PETER_EARTHMAN  Duo test with iTube Grabber and iTubeX

Did several tests with both utilities and this is what I came up with:

* Both capture most stream videos with no problems from the leading video sites.

* Both can convert the downloaded flv videos to several codecs. However, iTube Grabber can do this automatically and without the need to install 3th-party packs. iTubeX needs the Perian pack to do this. Not a big deal but some people do not like to install extra stuff. Worth mentioning.

* Both have a very good integrated browser detecting a full acid test.

* I like the iTube Grabber interface more then the dull Safari like iTubeX. It goes without saying this is a personal preference.

* iTube Grabber has a neat stream history. Incredibly handy to catch hidden streams on some pages. This said, multi streams on one page is not very common but if it is there you can make the best of it. iTubeX does not feature this.

* iTubeX does not have a visible indication if there is a stream found. iTube Grabber tells the user this by a red grab button.

* iTube Grabber lacks a browse history.

* iTube Grabber has a "true" OS X interface. iTubeX has some issues (no correct Safari button behavior, no correct preference window, no correct about window, refreshing does not work correct - you have to press it twice, there is no shortcut to close windows and some more tiny bity annoyances)

* iTubeX has multi language support. iTube Grabber not.

My verdict:

Both utilities do what they advertise namely grabbing videos and they both do a very good job.

iTube Grabber has a advantage of doing some operations automatically such as converting, a stream history and having a "true" OS X interface.

This gives iTube Grabber a small overall advantage for me.

iTube Grabber is still in beta so I guess we can expect some more improvements.

Therefore it is fair to rate iTube Grabber one star more then iTubeX.  
(Version 5.6)

THUS.SPAKE.Z  iTubeX Ultimate 5.3 remains a beautifully crafted, smooth working, eminently user friendly

piece of work.

Its Dutch developer, Joris Vervuurt, in his early to mid teens is already demonstrating remarkable talent in software development. I'm certain that before too long, Joris will show that he has attained the status of "Master Software Developer"

His customer support is wonderful and faultless.

More developers should strive to emulate his very high standards of excellence.  
(Version 5.3)

GO2WEB  Decided to download iTubeX Ultimate 4.4 to update an earlier version. I discovered that I needed a new serial number - the instructions were to email the author. "Great", I thought, "This will take weeks". But NO! I received a reply within minutes from Joris (on his iPod Touch) explaining he would send me the updated serial number within a couple of hours. An hour later I received the updated serial. Version v4.4 is, again, stable and does exactly what it says. I really like the modern GUI touches, like the status bar drop down window etc. It has a small CPU footprint, even on a PowerBook G4 12" 1.5 GHz. This is the best way to save .mp4 and .flv content off the web. Kudos and accolades to the developer - a role model to other developers for how to look after paying customers.  
(Version 4.4)

PALADINO  iTubeX Ultimate rocks! It's quite user friendly and has been working smoothly and effortlessly since I installed it a few months ago. This little gem makes downloading and saving You Tube videos a "piece of cake".

The young developer, I think he's in his early teens, has demonstrated that he really knows what he's doing. I predict great things from this guy. Two thumbs up!  
(Version 4.4)

BLABLABLA@DODGIT.COM  I wanted something that would download music videos from mtvmusic.com. Alas, this only downloads the commercial that appears *before* the music video starts. I thought about writing the developer and asking to have this fixed. However, his site states, "I will not purposefully allow iTubeX Ultimate to download copyrighted videos, .swf and .mp3 files."

I respect his/her moral compass, but I'll not be purchasing this app. :-(  
(Version 5.5)

MACUPYEARS  This is the first video download prgram which has actually downloaded what I wanted when I wanted it. This may say a lot about my video download skills, but a lot more about the application. It is almost idiot proof, well presented, and with simple, effective help.

I was having a problem with getting double download traffic from YouTube. I contacted the developer who immediately looked into it. Although it is more of a YouTube problem, he provided an immediate workaround, and has promised to look at a permanent solution. You can't ask better than that.

All for a very reasonable price.  
(Version 5.1)

PAUL HARVEY  Simple, elegant, can be tried before you buy, and above all reasonably priced.

Tried, decided, purchased and serial number received all with 10 minutes.

What more can use ask for for less than a fiver?  
(Version 5.3)

ZZZ  This is the model of how all software should be:

- simple interface

- does what it says it does

- a developer who actively cares about his product

- all at a very reasonable price.

Joris, take a bow - you are THE MAN!!!  
(Version 5.2)

SGGINC  Like MACUPYEARS said this is also the first program I

tried that actually downloaded what I wanted.

Easy and fast ... No read me or manual needed.

Try it!!!

Thanks ... Ken   
(Version 5.2)

JORIS VERVUURT  Hi everybody,

Some news:

I'm sorry I have to say that PayPal transactions will be possible again after 22 January of 2009.

I will then also release a huge update that will be free for people who have already bought a license, a license for the new version will cost $ 7,50 or € 4,50.

One very big performance improvement:

In the current version (4.3.3) the CPU usage while Idle on a Intel iMac 2.4Ghz: about 40%

In the new version (4.3.4) the CPU usage while Idle on the same Intel iMac 2.4Ghz: about 2%

You will notice a huge performance boost on older G4 and G5 computers.

Best regards,

Joris  
(Version 4.3.3)