how to convert .mov files to MP3?

Question

Level 1

9 points

how to convert .mov files to MP3?

I am recording an entire book for someone who can't read. I'm using Quicktime Pro to do the recording. I want to burn a CD for her that she'll be able to play on any old CD player. How do I converrt the .mov files to MP3 or other usable format?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Dec 16, 2007 12:39 PM

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Answer 1

scribblegirl Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 16, 2007 2:35 PM in response to QuickTimeKirk

Thank you! Still seems unnecessarily complicated to me but I managed to do it. Are these mp3 files better quality than what iTunes normally makes? I've noticed that when I import songs into iTunes and burn CDs from them, the volume is very low. Would converting everything to mp3 solve the problem?

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Answer 2

Dec 16, 2007 2:53 PM in response to scribblegirl

If you're burning an audio CD (standard CD format) you don't want to convert your file to .mp3 format first. You want to capture as AIFF format and use that file in iTunes.
Audio CD uses AIFF format and you can fit an hour of audio onto one.

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Answer 3

lenycato

Level 1

1 points

Jan 31, 2008 6:11 AM in response to QuickTimeKirk

Done this, but does not work.... where in the prefs can I set the .mov file to .mp3 format?? The iTunes prefs do not give me that option. [iMac 10.5.1 & latest iTunes] Neither does the advanced menu give me the option to convert

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Answer 4

Jan 31, 2008 3:20 PM in response to lenycato

Itunes preferences > Advanced Tab > Importing Tab > Import Using Drop Down Menu

However as Kirk said it's pointless converting your files to mp3 if there going on to CD. This means you will compress the files, lose quality and they will then have to be reconverted to be burnt to CD. You would be better off exporting straight out of QT Pro as AIFF, this way you will not lose quality. You can then burn from iTunes toast etc no probs at all using this format.

Cheers

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Answer 5

timpola

Level 1

0 points

Feb 12, 2008 11:47 PM in response to lenycato

Didn't work for me either. I'm trying to convert an audio file that I downloaded as a .mov into an mp3. Quicktime Pro gives no options to export it as anything other than a movie file. When I drag it into iTunes, it goes straight into the Movie folder no matter where I drop it, and it does the same when I try to bring it into iTunes using Import, even when I have the Import tab set to mp3. I see a lot of shareware out there that does this conversion. I'm starting to understand why.

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Answer 6

Dec 16, 2007 2:14 PM in response to scribblegirl

Drag the audio only .mov file to your iTunes Library and use the preferences to set the .mp3 format and the Advanced menu to convert the audio portion of the file.

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