Pls recommend format and specs to convert you tube mp4 files for archival

[perfection]

I download a lot from youtube in theri newly supported high quality mp4 format.
Since these files are not insertable into powerpoint i need to archive them into another format such as avi or mpeg 1 or 2 etc.

I want your recommendations on what wouud be the best format to convert to that would yield least loss on encoding/conversion. Disk space no problem but to be practical i'd like sugestions on the most optimnal format to archive with specifications such as the bitrate VBR/CBR (IN CASE OF MPEG) or the codec in case of pure avi

Here are the characteristics of the files (except for length all files have roughly the same chracteristics of frame rate and bitrate.

Please recommend a converter otr encoder to do so if you do not mind.

*** Video ***
Duration: 00:02:18.738
Frame rate: 31.513 (2623200/83243) fps
Frame size: (480, 360)
Step: 960
Image origin: TopLeft
Pixel format: YUY2
Bitrate 520 kbps

*** Audio ***
Samples per sec: 44100
Channels: 2

[zoobie]

I'd just keep them as they are and forget powerpoint

[redwudz]

These are the video formats PP can use: http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=3818

You could try XviD4PSP, WinFF or SUPER for converting if PP won't work with your present format.

Or if the videos are FLV format at present, you may be able to use them without conversion: http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=tn_14235&sliceId=1