Enter YTD Video Downloader, a freeware package that makes downloading YouTube videos, and video files from several other web sites, a simple task. YTD will even convert video formats for you. Supported file types include mp3, mp4, wmv, flv, mov, 3gp, and avi.

Having downloaded and installed the program (watch out for bundled software that you don’t wish to install!), you simply need to copy (Ctrl-C) the URL of a video to the clipboard, and hover the mouse over the “Paste URL” window. Like magic the web address for the video will appear in the window – there is no need to actually paste it!

Now, it’s simply a matter of choosing the desired settings for download quality, video file format, etc., although the default settings may be just fine. One setting that you probably should change is “Save to”. By default, this uses some obscure documents’ folder for a given user. Since I never use such folders, I found it hard to locate my first download, and so opted to use the folder on my data drive where I normally store file downloads.

After that, hitting the Download button does precisely what it says and in no time at all – well, in a period appropriate to the size of the file and the speed of your Internet connection – the video is available to play from your hard disk. Even better, YTD has a built-in viewer so you can see the results immediately.

And, just in case you were wondering, the example (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJYcHrwE1ok) shown above is a home-made, how-to video of Adam, The Northern Tech, installing a solid state drive in an Acer Aspire One netbook. In consequence, it’s a freely-available file (i.e. no copyright) – and a great example of the utility of YTD in allowing the file to be downloaded for future reference – such as when you are in the middle of major laptop surgery and need a little help!

Bottom Line:

YTD Video Downloader Basic (Freeware)
Version 4.8
GreenTree Applications SRL
http://www.ytddownloader.com/