How to convert MPEG2 to MPEG4

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How to convert MPEG2 to MPEG4

I am using a Panasonic D-300 camcorder that records to mini RAM disks. It came with proprietary Windows editing and burning software but the Mac-compatible Pixela software is unreliable. One needs to convert the videos from MPEG2 to MPEG4. I am asking for your advice which applet or program will accomplish that.

I want to simply get the original scenes off the mini disk for re-use in the camcorder and burn them to a DVD for showing in the telly or friends' computers.

If there are any programs on the market that allow a few days trial to test if they work, or any free ones, please make your suggestions. I have installed a USB Asus DVD burner in order to off-load the mini disks into the iMac 20" for processing.

Thanks,

iMac v.X, Leopard, Mac OS X (10.5), Panasonic Lumix, video DVR-D300 (mini-RAM), Gateway/XP2

Posted on Nov 14, 2009 10:31 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 15, 2009 3:30 PM in response to birdy176

MPEG Streamclip (free) will do the conversion, but you'll need the MPEG plugin from Apple (a few$).

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Answer 2

birdy176 Author

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Nov 15, 2009 5:38 PM in response to Wayne Henderson

Wayne, thanks for the advice. Please tell me the official name I have to use when placing the order. "MPEG plug-in" just sounds too general and the order taker may ask for more details. I don't mind the few bucks...

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Answer 3

Nov 16, 2009 6:46 AM in response to birdy176

See here:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/mpeg2/

Disclaimer: I don't have this nor have I used it. Buyer beware. I'm just parroting advice from others here.

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Answer 4

Nov 16, 2009 7:09 AM in response to birdy176

http://karsten.schluter.googlepages.com/convertdvdstodvs
shows an illustrated advice
(sorry, screenshots partly German.. you'll get it).

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Answer 5

birdy176 Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 16, 2009 7:53 PM in response to Karsten Schlüter

**Wayne and Karsten:*

Thank you both for your helpful suggestions. No probllem with the German illustrations at all.

Will be ordering the key for MPEG QuickTime with this dial-up log-on . Living in the boonies (SW coastal Oregon), am waiting for the Chinese to give this area broadband since Verizon has refused to do so.

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