DVD Catalyst GT

When the conversion process starts, DVD Catalyst GT will display a window showing you the file names being created and the progress being made on that conversion.  Most DVDs can be ripped in less than 1 hour depending on the codec being used.  If you are ripping to WMV then the conversion process can take up to 3 hours.  This is one reason the developer of GT has recommended the use of the TCPMP player and a DIVX output for Windows Mobile device users.  Once the DVD is converted, the outputted file can then be viewed on your PC or copied to your Windows Mobile device and played.  Moving a file to your Windows Mobile device can be done via a storage card reader on your PC or through Explorer in ActiveSync.

You will also note that you can change the priority of your conversion process on the status window.  By changing the priority, you can instruct DVD Catalyst GT to have a normal priority, a lower processing priority or a high processing priority.  This will essentially instruct your PC how much processing power to put into the program, speeding up or slowing down the conversion process based on your choice.  It is usually best to leave it in Normal mode for conversion and the ability to use your PC while it is working in the background.

Figure 6:  The Conversion Status Window

Figure 7:  A Converted File on a Windows Mobile device

In essence, DVD Catalyst GT is that simple!  With only a handful of mouse clicks you can convert a video or DVD for your favorite device, copy it to that device and view it.  There are no other adjustments or settings required and the output quality is fantastic.  It is clear that the developers at DVD Catalyst have hit the mark when it comes to simplicity but they have also hit on the application being feature rich and not stripped down in order to reach the simplicity goal.  As impressed as I was with DVD Catalyst (See my review at http://www.clintonfitch.com/reviews/dvdcat/dvdcat-3-0/default.asp) I'm even more so with GT because it opens up a whole new world for many Windows Mobile users who are new to video conversions.

To be sure, DVD Catalyst GT is not for everyone.  For the serious video converter who wants to have the ability to tweak every aspect of the output file, you need to look at DVD Catalyst 2 as GT simply does not have the "knobs" to turn as it's bigger sibling.  If you want to convert your DVDs and files but don't have the desire to do all the custom tweaking, GT is definitely the right choice.  Make no mistake however; GT is not a crippled version of Catalyst 2.  They are intended for a different type of user and both meet their intended audience exceptionally well.

DVD Catalyst GT is available for an introductory price of $17.95 with a regular price of $19.95 and has a 7 day fully functional trial version available.  The trial version is not limited in anyway, giving you a chance to really use the application.  You can purchase DVD Catalyst GT from the Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com! software store by clicking here.  For more information on DVD Catalyst GT and DVD Catalyst 2, visit the DVD Catalyst website at http://www.dvdcatalyst.com.

Clinton Fitch, MVP-Mobile Devices
Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com!