Vrinda/Vee or Other Techie - A Question

[carres1973]

I posted a question in the Ask Cathe forum about what format the iPod workouts will be in and it made me think of converting...from Quicktime to Windows Media Player compatible that is.

Is there a free program to convert Quicktime video to Windows Media Player compatible format? Everything I have read says "why would you want to?" since Quicktime seems to be a superior format. My answer is "because I wanna!" Actually, it is because my smartphone uses WMP.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Carrie

 

[Vee]

Carrie,

There are several options to convert .MOV (Quicktime movie format) or movies with MPEG4 extension encoded for the iPod, to windows movie player compaltible formats like .AVI or .WMV.

a. ImTOO:
http://www.imtoo.com/mov-converter.html

b. Quicktime Pro:
http://www.divx-digest.com/articles/article_mov2avi_quicktimepro_page1.html

c. Prism:
Prism has a free and a paid version but the free version may not work (the free version can convert any format that plays in Windows Media Player to another format for Windows Media Player). I have not explored whether downloading a Quicktime codec could resolve the issue for the free Prism version.
http://www.nchsoftware.com/prism/index.html

The above options are safe because they are widely used and certified by sites like CNET.

I am not aware of any reliable freeware that will do the trick. There is a utility called RAD Video Tools which is a free software. However, I am not sure of any spyware risks that may be associated since they dont seem to be too well known. http://www.radgametools.com/bnkdown.htm

Almost every paid download option offers a free trial, so I suggest trying before buying. Also, check out the documentation of the device you want to play on, to find out exactly what formats and encoding standards are supported. There are so many potential specifications and variables in video formats. It isnt difficult - but it may take a couple of tries with different software until you find something that works well, unless you do a match between the exact format your smartphone can support and the documentation the software says it can convert to.

Hope this helps.

 

[Aquajock]

Vee, you're a frickin' genius. Can I just say that?

A-J

 

[Vee]

Anytime A-J. That could be a bit of an overstatement , but I loved hearing it any way. Thanks.

 

[carres1973]

Thanks Vee! I knew I could count on you for good information. My Treo uses WMP to play video. However, I found out lat night it does not support the 4GB memory card I bought yesterday. The only good thing is I am now even more convinced that I need the new 16GB iPod nano!

Carrie

 

[Vee]

Carrie,

For workouts I use Jaybird Gear wireless bluetooth headphones. Here is a link:
http://www.jaybirdgear.com/bluetooth-stereo-headphones-buy.php

I bought a pair with an adapter to my iPod Nano (I have the previous square 3rd Gen). I think they are a worthwhile investment for anyone who uses an mp3 player regulalry for workouts - especially for ripping and taking workouts to the gym.

Some people have "non-standard" (too large or too small) ear canals, but if your ear canal is the right size these stay in place without falling out while you workout. They are small, light and no wires to get entangled while you workout.

I am disappointed that the 4th gen Nano does not have the built in bluetooth option. Sony and Samsung players have built in bluetooth (but for slickness, production-quality and ease of use I still like iPod better). To use bluetooth wireless headphones with a Nano you need to plug in an adapter. Jaybird's adapter is very small so it does not add much to weight or size of the Nano.

 

[pugw]

I think I'm going to put those headphones on my Christmas list. Thanks, Vee!

 

[carres1973]

I like the thought of wireless bluetooth headphones! It is such a pain to have the wires trailing. I have tried under the shirt, over the shirt, up the back, up the front... Nothing I do works.

Now to figure out how to convince DH I need the new iPod AND new headphones...

Carrie

 

[bitmover]

On a somewhat related topic.... I'd like to put in a plug for paying for software more often..... you'll definitely get a better product, and let's face it.... software developers need to eat, too...... (yes, my living is made in software, but not in the above-mentioned product space).

-Beth