To choose the best open source video converter for your needs, you should look for a program that is updated fairly regularly and has a rather large community that supports it. You should determine what types of files you plan on working with, including specific file types, so that you can choose a program that can input the files you already have and create files in the formats you need. If you want to use an open source video converter to build upon and create your own software for commercial release, then you should be careful about any licenses or copyrights that might be controlled by owners of certain file formats.
An open source video converter is a software program that can be used to convert between one type of video file and another. Since this type of software is developed as open source, it is usually offered as a free download that can be used and altered in any way you see fit. The open or public license often used to develop open source software may even allow you to create new software using an open source program and then release that software for commercial sale.
One of the first things you should consider when choosing an open source video converter is the types of files you need to use. If you already have video files that you want to convert from one file type to another, then you should look for software that can handle input files of your type. You should also make sure it can convert and output files of the type you need. If you do not yet know what file types you are going to be working with, then you should look for an open source video converter that can handle as wide a range of file types as possible.
You should also be sure to choose an open source video converter that is compatible with any hardware or software you also use. This means you should choose a program that can function with the operating system (OS) you use and can run on the hardware you are using. You might also consider the size of the community that exists around any program you choose. Larger communities often provide greater support and more frequent updates for open source software.
If you plan on using an open source video converter as the base for your own software development, then you should be sure to consider any secondary licensing issues. Even if the actual converter you use to create a commercial program has an open or public license, certain file types may be owned or controlled by other groups. You should consider contacting a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property (IP) law and software development to ensure you do not violate any protected software and that you pay for any media licenses you may need.