Server side media conversion

[diddle]

I am starting a web site where in users are allowed to upload images, videos, and audio tracks (particularly relevant here are the latter two). I would like to be fairly consistent in all of my media formats, so I will need to install a converter. First issue, is there a way to avoid doing it server side with some java or flash app? Secondly, I'm using php and a mysql db, so if it is server side have can you suggest any particular programs?

Btw... I'm intending to stick with jpg., flv., and... not sure on the audio. But I'm open minded. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks for the help

-Diddle

[disturbed1]

ffmpeg and/or mencoder. Lots of scripts out there to interface with it as well. Here's one http://www.clip-share.com/

Hope you're using a dedicated server, or at least a VPS.

Some hosts offer these features built into their packages - https://media.dreamhost.com/ - the first one that came to mind with searching.