Why You Can Trust CNET Get a DVD ripper and media converter for free
From now until Dec. 27, you can score this $49 utility absolutely free, no strings attached. It rips DVDs and converts videos to nearly any format.
Ready for one last sweet freebie before the year runs out? It might be something you already have (especially if you're a regular Cheapskate reader), but I can't not write about it.
From now until Dec. 27, iSkysoft's iMedia Converter (Win) is available free of charge, no strings attached. It normally sells for $49.
Update: To get the software, you must have a Facebook account.
The program offers two core functions. First, it rips DVDs (even protected ones) to just about any format: iPod, iPhone, Zune, etc. It can also rip just the audio from, say, a concert DVD.
Second, iMedia Converter can convert videos from one format to another--great for downloaded stuff that won't play properly on your PC or mobile device. The software even lets you perform rudimentary video edits like trimming and cropping.
In other words, it's a pretty robust utility; you can review the full roster of features here. The only hitch is that you don't get tech support or upgrades.
iMedia Converter works with Windows XP and later. To get it, just click the Free Download link. Then click Get Keycode and follow the instructions. My registration code arrived via e-mail within one minute.
One final note: If you were smart enough, charitable enough, and just plain awesome enough to buy the Windows Holiday Bundle I mentioned the other day (it's still available, hint-hint), the iSkysoft utility is a bit redundant--you've already got WinX DVD Ripper Platinum and Wondershare Video Converter Platinum. Still, gotta love a freebie.
Bonus deal: Speaking of freebies, you can score a $5 Amazon Video on Demand credit if you're willing to send one quick tweet. Seems like a fair trade to me! The credit can be used to buy or rent TV shows or movies.