Is there an inexpensive video-conversion program that can do batch conversions of files from one format to another? I would like one that works on Windows as well as on Mac OS X.

Check out MPEG StreamClip (www.squared5.com), a free program available for Windows XP and Mac OS X.

The software can be used as a video player for most video formats and will convert between any of the formats it supports. The included documentation and help system also are unusually complete for a free software package. One of its most impressive features is batch mode processing. You can convert entire collections of files in one go. Unfortunately, the batch conversion option is available only in the Mac version.

MPEG StreamClip is great for converting legacy video files to the QuickTime format for streaming. The software also provides several tools for editing video clips. Cutting and pasting short clips is as easy as marking the begin and end points, and choosing Export from the menu. Pulling out single frames for use as JPEG still images is done the same way.

You can also rearrange clips by marking the timeline and moving pieces around by dragging the mouse.