Quicktime Movie File Issue

Question

Level 1

5 points

Quicktime Movie File Issue

Hello All,

It's simple - I have my older Television Commercials archived as very large Quicktime Movie Files.

At the time of their creation the good people who operate these systems didn't say that thing don't last forever - so now my 'archive' (containing files only created 12 years ago) appears to have become a grave for what is highly valued material.

These files whilst sharing the same name are a mixed bunch in terms of 'format' etc. I'm pasting an example below.

Having done some research and having attempted to use third party software - I can open the files but the 'conversion' process reduces them to ridiculously small files that are largely unusable.

I ask is there any sane practical way to open these files and not have them shrink from around a 'gigabyte' downs to a couple of 'megs'...

ooms looking at, studying and monitoring software - which should be designed to be utilitarian and practical for use in such places as 'archives'.

Thanks,

Nicholas.

Posted on Aug 29, 2022 9:02 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Matti Haveri

Level 7

20,024 points

Aug 29, 2022 11:50 PM in response to ausobserver

Either try to convert them to H.264 or H.265 video and AAC audio with apps like Handbrake, VLC or ffmpeg. Or get a Mac that can run Mojave or earlier and try to use it to convert those obsolete codecs.

Reply

Answer 2

ausobserver Author

Level 1

5 points

Aug 30, 2022 3:54 AM in response to Matti Haveri

Thanks for responding Matti - genuinely appreciated.

Fortunately I can still open some of the files and using Resolve's editing software have been able to convert several files to ProRes (to archive) and then in turn, create manageable 1080 HD files from these new files for general use.

For the files I can't open - I'll have someone with Premiere Pro see if they can load them and convert them.

Unfortunately using third party systems that convert the files to H264 means massive downsizing and subsequent image loss and I need this material in good shape, so that when it is played, to look reasonable on a decent sized monitor.

I'm still baffled why Apple have done what they have, as their are probably millions of people in my position who, whilst being 'professionals' aren't boffins who read about software changes constantly and have probably been caught out by this.

I just spoke to a colleague who runs a large production facility and they weren't aware of what has transpired and they probably have hundreds upon hundreds of valuable and irreplaceable files stored in their archives.

Thanks again for your response!

Nicholas.

Reply

Answer 3

Aug 30, 2022 5:18 AM in response to ausobserver

> convert the files to H264 means massive downsizing and subsequent image loss

Oh sorry, I was not aware you were SO serious maintaining quality. I am such a packrat myself and recently converted old Super 8 films frame by frame to ProRes 422HQ 1080p which is somewhat "too much" for that kind of low input quality. But I wanted to do it right and then try to forget the old films.

FWIW you might use ffmpeg to convert to ProRes HQ (ProRes HQ, timecode, PCM little endian) if you can read the old codec:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v prores_ks -profile:v 3 -timecode 00:00:00:00 -c:a pcm_s16le output.mov

Reply

Quicktime Movie File Issue

Similar questions