Converting into AVI, Mpeg2, and WMV

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Level 1

9 points

Converting into AVI, Mpeg2, and WMV

What's the best way to convert files into AVI, Mpeg2 and WMV from Final Cut Pro? Should I convert into .mov then convert into those from another program? As far as I know, Final Cut only does Mpeg2. I would like to get the best quality.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8), Final Cut Pro 5.1.4

Posted on Sep 15, 2009 9:28 AM

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Answer 1

Macrophone Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 15, 2009 9:31 AM in response to Macrophone

I just found how to do AVI through quicktime conversion, but still would like to know if that is the best way for quality.

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Answer 2

Sep 15, 2009 4:36 PM in response to Macrophone

Export out of FCP a .mov file by going to File > Export > QuickTime Movie. This will export a file that is in the same codec that you were editing in. Bring that into Compressor to create your files. You need to purchase a copy of Flip4Mac to create a WMV file. The free version of Flip4Mac only allows you to watch wmv files, not create them.

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Answer 3

Matt888

Level 1

5 points

Sep 15, 2009 8:30 PM in response to Macrophone

Shawn is right --the best quality your going to get out of any editing program or compositing app is a quicktime movie -I also use the quicktime animation codec -it is an uncompressed codec and it has never failed me either--it is also a codec that will export and alpha channel for you.

I always use this as my master export then compress to other formats from here.

If you want great quality at small file sizes --use QT H264 codec

matt

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Answer 4

Sep 16, 2009 10:50 AM in response to Macrophone

Concerning AVI, it depends on what codec you want within the AVI container. How will the AVI be used? Is it going to be further compressed on a Windows system, or used in Premiere on a Wiindows computer, or perhaps played from within PowerPoint?

Really, the only good reason to make an AVI any more is to provide compatibility with certain software on the Windows platform that still requires it. Otherwise, Windows Media or Quicktime provide better solutions.

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