Converting HD video to SD
 

I have a bunch of HD movies (.mkv, 720p) on my desktop computer, but I'd like to downconvert them to standard definition to play on my less powerful netbook.

Are there any free programs that are able to do this? The resolution on the netbook is 1024x600 if that makes a difference. It definitely struggles when trying to play full 720p video, so my main concern is getting these files into a format that will play smoothly and without using 100% of the lightweight Atom CPU.

Thanks in advance, media gurus!

I just started using Xilisoft Ultimate because it was much better than the free offerings out there. The built in definitions make it that much easier and it allows for multicore selection for faster or slower unattended conversions. I've done hundreds of them in the past few days since I registered it.

all the freeware ones were slow and required lots of attention.

I use Any DVD Converter Pro. Easy to use interface and lots of formats to choose from.

FormatFactory is free.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll have to give those a shot.

I'm not at my PC at the moment so I can't test this out, but I was just reading about ATI's Avivo Video Converter that's included in the Catalyst Control Center. It uses the GPU rather than the CPU to convert video, so it can do it ultra-fast. Not sure if it does what I want to do, but I'll give that a go later.

Ripbot x264 works pretty well also

Squared 5 - MPEG Streamclip video converter for Mac and Windows

Converts just about anything to just about anything. And is free.

I use super which is also a free. Download link is on the bottom of the page.SUPER