batch convert WMV to quicktime

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Level 1

65 points

batch convert WMV to quicktime

Hey all,

I would like to batch convert 30 movies in WMV format to quicktime (or MP4).
I can play the movies fine in quicktime (i've got flip4mac).

Could some kind sould help me get started in writing an automator action, or an applescript, or a bash script to get this done?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Best regards,
Gabriel.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on May 1, 2008 3:40 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Andrew Lamont

Level 3

666 points

May 1, 2008 4:43 PM in response to GabrielZ

In Automator...

Step 1: Files & Folders > Get Selected Items
Step 2: Moves > Export Movies

Save as an application. Select your 30 files in the Finder and drag them to your new Automator app.

This will give you m4v files. Not a lot of options, but will batch convert using QuickTime and the flip4mac plugin.

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Answer 2

GabrielZ Author

Level 1

65 points

May 2, 2008 1:10 PM in response to Andrew Lamont

Thanks a million for your response.

Unfortunately, in my case, your solution doesn't seem to help.
The probem is, that the iPod or Apple TV formats blow up the file size by a factor of 4 (at least) compared to the original file size.
That defeats the purpose of the whole exercise ...

I had hoped, there was an automator action that would just export to the last used format and codec options.

Otherwise, it would have been a beautiful solution 😉

Best regards,
Gabriel.

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Answer 3

GabrielZ Author

Level 1

65 points

Jun 26, 2008 2:52 AM in response to GabrielZ

Just for the record, here is my solution:

http://zach.in.tu-clausthal.de/software/index.html#batch_convert

HTH,
Gabriel.

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Answer 4

TopoTone

Level 4

1,331 points

Jun 26, 2008 9:19 AM in response to GabrielZ

So that's a batch converter you linked to.....seems like it wouldn't deal with the size expansion bit, as you mentioned is a problem.....have you figured that out? Also, to deal with wmv, I haven't found anything else but Flip4Mac that will work...so, I assume that's one of the necessities.

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Answer 5

Mailman42

Level 2

245 points

Jun 26, 2008 6:07 PM in response to TopoTone

look at visual hub.

I routinely convert more than 1 file at a time.

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Answer 6

GabrielZ Author

Level 1

65 points

Jul 2, 2008 10:40 AM in response to TopoTone

Hm , i'm afraid I don't understand what you mean by "size expansion bit" ?
Regards,
Gabriel.

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Answer 7

AJ

Level 5

7,075 points

Jul 2, 2008 11:46 AM in response to GabrielZ

Try this:
http://www.squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-mac.html

I beleive it will alos work to convert audio formats, also (like wma to mp3, aac, et al)

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Answer 8

TopoTone

Level 4

1,331 points

Jul 2, 2008 6:28 PM in response to GabrielZ

I was commenting on the need to control the conversion so that you can avoid the file size expanding too large...however, I see that the batch converter says it will simply use the settings that were last used in Quicktime. Since you already have Flip4Mac, I'd say, convert one, the way you want, and then try a few with the batch converter.

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Answer 9

GabrielZ Author

Level 1

65 points

Jul 4, 2008 8:21 AM in response to TopoTone

That is exactly how my batch converter is meant to be used 😉

Regards,
Gabriel.

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