Hanover, Germany  - Most PCs aren't up to the task of converting video between formats. But outfitted with the proper graphics card, they can often take on the job.

Graphics cards that fit that bill are affordable these days, reports c't, a German computer magazine. Nvidia and ATI have new chips out - the Cuda and the Stream - that can give a helpful hardware boost.

Any contemporary graphics card outfitted with chips from one of these manufacturers can speed up a PC's video conversion, reports the magazine. And, since they're cheaper, a new card is a better investment than a new processor, reports the magazine.

As a bonus, computers will become noticeably quicker at converting videos into standard formats like MPEG-4 (H. 264).

Special software is also a must. Programmes like Badaboom, MediaShow, Espresso or MediaCoder all help convert videos. But there are big differences in ease of use and range of functions. Certain programmes only work with either Cuda or Stream, meaning customers need to keep an eye on the chip they're using when picking software. (dpa)