HandBrake to convert .m4v to .mp4

[laforge27]

I have some .m4v files saved on my desktop that I want to be able to watch on my Droid phone. I downloaded HandBrake with the intention of converting the .m4v into .mp4 format which my Droid phone can play. When pointing HandBrake to the source file to convert on my computer (the saved .m4v), HandBrake comes back with "No Valid Source Found". I was under the impression HandBrake could convert .m4v into .mp4. Was I mistaken?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Normally it does suffice to rename "file.m4v" to "file.mp4", as the .m4v container is for iTunes usage, but using the same codec (H.264) as an .mp4 file.
If that does not work:

In order to find out, what may be wrong with your video, you can use the following three applications to analyse a sample video file.

• VideoSpec (free)
• MediaInfo (free)
• Media Inspector (2.99 USD € in the Mac App Store (MAS))

When done, you can use the "Report" (VideoSpec) and "Export" (Media Inspector) button to export a report, attachable to your next post via the

button.
In MediaInfo you have to go to the Menu Bar, select View > Text and copy the text via CMD+A > CMD+C and paste it via CMD+V into your next post.​

 

[laforge27]

I changed the file extension to .mp4 and tried uploading to and playing on my Droid phone again, but it still didn't work. I downloaded VideoSpec and have attached the file report.

 

[takeshi74]

From the report:

Format: drmi

There's your problem -- DRM.

 

[Sedulous]

Yeah, it must be DRM because m4v = mp4... just a superficial extension to distinguish mp4 files that have video as opposed to audio (m4a). They are all mp4

 

[laforge27]

Excuse my unfamiliarity with DRM, but is there any remedy besides buying an iPhone?

 

[Anonymous Freak]

Excuse my unfamiliarity with DRM, but is there any remedy besides buying an iPhone?

Not that can be discussed on MacRumors. Google is your option now.

 

[laforge27]

Thanks!

Thank you all for your help! I really appreciate it. I think I'll invest in an old, used iPod Touch to put the files on. It's for my 4 year old to watch Backyardigans and Oswald on when in the car. It's just been more difficult for him in the past with the small screen on my classic iPod which has no speaker so he has to wear headphones. Thanks again!