My Mega List of Free Software! Part1: (Video Edition)

So if you didn't already know, i am a HUGE advocate for free software. Whether it be Open Source or just plain Freeware, nothing beats having a software so AWESOME it shocks you that it's free. The funny thing is, there are still a lot of people who are unaware of the mass amounts of software available, and which one is actually worthwhile.

So, this leads me to this entry, i am making a list of all the awesome free software that is the best in each category. And here it is!

Video Viewing: VideoLan Media Player
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

Why?
Ever since videos started coming in different containers, codecs, and audio formats *cough.AVIcough* it has been difficult to find a video player that can take it all! VLC is probably the ONLY software i have found that is capable of playing almost anything you through at it. I Remember before i started using VLC, i would have to either download and install a new codec, or use some form of converter to put it into a more common format. The sucky part is that if you get a video format that is uncommon, you wouldn't (To my knowledge) be able to determine whether it is a common format. So say if you send/give this file to someone, they may not be a fellow VLC user and be totally lost.

Pros:
Handles pretty much anything you through at it, simple, lightweight, FREE
Cons:
The Very fact is handles everything makes it difficult to determine whether it is common.



Video Editing: Jahshaka
http://jahshaka.org/

Why?
Now that there are video editing tools like Adobe AfterEffects and iMovie, Window's movie maker isn't cutting it. This is especially true ever since the advent of YouTube! Yes, the want to be an internet sensation and do all the awesome candy coated effects the big leaguers do you need a software that gives you the capabilities! This is where Jahshaka comes in. It actually shocked me when i saw some of the stuff people were able to do with this powerful editing tool! I'm no expert, but i would have to say it is Slowly coming up to par with AfterEffects! That is, if they EVER release Version 3!
I fear the only dpwnfall of Jahshaka is the IMMENSE learning curve. It took forever for me to figure out how to add background music to a video. It doesn't seem to have tooltips, and the installation can get confusing if you are not familiar with computers (It sends you to several mirrors since the website is going through a total overhaul.)

Pros:
POWERFUL, fully featured, can handle most formats, FREE!
Cons:
EXTREMELY difficult to learn.


Video Converter: MediaCoder
http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/
Why?
I like MediaCoder because it is very strong and supports most video formats. It also has several presets (such as iPod, AppleTV etc). It is pretty straight forward. The only thing is that it is relies too heavily on an internet connection. (The presets require it. Also everytime you open the software it opens your browser looking for updates *annoying much*) and it also is pretty finiky on Vista. But none the less it does get the job done.


Pros:
Handles a LOT, simple, FREE

Cons:
Dependence on Internet and is Whonky on Vista.