Skip to Content

Submit your nominations for the Luxist Awards' Best in Decor
AOL Tech

visualhub posts

Filed under: Software, Video, Open Source

First Look: Video Monkey swings in to save the day

by Aron Trimble (RSS feed) on Mar 16th, 2009

When Techspansion closed its doors in October of last year, there were hordes of individuals clamoring for a slice of easy video-conversion pie to fill the void in their now-empty hearts. Many did not find consolation in the fact that Handbrake supported universal input within a scant two months.

An application that offers every configuration option available is all well and good for many fine folks; but there are some of us that want this type of thing to be simple. What I and others desired so greatly was a video-conversion app for the rest of us -- and that application was VisualHub.

Enter Video Monkey. Following the release of Tyler's source code for VisualHub as the TranscoderRedux project, one lone soul, named Chris, decided to brave the trepid waters and save all of us from drowning in a sea of videos awaiting conversion for our iPhones and AppleTVs.

Chris makes it perfectly clear that Video Monkey's mission is inspired by, and borrowed from, Visual Hub. However, while Visual Hub relied heavily on AppleScript, Video Monkey is written exclusively in Cocoa. After Chris got in touch with TUAW, I got right to work checking out this holy grail of simple video-conversion applications. Read on for my first impressions and initial thoughts or just check out the gallery.

Gallery: Video Monkey: dead-simple video conversion

Main windowEncoding Performance optionsConversion optionsPreview

Continue reading “First Look: Video Monkey swings in to save the day”

Tags: compression, video, video monkey, VideoMonkey, visualhub

Filed under: Video, Open Source

HandBrake 0.9.3 adds Universal Input

by Mat Lu (RSS feed) on Nov 24th, 2008

The well known, open-source DVD ripping and video transcoding application HandBrake has been updated to version 0.9.3. Among the changes, perhaps the most exciting is universal input -- now you can use HandBrake to convert any kind of video file it recognizes, not just DVDs. This is particularly exciting given the recent demise of the much loved VisualHub (although the open-source reworking of VisualHub via the TranscoderRedux project is underway). In fact, the new HandBrake incorporates some of the same ffmpeg libraries that did the heavy lifting in VisualHub.

Among the many changes are an updated interface as well as improvements to both audio handling and video quality. Interestingly, the HandBrake developers have removed its internal DVD decryption which means you'll need to have the free VLC on your machine to utilize HandBrake's classic DVD ripping functionality (though as long as you have VLC they promise it will work as before).

HandBrake 0.9.3 is a free download from HandBrake.

Thanks Will!

Tags: handbrake, video, visualhub

Filed under: Software

Techspansion closes, VisualHub discontinued

by Michael Rose (RSS feed) on Oct 3rd, 2008


There are plenty of Mac tools for video compression in the marketplace, ranging from Windows Media-oriented tools (Flip4Mac) to professional workflow builders (Sorenson Squeeze) to hardware-assisted H.264 crunchers (Elgato turbo.264). Few of these products, however, have hit the sweet spot of wide-ranging capability, quality output and extremely affordable pricing like VisualHub from Techspansion. For less than $25, you got Flash and WMV output that rivaled products 3x the price, plus easy conversion to iPod and iPhone-friendly formats. Along with sister apps audio compressor AudialHub and iPod-only video converter iSquint, VisualHub was a prime example of a well-built, "Mac way" media app.

Sadly, the past tense above is no accident. Techspansion's website has been shuttered and the products have been discontinued. Tyler Loch (Techspansion's founder) let us know that the difficult decision to close down Techspansion is a personal one, and he's readjusting his priorities to focus on other needs. His choice is understandable, but we will definitely miss VisualHub (not to mention the laugh-out-loud funniest release notes in software history). Best of luck to Tyler in his future efforts.

Update: For those who are inquiring, there are no current plans to move VisualHub to open source. The underlying engine for much of the compression magic, ffmpeg, is already open-source and present in other Mac tools such as Handbrake.

Thanks Brandon

Tags: breakingnews, compression, techspansion, video, visualhub

Filed under: Multimedia, Software

VisualHub 1.31 adds Surround Sound for "Take 2"

by Brett Terpstra (RSS feed) on Feb 13th, 2008

An upgrade to one of my favorite (and most useful) video compression and conversion utilities, VisualHub (which we've mentioned a few times), has brought with it support for 5.1 Surround Sound on the just-released Apple TV "Take 2." Despite not actually owning an Apple TV, I find myself happy for our video-converting, Apple TV-owning readers, and for the fact that any 5.1 AC3 audio I should happen to create won't be lost for that lucky audience.

The release notes also include some speed improvements for artwork tagging large (150MB+) videos not intended for the 'net, as well as a fix for aspect ratio conversion on Tivo-destined video. VisualHub 1.31 is a free upgrade for registered users. And for newcomers for whom it would be of use, it's worth every penny at the palindromic price of $23.32.

Visit the VisualHub website for more information.

Tags: Apple TV, AppleTv, Surround Sound, SurroundSound, techspansion, video, visualhub

Filed under: iPod Family, Software, Video

VisualHub updated to support new iPods

by Mat Lu (RSS feed) on Sep 6th, 2007

Regular readers know that we're big fans of VisualHub here at TUAW. It's generally the easiest and quickest way to convert video from one format to another, particularly for playing on our favorite Apple hardware. Techspansion is really on the ball and today released version 1.27 adding video support for the new iPod nanos and classics. The new release adds presets for the new iPods, and also includes a "universal preset designed
to be compatible with all Apple video devices at the highest quality possible."

This is a free update for registered users. For everyone else, VisualHub remains $23.32 and a demo is available

[via Macworld]

Tags: iPod classic, iPod nano, IpodClassic, IpodNano, VisualHub

Filed under: Software, Video

Roxio releases Popcorn 3, adds TiVoToGo support

by Mat Lu (RSS feed) on Aug 30th, 2007

Roxio has released version 3 of their DVD and video conversion utility Popcorn. The biggest new feature is probably the "exclusive TiVoToGo support for the Mac" that lets you burn TiVo recorded shows to disc or convert them for playback on other devices. However, other improvements include the ability to create compilation DVDs and custom DVD menus as well as improved Apple TV and iPhone/iPod support. Popcorn is $49 and is available now.

For my own money, I think the the only compelling feature of Popcorn is the TivoToGo support. Unless that's a big deal for you, I think you'd probably do better with VisualHub ($23.32) plus Handbrake (free), as the ffmpeg based conversion of the former is considerably faster than the QuickTime based conversion that Popcorn appears to use.

[via MacMinute]

Tags: handbrake, popcorn, roxio, visualhub

Filed under: Software, Internet Tools, iPhone

VisualHub updates with iPhone support

by David Chartier (RSS feed) on Jul 3rd, 2007



And so it begins - with the release of yet another Apple product that has anything to do with media playback, software developers are beginning to release software updates that account for the new functionality. VisualHub, a TUAW favorite for its exceptional video conversion and batch encoding abilities, has released a new version with support for encoding to iPhone video formats. As you can see, the slider labels change slightly when selecting the iPhone option, giving users a choice between qualities like EDGE, Tiny, WiFi and of course, High and Go Nuts. In addition, using the EDGE or Tiny presets will also create FastStart videos that are optimized for streaming; this is ideal for content providers who want to open their doors to the unprecedented rush (thanks, Daring Fireball) of new iPhone owners.

As usual, a demo of VisualHub is available, while an invaluable license costs a mere $23.32.

Tags: edge, encoding, iphone, video, visualhub

Filed under: Software, Open Source

HandBrake gets some major press

by Michael Rose (RSS feed) on Jun 29th, 2007

When your open-source project is the focus of a New York Times article, that's a big news day for you (at least it would be if not for those meddling kids in line to buy iPhones). Thursday's NYT article discussing the technical hurdles, legal haziness and other challenges to ripping DVDs for personal use leads off with the example of HandBrake dev lead Eric Petit ('titer') using his very own tool to convert a movie so it'll play on his PSP. The article goes on to mention VisualHub and VideoLan, and quickly dives into an acronym soup of MP4, OGG, AVI and more.

What I found most interesting about the story was what it failed to say about the software it featured so prominently: neither HandBrake nor VisualHub were described as Macintosh apps. VisualHub is of course Mac-only, and HandBrake has been historically a Mac tool (after beginning life on BeOS) before forking and unforking as MediaFork with a Windows version in the mix. It's pleasantly surprising to me that this sort of article can be platform-agnostic.

Tags: foss, handbrake, nyt, visualhub

Filed under: Software, Video

VisualHub 1.24 brings new high-resolution settings, tons more features

by David Chartier (RSS feed) on Jun 22nd, 2007

I just have to come right out and say it: VisualHub is one of the best darn things to happen to video encoding since DVD Jon worked his magic. It's a fantastic app that rocks the house when it comes to encoding videos - especially in batches - and it just got a lot cooler with a v1.24 update. Along with a healthy dose of other new features and fixes, the VisualHub crew has introduced a new high-res format for getting the most out of a widescreen H.264 file that can play across multiple devices and screen sizes. All the details and a few sample videos are provided at this VisualHub product page, but the short of the long is: this new format will allow you to encode one file that looks great on small screens like iPods and PSPs, but will also look crisp and detailed when scaled up to a screen much larger like the TV your XBox or Apple TV are connected to. As anyone who has a Mac in the basement with VisualHub chugging away on a batch of DVDs can probably tell you, this new format could very well be music to one's ears. As icing on the cake, custom settings files are even provided on the afore-linked product page so you don't have to dig around and figure out this new format for yourself.

This isn't the only new thing in v1.24, however. Full support has arrived for: 8-core Macs, full-res PSP videos at 480 x 272, speedbumps for certain encoding outputs and much more. As if VisualHub wasn't already more than worth its $23.32 price tag, these updates should entice both serious and curious customers to make the leap for a license. Of course, a VisualHub demo is available for a test drive.

Tags: apple tv, AppleTv, encoder, encoders, encoding, hi-res, high resolution, HighResolution, ipod, psp, video, visualhub, widescreen

Filed under: Gaming, Features, Tips and tricks, iMac, Troubleshooting, Ask TUAW, Macbook Pro

Ask TUAW: MacBook Pros, iMovie Export, Shuffle Autofill, Windows Gaming and more

by Mat Lu (RSS feed) on Jun 6th, 2007

This week in Ask TUAW we have questions about the MacBook Pros, exporting from iMovie, Autofill for the Shuffle, Windows gaming on an iMac, and more. Remember new Mac users and Switchers who are enjoying our Mac 101 series should feel very welcome to post questions for Ask TUAW; we're happy to have them. As always, please submit your questions for next week by commenting on this post.

Continue reading “Ask TUAW: MacBook Pros, iMovie Export, Shuffle Autofill, Windows Gaming and more”

Tags: Ask TUAW, AskTuaw, autofill, iMovie, vista, visualhub, windows gaming, WindowsGaming

Filed under: iPod Family, Software, Video, iTunes, iPhone, Apple TV

Roxio to announce Crunch, a new video conversion app

by David Chartier (RSS feed) on May 4th, 2007



Looks like VisualHub and iSquint are going to have some competition on their hands, as Roxio on Monday will announce Crunch, their own entry into the software video conversion market. With computer-based video leaving the nest for devices like the Apple TV, the iPod and soon the iPhone, tools that can easily convert video from a plethora of sources and formats are becoming ever the more useful. Roxio looks to make a decent splash in the market with Crunch, as it features their typical UI (which, personally, I detest) and a nice array of features, including batch encoding of multiple files, conversion of DVDs created with Toast, iMovie, and other video editing apps (in other words: it won't rip and encode commercial DVDs), support for a very wide array of video formats including the elusive MPEG-1, presets for specific devices and one killer and rare feature you don't see in many (if any) other apps: encoding from VIDEO_TS files that are ripped straight from a DVD.

Still, all this comes at a price: Crunch will cost $50, whereas similar solutions that don't do DVD or VIDEO_TS conversion, like VisualHub, can be had for half that. Still, we'll have to reserve a final judgment until we can get our hands on a copy. Until then, check out our gallery of Crunch screenshots to get a better perspective on whether you should try out a demo.
[Correction: VisualHub does convert VIDEO_TS folders as of version 1.1; our apologies.]

Gallery: Crunch - Roxio's video conversion utility

Tags: batch, conversion, convert, crunch, isquint, roxio, video, visualhub

Filed under: Features, Cool tools, How-tos, Tips and tricks, Ask TUAW

Ask TUAW: Video encoding, remapping keyboard keys, redirecting Mail, and more

by Mat Lu (RSS feed) on Apr 25th, 2007

This week's Ask TUAW is wide-ranging. We have a couple of questions about video encoding, remapping keyboard keys, redirecting email, Finder window positions and more. Remember new Mac users and Switchers who are enjoying our Mac 101 series should feel very welcome to post questions for Ask TUAW. We're happy to take questions from all levels. As always, please submit your questions by commenting to this post or using our tip form.

Continue reading “Ask TUAW: Video encoding, remapping keyboard keys, redirecting Mail, and more”

Tags: jellyfissh, keyboard maestro, KeyboardMaestro, ukelele, visualhub

Filed under: Gaming, Hardware, iPod Family, Multimedia, Peripherals, Features, Apple TV

TUAW Guide: Xbox 360 and Mac

by Mat Lu (RSS feed) on Apr 16th, 2007

In many of the recent reviews of the Apple TV, the Xbox 360 was often mentioned as a competing Media Extender product. Having recently bought a 360, I thought it would be good to discover the ways in which my two pretty white boxes can work together. In this TUAW Guide to Xbox 360 and the Mac, I'm going to discuss some of both the hardware and software compatibilities between the machines. If you've ever been curious about the Xbox 360 read on, and if you're an old hand my Gamertag is matonmacs, send a friend request my way; maybe we can get a TUAW clan going!

Continue reading “TUAW Guide: Xbox 360 and Mac”

Tags: Connect360, Friendz, LiveKardz, Mac Live, MacLive, tuaw guide, tuawguide, VisualHub, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Friends, Xbox360, XboxLiveFriends, xCard360

Filed under: Software, Video

VisualHub 1.23 adds Apple TV export

by Scott McNulty (RSS feed) on Mar 22nd, 2007



TUAW isn't my only online endeavor. I also produce a video podcast with some of my friends, and I really couldn't imagine doing it without the help of the fantastic VisualHub from Techspansion. Sure, you can convert video using other methods for free, but VisualHub makes it so easy to do, and the UI is straightforward enough that even I can use it.

VisualHub 1.23 has just been released with the big ticket item being support for exporting video in Apple TV friendly formats (and they claim VisualHub is faster than QuickTime for this purpose). There are also a number of other fixes in this point release. VisualHub is $23.32 and worth every penny. If you only care about iPod formats you should check out VisualHub's little sibling iSquint, which is free.

Oh, and as Mike pointed out to me, you might want to take a moment and read the release notes. They are more entertaining than most.

Tags: apple, apple tv, AppleTv, podcast, qt, quicktime, visualhub

Filed under: Multimedia, Video, Software Update

VisualHub bumped up to v1.22

by Brian Liloia (RSS feed) on Feb 28th, 2007

VisualHub, the popular and easy-to-use video encoding software by Techspansion, has been updated to version 1.22. This latest version offers a number of minor enhancements and bug fixes that should increase usability and productivity. There is nothing entirely new or groundbreaking to speak of, but it's always nice to keep those video encoders up-to-date and running without a hitch. For reference, VisualHub is a robust encoding solution that handles MPEG-4, WMV, MPEG, FLV, AVI, DV, MOV, TS, and a bunch of other formats. Be sure to check out the full list of improvements on Techspansion's page.

Tags: encoding, multimedia, software, update, video, visualhub

Next Page →

Tip of the Day

Reply in the Mail.app with a specific quote.
Select the text you want quoted and then hit the reply button.
Only your selected text will copied to the reply email.

Learn More

Follow us on Twitter!

TUAW flickr Pool

www.flickr.com
 TUAW [Cafepress]

Featured Galleries

DNC Macs
Macworld 2008 Keynote
Macworld 2008 Build-up
Google Earth for iPhone
Podcaster
Storyist 2.0
AT&T Navigator Road Test
Bento for iPhone 1.0
Scrabble for iPhone
Tom Bihn Checkpoint Flyer Briefcase
Apple Vanity Plates
Apple booth Macworld 07
WorldVoice Radio
Quickoffice for iPhone 1.1.1
Daylite 3.9 Review
DiscPainter
Mariner Calc for iPhone
2009CupertinoBus
Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D
MLB.com At Bat 2009
Macworld Expo 2007 show floor

 

Most Commented On (7 days)

Recent Comments

More Apple Analysis

More from AOL Money and Finance

AOL Radio TUAW on Stitcher