Best software for converting video files??

DarrenUK · Jan 1, 2013, 03:32 PM

I have come from a windows PC to a new iMac, some of my video files will not play on the mac (avi, wma etc) so will need converting to MP4. What software can be recommended for this?

I have had a look in the Mac App Store and have seen a handful of video converters, please can some users advise which is best for the job?

Thanks.

Big Stevie · Jan 1, 2013, 03:33 PM

Handbrake. Its pretty much all I use.

ECUpirate44 · Jan 1, 2013, 03:34 PM

Handbrake.

stridemat · Jan 1, 2013, 03:40 PM

I would agree with those above. I use Handbrake for ripping and iFlicks for metadata and cover art.

dmrowley · Jan 1, 2013, 06:20 PM

Also check out Adapter...

http://www.macroplant.com/adapter/

hallux · Jan 1, 2013, 06:37 PM

Handbrake is a good tool for converting the files, if they HAVE to be converted. Use VLC (www.videolan.org) and you can play almost anything (including WMV).

AppleDApp · Jan 1, 2013, 07:10 PM

I prefer iFlicks

Big Stevie · Jan 2, 2013, 04:10 AM

Im interested in learning more on iFlicks. I see the latest update has prompted some negative reviews on the App Store.

stridemat · Jan 2, 2013, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Stevie

Im interested in learning more on iFlicks. I see the latest update has prompted some negative reviews on the App Store.

I have had no problems with it as it's used quite alot!

takeshi74 · Jan 2, 2013, 12:29 PM

Handrake (frequently recommended in other threads as well).

Quote:

Originally Posted by hallux

Use VLC (www.videolan.org) and you can play almost anything (including WMV).

I'd also recommend trying VLC first.

AppleDApp · Jan 2, 2013, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Stevie

Im interested in learning more on iFlicks. I see the latest update has prompted some negative reviews on the App Store.

What would you like to know? I haven't seen any problems with the latest update. Download the trial that should give you a good idea of what the software is capable of doing.

phrehdd · Jan 2, 2013, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takeshi74

Handrake (frequently recommended in other threads as well).

I'd also recommend trying VLC first.

I agree, best to check if VLC can handle your files, also look into flip4mac (I think that is the name) and Perian. These relate to simple playback of files "as is."

If having the best sound or image is important and you want to convert your files, make sure not to add additional compression in the process.

Big Stevie · 05:36 PM

Sorry to hijack your thread Darren

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleDApp

What would you like to know? I haven't seen any problems with the latest update. Download the trial that should give you a good idea of what the software is capable of doing.

Everything i Guess!

Ive just downloaded the free trial

.

So I draged an mp4 film into iflicks and saw that it created some artwork that matched the film, and Ive managed to get iFLicks to put the film onto iTunes.

So am I right in thinking that iflicks has now added lots of metadata to this file? Is there more that iflicks does that I dont know yet?

DarrenUK · Jan 2, 2013, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Stevie

Sorry to hijack your thread Darren

No problem at all.

Thanks for all of the replies and suggestions, I decided on Smart Converter in the end from the Mac App Store. Just something simple.

Been using it today and very happy with it. It does just the simple converting that I need it to do and the conversions are quick with good quality results.

Big Stevie · Jan 2, 2013, 03:40 PM

Im pleased you've found your solution Darren

2012Tony2012 · Jan 2, 2013, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmrowley

Also check out Adapter...

http://www.macroplant.com/adapter/

I like Adapter.

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarrenUK

I have come from a windows PC to a new iMac, some of my video files will not play on the mac (avi, wma etc) so will need converting to MP4. What software can be recommended for this?

I have had a look in the Mac App Store and have seen a handful of video converters, please can some users advise which is best for the job?

Thanks.

Use VLC on your Mac to play AVI, WMA etc.

Otherwise use Adapter.

AppleDApp · Jan 2, 2013, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Stevie

Sorry to hijack your thread Darren

Everything i Guess!

Ive just downloaded the free trial

.

So I draged an mp4 film into iflicks and saw that it created some artwork that matched the film, and Ive managed to get iFLicks to put the film onto iTunes.

So am I right in thinking that iflicks has now added lots of metadata to this file? Is there more that iflicks does that I dont know yet?

It will also convert all your video files that aren't mp4. MKV files are a pain. I have now setup automator to check a specific folder for video files and send them to iFlicks to be converted. iFlicks adds most of the metadata but not always. It's good pratice to double check it.

Big Stevie · Jan 2, 2013, 06:52 PM

Thanks AppleDApp. Im enjoying using this app

iflicks has failed to find any artwork for one of my films, is there anything I can do to prompt it to find it please?

HabSonic · Jan 2, 2013, 07:07 PM

HandBrake or iVI if you're prepared to pay $10.

AppleDApp · Jan 2, 2013, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Stevie

Thanks AppleDApp. Im enjoying using this app

iflicks has failed to find any artwork for one of my films, is there anything I can do to prompt it to find it please?

I haven't found a way to do so. I usually go over every movie I import to assure that it is properly tagged.

Does anyone know of a way to get the appropriate metadata for video or audio files?

Jan 1, 2013, 03:32 PM	#1
DarrenUK macrumors regular Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Southampton, UK	Best software for converting video files?? I have come from a windows PC to a new iMac, some of my video files will not play on the mac (avi, wma etc) so will need converting to MP4. What software can be recommended for this? I have had a look in the Mac App Store and have seen a handful of video converters, please can some users advise which is best for the job? Thanks.
	0

Jan 1, 2013, 03:33 PM	#2
Big Stevie macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: UK	Handbrake. Its pretty much all I use. __________________ 2012 Macbook Pro (non retina) - Mountain Lion iPhone5
	0

Jan 1, 2013, 03:34 PM	#3
ECUpirate44 macrumors 603 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NC	Handbrake. __________________ 2012 RMBP 2.3/8/256. 16Gb iPhone 5 Black & Slate.
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Jan 1, 2013, 03:40 PM	#4
stridemat Demi-God (Moderator) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK	I would agree with those above. I use Handbrake for ripping and iFlicks for metadata and cover art. __________________ I support the MacRumors Blood Drive!
	0

Jan 1, 2013, 06:20 PM	#5
dmrowley macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Dortches, NC	Also check out Adapter... http://www.macroplant.com/adapter/ __________________ 2012 Mini 2.5Ghz i5, 2010 3.2 Ghz i3 21.5" iMac, 2009 2.53 Ghz 15" MacBook Pro 64G iPhone 5, 32G iPad 4, Airport Extreme, Airport Express, Apple TV2, Apple Battery Charger, ...
	0

Jan 1, 2013, 06:37 PM	#6
hallux macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2012	Handbrake is a good tool for converting the files, if they HAVE to be converted. Use VLC (www.videolan.org) and you can play almost anything (including WMV). __________________ 2012 15" MBP, 2.3 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD, Hi-Res glossy
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Jan 1, 2013, 07:10 PM	#7
AppleDApp macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jun 2011	I prefer iFlicks __________________ If you are a MacRumors newbie, chances are I will disregard your post.
	0

Jan 2, 2013, 04:10 AM	#8
Big Stevie macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: UK	Im interested in learning more on iFlicks. I see the latest update has prompted some negative reviews on the App Store. __________________ 2012 Macbook Pro (non retina) - Mountain Lion iPhone5
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Jan 2, 2013, 03:40 PM	#15
Big Stevie macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: UK	Im pleased you've found your solution Darren __________________ 2012 Macbook Pro (non retina) - Mountain Lion iPhone5
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Jan 2, 2013, 06:52 PM	#18
Big Stevie macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: UK	Thanks AppleDApp. Im enjoying using this app iflicks has failed to find any artwork for one of my films, is there anything I can do to prompt it to find it please? __________________ 2012 Macbook Pro (non retina) - Mountain Lion iPhone5
	0

Jan 2, 2013, 07:07 PM	#19
HabSonic macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Canada	HandBrake or iVI if you're prepared to pay $10.
	0


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