Althouse: Don't read this unless you like answering computer questions.

July 19, 2006

Don't read this unless you like answering computer questions.

[ADDED: Readers answer my question -- with extra tips -- in minutes. Thanks!]

What's the best way to convert a mov file to divx on an iMac? (I record the file in QuickTime or iMovie.)

17 comments:

CCMCornell said...: When I used Windows (now Linux) I went to www.videohelp.com for guides and tools for conversion. A friend of mine is a Mac user and he converts his Sorenson MOV's to Divx AVI's using Quicktime's built-in Export feature (under File). I believe it required a plugin-in from the Apple website specifically for Divx.; 7/19/06, 5:42 PM
Tibore said...: Jase is right. If possible, you probably want to start with a raw source, or at least something with as much data as possible.

In general, when converting a file from one type to another, you'll be able to find a plethora of tools on the 'net, a good deal of them either free, or with free trial periods. Just Google the word "convert" and the two file types ("Quicktime", "Windows Media", etc.) or the extention (".mov", ".avi", ".divx", etc) or any mix of the two ("convert Quicktime .avi", for example), and you'll be awash in links. Works well for video/moving images, still images, audio files, etc. The only times you run into severe problems is when a specific file type/format is proprietary and very aggressively protected by the originator of the format.; 7/19/06, 6:42 PM
Ann Althouse said...: Thanks everyone! I got the Divx converter and tested it. It was fine. And the tip about starting with a less compressed file is very helpful; 7/19/06, 7:58 PM
Ann Althouse said...: CCM: Yes, after I installed the software, divx appeared as one of the options under "export" in the QuickTime file menu. It was really easy to do, and the conversion I tried didn't take too long.; 7/19/06, 8:11 PM
Ruth Anne Adams said...: .2% of the bloggers surveyed indicated that they blogged to get fast, free, effective computer advice without queuing up with Apple's help line.; 7/19/06, 9:27 PM
al said...: queuing up with Apple's help line.

If Apple products are so easy to use and the systems never lock up/crash/etc why does Apple need tech support?

We were just in NYC and the families resident MacFan (my oldest) had to visit the Apple store by Central Park. The Genius bar was packed with people needing help.; 7/19/06, 9:40 PM
Ann Althouse said...: My problem had to do with leaving Apple to work with PC people. The answer was easy, and I didn't try to get it from Apple.

You guys are just jealous that you don't get to live within the golden glow of Apple goodness.; 7/19/06, 10:54 PM
Ruth Anne Adams said...: I think Al's comment is influencing how you're reading my comment.

I intended no offense whatsoever toward Apple users and I only guessed that they had a help line.

My brother is a Mac user and couldn't do what he does as a professional photographer without his Apple products. I have an appreciation for that Applicious goodness. I just don't happen to own one.

My comment pertained to the post earlier today about why bloggers blog.

And now that I've de-joked my joke, I'll skulk off.

[skulks away]; 7/19/06, 11:24 PM
Ruth Anne Adams said...: [skulking back in briefly]

Go see what an Apple computer can do to a Canon photo in the hands of a really talented photographer.; 7/19/06, 11:32 PM
Tibore said...: Support is needed regardless of the platform. I work in a university computing support environment, and we have both Windows/PC and Mac support teams. I haven't seen anyone in a very long time try to claim that Mac's " never lock up/crash/etc", and this is working as a Windows specialist cheek & jowl with Mac advocates. Mac's rarely mess up in that manner, but no one claims they never do, at least not in our division.

On the other hand, the problems traditionally associated with PC's tend to be exaggerated. Most problems are users accidentally shooting themselves in the foot, or not knowing how to do something, not a problem inherent to the Windows or Mac platform itself.

While I have much genuine respect for Apple's legendary photo and AV reputation, the fact remains that anything that can be done on that platform can be done on a PC. Photoshop exists for both platforms, for example; so does Illustrator, Maya, etc. In fact, if we're talking art/design programs, I can actually think of one that isn't available for OS 10+: 3D Studio Max. No offense to Ruth Anne, but an equally talented photographer can do the same things on a PC that your brother does on a Mac (BTW, Ruth Anne, please extend my compliments as a former photographer back in the film days to your brother on his work. I like what he's posted, and I know firsthand just how much effort is expended in shooting weddings).

Out of the 5 artists I know, 2 use Macs and the remainder use PC's by conscious choice. One of those PC users is actually a full time professional; he designs fonts, posters, ads, and also creates and sells fine art pieces.

My point is that neither platform is really heads & tails above each other in any major respect. People choose between the two on fine details, or (I admit), trivialities (For example: there are no Mac 3D gamers that I'm aware of since there's a paucity of games for that OS). Not over major details. So no offense to anyone, Mac or PC lover, but the Apple/Microsoft operating system debate is much akin to the Coke/Pepsi or Ford/Chevy debate. There is no actual objective superiority between the two, both do what anyone needs either to do, and the reasons behind selecting one over another have far more to do with personal tastes than anything else.; 7/20/06, 12:41 AM
al said...: Tibore - well said.

Ann - You guys are just jealous that you don't get to live within the golden glow of Apple goodness.

thanks - I needed a laugh today. I read that at the same time that one of Apples clueless commercials was on.

I intended no offense to Mac users. It's just that so much of what is spewed out by Apple marketing just makes me laugh.; 7/20/06, 7:49 AM
Ann Althouse said...: Yeah, you are jealous!; 7/20/06, 8:39 AM
Tibore said...: Well, folks, don't assume I'm ripping on Macs either. The new Intel Powerbooks are pretty nifty systems.

And, "jealous"? Professor, a few days ago, you posted about choosing between a Porsche and a Mercedes for your next car. A week before that, bam! You bought a brand new computer! Meanwhile, I'm toolin' around town in a 6 year old Pontiac and blog posting on a 2 year old Dell. Damn straight I'm jealous! Of your buying power! :)

Althouse: "I am consumer, hear me ROAR!."
Tibore: (*squeak*); 7/20/06, 9:41 AM
Ruth Anne Adams said...: Abraham:
I'm sure he'd answer if you asked him. I'm just his younger sister who knows little about photography except that he's always been an avid Apple user.

He also published a book called "Digital Wedding Photography" available on Amazon.com. Many secrets to photoshop are revealed there.; 7/20/06, 9:58 AM
Ann Althouse said...: Abraham: What software? Maybe Aperture.

Tibore: If it's any consolation, I'm only leasing the cars and they represent vacation expenses.; 7/20/06, 10:58 AM
Paul Gero said...: Ruth Anne Adams' older brother Paul here...

Thanks for the comments...yes, the PC version of Photoshop could work these files very similarly to the way my Apple does (in fact I've configured my monitor to calibrate to the PC standard of 6500 degrees Kelvin and 2.2 gamma (not the 1.8 Apple gamma).

The Raw files were processed with Adobe Camera Raw and then from there into Adobe Photoshop -- the standard for image manipulation on both platforms..

The reality is that the world is still 90% Windows and all the machines that take the files is driven by Windows computers and those monitor settings have become the standards (at least for Fuji Frontieres and Noritsu printers (like at most Costcos, Sams)...

That being said, I continue tol be partial to the elegant operating system that is Mac (and OS 10.4 is even better than before)...love my new Macbook in black!!

Cheers!

Paul; 7/20/06, 12:57 PM
Tibore said...: Paul,

Nice pictures. Shooting weddings can be a ton of work. Shooting them well is even harder, and it looks like you shoot them well.

Everyone else,

Choice of platforms comes down to what you're most comfortable with. Funniest advice I've ever heard: Anyone can use an operating system when it works like it's supposed to, but you're not truly comfortable with one until you can handle things when it goes beserk. So choose your platform based on how capable you are with handling its failures. :)

I'm not sure I'm in complete agreement with that, but it does contain a nugget of wisdom.

Professor,

Boy, I wish I had your vacation budget. :)

(*squeak*); 7/20/06, 5:13 PM