I recently updated our home video surveillance system to a Q-See 4K NVR with 4MP IP cameras. The system compresses everything in H.265 (HEVC). Recorded segments can be output from the NVR as either DAV or AVI files, but both are H.265. Q-See provides a "Smart Player" application for Mac OS that will playback either file format. In addition, the AVI files can be played back with VLC. As far as saving any recorded segments I wish to save for later viewing, everything is fine. If I need to supply video to law enforcement (such as when someone stole a package from our front porch), I can still do that. But what I cannot do is EDIT any of the video segments.
We live in a somewhat rural area. Raccoons, opossums, coyotes, skunks and other critters are regularly on our property. Over the years, I've had some fun sharing some of these animals' antics with our friends. With our previous system (analog cameras and H.264 compression), I could edit together views from various cameras to create a little video story. Upgrading to a H.265 system has eliminated that capability on my Mac.
The DAV files can only be opened in the "Smart Player" app that is provided by Q-See. The AVI files can be opened in "Smart Player" or also opened by VLC. QuickTime and Final Cut Pro both refuse to open the H.265 AVI files. VLC has an mp4 export feature and I tried it out (converting H.265 AVI to mp4). The resulting file was a mess. It wouldn't open in QuickTime or Final Cut Pro. It would open in VLC, but playback was scrambled for part of the video. I suspect the file was still H.265.
I've found conversion utility apps for the Mac on the web that claim they will convert H.265 (HVEC) to H.264 mp4. But all of the sites for these files look kind of spammy and I'm concerned I'll end up installing malware with the utility program.
I am running Yosemite on a high-end iMac. I use Aperture daily and Yosemite is the last Mac OS that is 100% compatible with Aperture. Besides, I don't think Sierra supports H.265 yet either (but looks like H.265 will be coming to High Sierra).
I know Adobe Premiere would probably allow me to import and edit H.265 files. But $240/year to be able to occasionally edit some critter videos is just crazy.
My best bet is probably a converter utility. Convert the H.265 AVI files to H.264 mp4 files and then I can edit them in Final Cut Pro. Does anyone have any recommendations for a SAFE and malware/adware=free H.265 to H.264 conversion utility for Mac OS?
Thanks!
Mark
We live in a somewhat rural area. Raccoons, opossums, coyotes, skunks and other critters are regularly on our property. Over the years, I've had some fun sharing some of these animals' antics with our friends. With our previous system (analog cameras and H.264 compression), I could edit together views from various cameras to create a little video story. Upgrading to a H.265 system has eliminated that capability on my Mac.
The DAV files can only be opened in the "Smart Player" app that is provided by Q-See. The AVI files can be opened in "Smart Player" or also opened by VLC. QuickTime and Final Cut Pro both refuse to open the H.265 AVI files. VLC has an mp4 export feature and I tried it out (converting H.265 AVI to mp4). The resulting file was a mess. It wouldn't open in QuickTime or Final Cut Pro. It would open in VLC, but playback was scrambled for part of the video. I suspect the file was still H.265.
I've found conversion utility apps for the Mac on the web that claim they will convert H.265 (HVEC) to H.264 mp4. But all of the sites for these files look kind of spammy and I'm concerned I'll end up installing malware with the utility program.
I am running Yosemite on a high-end iMac. I use Aperture daily and Yosemite is the last Mac OS that is 100% compatible with Aperture. Besides, I don't think Sierra supports H.265 yet either (but looks like H.265 will be coming to High Sierra).
I know Adobe Premiere would probably allow me to import and edit H.265 files. But $240/year to be able to occasionally edit some critter videos is just crazy.
My best bet is probably a converter utility. Convert the H.265 AVI files to H.264 mp4 files and then I can edit them in Final Cut Pro. Does anyone have any recommendations for a SAFE and malware/adware=free H.265 to H.264 conversion utility for Mac OS?
Thanks!
Mark