iPod Tip #13
Converting MPEG videos found on the Internet for use on the new iPod with video capabilities usually requires an extra step. MPEG video is a stream and the audio and video is multiplexed. When using QuickTime Pro 7.03 ($29.95) most times you will get video minus audio when using the new Export -> Movie to iPod. These videos can be used on the iPod with video and still get the audio.

Here’s how:
Step One
Download MPEG Streamclip (free, OS X and Windows XP). MPEG Streamclip is an application that can convert MPEG files QuickTime.

MPEG Streamclip File Menu
MPEG Streamclip File Menu

Simply launch MPEG Streamclip, open file into MPEG Streamclip (Open Files under File Menu), and choose to Export to QuickTime. You can decide which codec and settings you want to use and where to save it. To use on the iPod with video, I usually use Apple’s MPEG4 Compressor at 100% quality, De-Interlace, 320X240. Experimenting with settings is encouraged.

MPEG Streamclip Export Options
MPEG Streamclip

Step Two
Find the converted video on your hard drive, open it up in QuickTime Pro, and then use Quicktime Pro to convert the video into an iPod-compatible format. The iPod video plays back m4v (MPEG-4) video.

Just use QuickTime Pro File menu -> Export

Export QT

Pick Movie to iPod (320×240) from the list. This will give your video a .m4v file extension. Just rename it to whatever you like and “Save the exported file as.” This will leave your original video untouched.

Save as QT

Now just add it to your iTunes Library and it should play just fine in iTunes and on your iPod with video.

Alternate Method for Step Two
Ok, you do not have QuickTime Pro and want to save some money. Check out iSquint a free iPod video conversion application.

iSquint

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