Best MPEG Streamclip option?

Discussion in 'Digital Video' started by musique, Aug 27, 2011.

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  1. musique, Aug 27, 2011

    musique macrumors regular

    musique

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    #1
    I've been asked to convert 20 or 25 lectures recorded in Windows Media Video (Standard Def, WMV) to a format that's more Mac-friendly (for viewing, not editing).

    MPEG Streamclip works fine, but it creates files that are at least 2x the size of the original. Some of the options I've tried have created files that are 5x, 10x, or more.

    Is there one or are there several options for output in MPEG Streamclip that will convert the videos, but keep the size about the same?

    Thanks.
     
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  2. mBox, Aug 27, 2011

    mBox macrumors 68020

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    #2
    Why not just find a WMV plug-in for Quicktime? Sorry the name escapes me. Bought it years ago and collecting dust at work.

    ----------

    Have you tried Adobe Media Encoder or Apple Compressor?
    VLC also opens WMV easily.
    How are the videos being presented?
     
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  3. musique, Aug 27, 2011

    musique thread starter macrumors regular

    musique

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    #3
    The problem I've found with QuickTime or VLC playing WMV files is that you can't just jump to, say, 70% of the way through until it does an internal conversion first. With a 1.5GB file you have to wait for the player to do its thing for 5-10 minutes.

    I thought it would be a simple MPEG Streamclip conversion and that there would be one (of the dozens of options) that I could choose for each one.

    I looked at Flip4Mac and the trial version seemed to convert the first 30 seconds just fine. Unfortunately, those who asked me to do this don't want to pay for any additional software. If it were up to me I'd probably get the Flip4Mac HD converter for any possible future needs, but that's $179.

    And, I don't know if there's a plan to present them, just to have them available for those who want them.

    Thanks for your response.
     
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  4. Dave Braine, Aug 27, 2011

    Dave Braine macrumors 68040

    Dave Braine

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    #4
    The difference in file size reflects the amount of compression and/or the size of the video; ie, x pixels by y pixels.

    You'll have to experiment and decide which one, for you, looks best when you play it back.
     
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  5. musique, Aug 27, 2011

    musique thread starter macrumors regular

    musique

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    #5
    OK. Thanks. I had hoped there was a magic bullet setting that would work for everything.

    Upon reflection, not my most well thought out expectation! With so many different formats and wrappers, it was an unrealistic one.
     
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  6. cgbier, Aug 27, 2011

    cgbier macrumors 6502a

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    I have the $29 Version of Flip4Mac. Works fine for me in SD. I don't know if you're doing a lot of (paid) jobs like this, but if you have to deal with Windows folks regularly, Flip4Mac should be in your toolbox.

    For client work: Educate them to give you only camera originals, no processed files. There might be some explaining to be done, but it saves you a lot of headache in the long run.
     
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  7. musique, Aug 28, 2011

    musique thread starter macrumors regular

    musique

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    #7
    Thank you.
     
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  8. mBox, Aug 29, 2011

    mBox macrumors 68020

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    #8
    Live camera projects such as lectures and training are a pain.
    Back in the day it was, turn on a VHS camera and let it go for 6 possibly hours.
    Well the minute someone asks me to edit that, I just say NO!
    Ill put a front end back end and maybe do some hard cuts but that would be tape to tape.
    Now today its amazing how things are almost the same.
    Who wants to edit a boring 2 hour lecture :)
    So basically you grab and output ;)
    So yes, try and get the original footage before they stick it into a Windows box and use Movie Maker as the acquisition tool :p
    Saves you so much time and lets you enjoy your job ;)
     
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  9. mutantteenager, Sep 5, 2011

    mutantteenager macrumors 6502

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    #9
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  10. cgbier, Sep 5, 2011

    cgbier macrumors 6502a

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    It's 30% of my daytime job :eek:

    ... and I have to bring in the even more boring .PPT slides.... :eek::eek:
     
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