convertible

Converting FLV files you've saved or found on the Internet to other formats--MP3, AVI, MPEG, WMV, ASF, WAV, MOV, and iPod--is a breeze with this user-friendly tool. Unfortunately, the demo version converts only 70 percent of any file until you purchase the registered version.

Smart FLV Converter Pro launches a compact but slightly busy interface that is still understandable and very function-driven. To help novices, contextual help boxes pop up from each button in the order they should be used: Add File, Output Format, Convert. Very simple.

This utility functioned very well in our tests, converting formats very quickly. … Read more

Fiat released this preview of the new Fiat 500C before the unveiling at the 2009 International Motor Show in Geneva, and before its launch throughout Europe in the spring.

The Fiat 500C's soft top is fully motorized and features a glass rear window. The top is available in three colors (ivory, red, and black) and will be matched with several body colors, including two exclusive cabriolet-only colors: brilliant Pearl Red and special Warm Grey.

Aside from the new soft top, the 500C is exactly the size as the basic model, which is just fine by us. The convertible offers … Read more

doPDF is a fairly basic program that's utterly bereft of features beyond its main function: to let users create PDF documents from within any program using the native Print option. Along with whatever printer you've got hooked up that shows up in the Print dialog box, doPDF adds an eponymous option. Select it, hit print, and you get the chance to change the name of the PDF you're creating. Hit enter and the PDF gets created, then automatically opens for you to proofread it.

Lacking any customization features and the control panel to manage them, doPDF is … Read more

China becomes the world's largest car market, but Ford is unable to unload Volvo there; you may get to write off part of your next car purchase; and we drop the top on a Corvette convertible. In January.

• China overtakes the U.S. in auto sales for the first time

• GM eyes S.F. and D.C. as early home runs for the Volt

• CNET Review of the Corvette Convertible

• OnStar looking for a home in non-GM cars

• New Mazda3 variants to bow in Geneva early March

UPDATE (February 4, 2009): Both houses of Congress have now passed identical versions of a revised DTV bill that President Obama is expected to sign into law. However, it appears that the law will still allow analog stations to shut down starting February 17. See CNET News for more information.

The future of the DTV transition is still uncertain, and Wednesday the House of Representatives is set to vote on the latest bill to delay the transition from February 17 to June 12.

That sounds simple enough, but the reality is still pretty muddled. For one, the delay is still … Read more

When you think Corvette, you're probably thinking the Z06, or even the new ZR1, but we shouldn't forget the lesser models, which are excellent cars in their own rights. We spent a week with a Corvette Convertible, a car designed more for cruising than for the track but that still boasts 436 horsepower and exhilarating acceleration. This is the kind of car you can enjoy in many situations, from top-down scenic cruising to blasting around winding corners to straightline let's-see-what-this-baby-can-do driving. And with it, we got to try out some of the Corvette's cool new tech … Read more

Though DTV converter boxes are stacked up in most electronics stores, there are not enough guaranteed government coupons for them since the funds for the program began to run out.

With the scheduled transition to DTV broadcasting fast approaching (slated for February 17), one company is encouraging us to share the wealth. Retrevo's Good Neighbor Coupon Exchange Program links up those who have unused converter box coupons with those who are in need of them.

On Retrevo's DTV site, you simply choose whether you have a coupon to give or if you need one. Enter an e-mail address … Read more

Trellis Management has announced the availability of the XDepth Raw Converter for Windows, available free of charge for both personal and professional use. The XDepth Raw Converter is a RAW development and 48-bit image-processing software tool that features the proprietary XDepth RAW image compression technology.

The XDepth Raw file format is a new (announced in October) file format that features JPEG compatibility, visually lossless compression, JPEG compatible thumbnails, and full RAW development controls. The XDepth file format not only offers raw compression, it also offers copyright protection by securing copyright and author data within the file itself. The security features … Read more

It's easier being prudent with your travel budget when you know how much those souvenirs really cost. This free converter lets you compare the value of currencies against each other. It is ideal for tracking international exchange rates, but loses something of its value from previous versions, when comparing among currencies was more intuitive. This newer version also adds banner advertising; thankfully unobtrusive.

You can still swap the master currency and compare to monies from other countries, but to do so you'll need to tap the currency name--U.S. dollars, for instance--and enter the amount you'd like … Read more