iSquint and VisualHub, the popular video converter on Mac OS X have now gone open source. They also have got new names, Film Redux (VisualHub) and PunyVid (iSquint). As you may or may not know, the developer, Techspanion has closed shop and after an outcry from fans, it has released the source code.

You can get them here: SourceForge.net Repository - [transcoderredux] Index of /

This a tutorial on how to use Techspansion's open source to build iSquint and VisualHub. It is very easy. Follow me!

Here are two parts:

• Part 1, How to use open source to build VisualHub (Film Redux)?
• Part 2, How to use open source to build iSquint (PunyVid).

What you need:
Mac OS X 10.5, Xcode 3.0 and Techspansion's open source (Download link 1 Download link 2 )

Part 1, How to use open source to build VisualHub (Film Redux)?

1Open the open source, you will see two folders: FilmRedux and PunyVid. Open FilmRedux and find the file "FilmRedux.xcodeproj".

2Double click "FilmRedux.xcodeproj" to open it with Xcode.

3Click the button "Build and Go" to build VisualHub (Film Redux). That's all.

Note: If your Mac OS X is not 10.5.0, Click here to download the built Film Redux (VisualHub) and PunyVid (iSquint).

Part 2, How to use open source to build iSquint( PunyVid)?

1Open the open source, you will see two folders: FilmRedux and PunyVid. Open PunyVid and find the file "PunyVid.xcodeproj".

2 Double click "PunyVid.xcodeproj" to open it with Xcode.

3Click the button "Build and Go" to build iSquint (PunyVid). That's all.

The operation is simple, but the stability would be a great concern, it kept reporting error messages during my try which is really frustrated. Perhaps it's not wise enough to spend hours coping with those errors messages, as there must be some commercial programs that perform much more reliably, like the tried-and-true Video Converter for Mac.
If you want to convert videos to DVD, here is video to DVD Converter for Mac

Learn more: iSquint - free Mac iPod video conversion applications discontinued.

Note: Products Comparison among VisualHub, iSkysoft iMedia Converter for Mac, MacTheRipper, Handbrake, etc.