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Another Video Converter Question...

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So I have scoured the forums and web looking for an easy to use, FREE, video converter for my video and movie files. I want to go from AVI to something that is SMALLER and PLAYABLE by iTunes and on my iPhone. I think I am looking for a .MPG4 converter? What is a good format for these types of files that I can transfer to my iTunes library, take up minimal space, and transfer to my iPhone if I want? Thanks in advance!
 
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I have Handbrake and it works GREAT for importing movies to my HD. But can I use it to convert files I already have on my Mac to MPG4 and stuff?
 
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No good, just tried to select an AVI video to convert and it said "No valid video source found."
 
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Video Converter for Mac.app The trial version only allows 5 minutes, which is not a lot of use to you, but at least give it a try. You may be persuaded that $35 is a worthwhile expenditure.
 
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Yeah, and it said I had to download three other codecs or something and one of the three links didn't work. I have been using iSquint and it works fine but not so great on the file compression although it is slightly smaller than the original AVI format.

Whichever link didn't work GOOGLE the codec.
 
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OK, so I used iSquint to convert to MPEG4 and it works just fine. BUT when I do so and use the preset, standard definition conversion the video looses some noticeable quality but it does turn out to be a slightly smaller file. I only accomplished half of my goal: convert to iTunes/iPhone-friendly format and compress file to smaller size if possible. Is there anything out there that will do both? Or once I convert it to MPEG4 and just select the high quality rate is there another program I can use to compress the files to a smaller size to save space on my external HD? Thanks in advance.
 
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IZVERG
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Or what is the file format that iTunes uses when you buy movies from them? it's pretty small I remember.
 
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dvd to ipod (personal used dvd's from a video store to my ipod)

I would like to know what is the best way to copy couple of my dvd's in to my ipod so I can connect that to my dvd system in my car for the kids. I need this because I am driving long distance and it is a hassle to change dvds. I have to stop to adjust or change the movies. I own all my movies. I paid them once so I am NOT looking to make illegal copies by any means. This is for personal use only as well. Please help to figure the best way to copy or rip dvds some are pre-watched from a video store. i would like to copy them in to my ipod. Thank you
 
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I would like to know what is the best way to copy couple of my dvd's in to my ipod so I can connect that to my dvd system in my car for the kids. I need this because I am driving long distance and it is a hassle to change dvds. I have to stop to adjust or change the movies. I own all my movies. I paid them once so I am NOT looking to make illegal copies by any means. This is for personal use only as well. Please help to figure the best way to copy or rip dvds some are pre-watched from a video store. i would like to copy them in to my ipod. Thank you

The program mentioned above, Handbrake, is your friend...
 
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Usually just lowering the quality will compress the file further. You're not going to get a highly compressed file without losing quality.
 
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Yeah, iSquint seems to work OK for what I want.
 
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When I tried to use Handbrake it says "Handbrake could not find VLC" I downloaded that and it still says that... help??? I don't want to buy these movies again just to put on my ipod so that my kid can watch it in the car.
 

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