Video Conversion

[BethelPV]

I tried searching around for this topic, but couldn't find it... sorry becca

How do you convert your video files from a Windows Media Player file into a Quicktime file? Do you have download something in order to do that? Thanks for the help!!

Zach

[powerplant42]

Pretty sure you've got to download a program. I would be careful though, I'm not sure there are any free programs on the net (I've looked around at vid converter downloads online before) that would be safe to put on your computer... I'm sure there are a bunch for relatively cheap.

[master]

Are you only able to get your video files in wmv format originally? The reason I ask is most cameras record their files as one form or another of avi type file. Those are then often converted to wmv (WMP) or mov (QT) in order to make the file size smaller.

- master

[ladyvolspvcoach]

If you are not talking about a whole lot of files, send them to me and I'll convert them for you.

[BethelPV]

Thanks ladyvols,
The only problem is I have to do each one of my files i take off of my video camera. I can't figure out how to set my camera to record in a different file type as it is almost brand new! I know there are products and such to convert them, but I am in the process of trying to save for an apartment

Zachmo

[powerplant42]

There are some good ones online for less than 20 bucks. If things are THAT tight, I suggest you sell your computer!

[master]

The only problem is I have to do each one of my files i take off of my video camera. I can't figure out how to set my camera to record in a different file type as it is almost brand new!

What kind of camera is it? Are you implying that when you download a video file it is already in the wmv format? Usually, a camera will only record a file as a single type, so it is unlikely there is anything for you to change. But I'm surprised it records in a wmv format.

Is it possible that it saves in the avi format (eg. your_file.avi) and your computer is just set up so avi files are loaded into WMP? That wouldn't surprise me. If that is the case, then there are several options for you.

- master

[BethelPV]

I think you hit it right on the nose master...

Its that my computer turns them into WMV files and only plays them in Windows Media Player...

[master]

Look at the file. Is the file extension (the 3 letters after the dot) avi or wmv? I do not think any computer converts the files upon download. However both WMP and QT can play avi files. The computer keeps track of which program you want to associate with the file type. Very often WMP is what is associated with the .avi type file. Tell me your camera make and model and I can look up to see what file type it creates. If it is an avi file, then you can use a few different programs to convert the file to .mov (QT format). I gues it is also possible that you have your computer set up so as to not show the file extension. I forget that is an option because I don't like that and I always have mine show the extension.

Just out of curiosity, why do you want your files in QT? I have a few reasons I like QT but there are also good points about WMP. Apparently you have WMP installed on your computer. Do you also have Quick Time?

- master

[decanuck]

I use MediaCoder to compress PV vids from my camera. It doesn't do .mov (QuickTime) files because that's a more proprietary codec, but it does just about everything else.

I seriously doubt WMP is converting your camera's .avi files to .wmv before playing them, it's probably just playing them as is, in which case you can change the file type associations like Master said.[/url]

[chuckd1356]

Operator error.
Cameras don't record the way you're saying they do. That's a load of crap.
If you're using a camera that has a tape (I'm going to think it's safe to assume you're using a Mini-DV Camera, and the following post is geared towards those)

Cameras record their video in a native format, and then when you plug it into your computer, and start your "program" the program knows the type of formatting it has. There is no encoding (eg. in WMV or AVI). The program then encodes the data and puts it into something that you can use. If you're using Windows Movie Maker (which judging by your lack of expertise, I'm pretty sure you are) I'm almost certain that you can change how it encodes.

If you can't, you can do this on countless places. There are websites that will do it, and a multitude of programs. Scan the programs with a virus checker before using if you're unsure about the website that it's coming from. A web based video "converter" is most likely safe, seeing as all you're going to do is upload the file, and let them handle it.

WMV stands for Windows Media Video and it was developed as a compression technique only to save space. This was developed by Microsoft. Microsoft doesn't make cameras, and your camera doesn't record in WMV formatting.

If you're using a Sony Still Camera (such as a CyberShot) then there is a setting in the controls that you can change. Those record differently because they're working off of a memory stick, and not a tape.

Hope this helps.

[master]

Operator error.
Cameras don't record the way you're saying they do. That's a load of crap.

Gee. What a friendly greeting.

BethelPV, in case there was any misunderstanding, my advice on this topic has been based on the assumption you were using a digital "still" camera that can also record digital video.

- master