mac is getting too damn smart for it’s own good.

Occupy Apple!!!

The deeper we get into this, the more interesting and painful it gets. I didn’t do all the research myself, I’ve just been compiling widespread conversations on the issue for a few weeks now. We’ve had an all-star cast looking into this including, San Francisco-based AV professionals: Luke Sullivan, Harold Brown, Dwight Kiyono, Bob Hines, Andrew King, Jaime, an Apple employee named Louis, Johnny Good, who’s shaking his head in despair and cursing Apple, Lou Abaurrea and more.

Dwight clued me in to a potential fix that Aja will release mid June: http://www.aja.com/en/articles/172/

Further clues for your reference:

http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=4714 and http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=8005

Out of those to a VGA splitter might fool it if it’s done in the right order with a compliant monitor. I’ll update as our misadventures in addressing this transpire, it’ll be interesting but hopefully we can bail some other folks out with prior notice.

UPDATE: 6/16/2012

There is a line of products out there called HDFury:

http://www.hdfury.com/

It looks like the best solution for the emerging problem.

They’re definitely on top of the situation.

Informative links:

Definition of HDCP/HDMI, etc.

http://www.hdfury.com/hdmi-hdcp/hdcphdmi-definition/

The Display Nightmare:

http://www.hdfury.com/hdmi-hdcp/hdcp-the-display-nightmare/

Legality:

http://www.hdfury.com/hdmi-hdcp/hdcp-strippers-legality/

Please distribute this info as you see fit!

Lorin

About the Author:

Lorin Nelson is a SF Bay Area-based Technical Panic Alleviation Technician. “I do the work you’d rather not do.” He studied at BYU/Chico/Stamislaus/Santa Cruz, and regularly works on large scale AV events as a projectionist, composer, nerd and fire extinguisher.

Strategies, tips, how to's and best practices for online video publishers

Online Video Publishing [dot] com by Larry Kless

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