We use two programs because sometimes one works better
than other.
We convert in bulk, so converting like 150 mpegs at a time
all to WMV.
I recommend:
http://www.xvideoconverter.com/
or
http://www.avsmedia.com/VideoConverter/index.aspx
Both under $30 (last I checked) and both convert from ANY
format, to any other.
XVideo will do bulk, AVS won't. AVS will do effects (cuts,
captions, etc) but XVideo won't.
Under LAN 120kbps or whatever it is, we went from a 9 meg
clips to a 300 kb clip without a big difference in quality.
We've used pinnacle, premiere, and every other program out
there. If you're looking for speed, those two are the best for
the money.
Good luck,
Luc L.