Converting videos on PC?

[techster82]

I have been reading through all the posts this evening but still feel stupid. What is the easiest way to convert .avi files and other formats so that I can add the movies to itunes, and thus watch them on my new appletv? Please help a noob out. I am currently without a Mac for the first time in awhile, so this has to be done through a pc.

 

[wyatt23]

videora is nice. that's what i use on my pc.

 

[coogee]

videora is nice. that's what i use on my pc.

thanks, same issue here, found a link to videora appletv converter, and freeware too!

http://www.redkawa.com/blog/post.php?t=461

 

[myjellyass]

You can't beat Handbrake: http://handbrake.m0k.org/ for mac, windows and linux. Has everything you could ask for and would be especially good if you're ever going to switch OSX, means you won't be baffled by too many changes in the software you're using... Enjoy.

 

[techster82]

Thanks for the responses guys. I tested out Videora late last night but it did convert a .avi file for me that played fine on the Apple TV. I also downloaded Handbrake but did not have enough time to grasp it last night. Does anyone have recommended quality settings in Videora to keep converting time to a minimum but picture quality good?

 

[SLJ]

correct me if i am wrong, but HandBrake does not convert avi to mp4 right?

 

[coogee]

correct me if i am wrong, but HandBrake does not convert avi to mp4 right?

I downloaded, installed and... looks to only be for DVD rips

Installed and tried the Videora too and its outputted jerky unwatchable video for me, albeit off an aging PC, could be the PC not able to play h264 properly.

Don't have the tv to test it out on yet, have to wait and see.

 

[myjellyass]

correct me if i am wrong, but HandBrake does not convert avi to mp4 right?

Sorry guys, my bad. Misread the question. In that case does Quicktime Pro not do that kinda thing providing you've got the appropriate plugins? (And you'de have to buy the Pro upgrade from what i remember). Sorry if that wasn't so usefull as i thought it would be.

 

[DenS]

Xilisoft

Xilisoft has two programs that result in aTV files: one for most video formats and one foe DVD images. Both work very well, although the DVD to aTV.MP4 is a bit (oh hum) slow!