Error when merging large clips in QuickTime

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Error when merging large clips in QuickTime

I am trying to merge two 2-hour clips into a 4-hour clip in QuickTime (OS X 10.7.2). If I combine very short clips and export for iPad all works. But the long clip combination generates an error "The operation not supported for this media." What is the problem? Is there a size limit I don't know about? I can create the large (4 hour) film in Quicktime and I can watch it. But I can't export the result. Anyone have an answer? [The two long clips were generated by HandBrake for Apple TV2 and the clips work everywhere they should.]

Thanks for any advice or help.

Jerry

Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Dec 5, 2011 8:07 PM

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Answer 1

Jon Walker

Level 6

19,489 points

Dec 6, 2011 10:08 AM in response to pa-squash

I am trying to merge two 2-hour clips into a 4-hour clip in QuickTime (OS X 10.7.2). If I combine very short clips and export for iPad all works. But the long clip combination generates an error "The operation not supported for this media." What is the problem? Is there a size limit I don't know about?

What is the encoded resolution and file size of each file? While HandBrake generates iPad files using "Large File" addressing, the QT X player may or may not be programmed to use this mode for smaller resolutions based on the contextually adaptive nature of the preset. Just a guess, but it is possible the QT X player may refuse to "export" the content if the target file is projected to exceed 4 GBs or exceeds the available memory required to perform the processing of the files.

If true, then depending on the original source files' compression format(s) and apps available, I might try one of the following:

1) Create a merged "reference" file containing the two source files using QT 7 Pro or create a single "merged" file from the two source files in a single wrapper and then use HandBrake to make a single conversion/export to the target iPad compression format.

2) Use QT 7 Pro or MPEG Streamclip to save the data in the two M4V files to a single MOV file (without recompressing the data) and checking to see if this file can be imported/managed by iTunes for use on your iPad.

3) Try a lower resolution export from QT X to see if this obviates the error message.

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Answer 2

pa-squash Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 6, 2011 2:50 PM in response to pa-squash

Jon --

Thanks for the reply. The odd thing that has happened is that I've tried to export the 4-hour film again and this time it worked --- well almost. Here's the info on the file (this is the "info" displayed when I use the Lion "get info" command) :

DImensions -- 834x352

Codecs -- AAC, H.264

Color Profile -- HD(1-1-1)

The two source files have the following info:

DImensions -- 834x352

Codecs -- AAC, H.264, AC3, Text

Color Profile -- SD(6-1-6)

I can load the resulting file into iTunes -- it doesn't complain. But when I run it the screen is black -- the play time advances but nothing is displayed. Same thing happens when loaded into QT.

By the way, I tried to export the file from QT using the iPod resolution (I guess the lowest) and I got the same message I got earlier about "operation not supported". But then I got that with the higher resolution before it finally worked!! I wonder if it has something to do with system activity.

I'm less anxious to try the QT Pro solutions because I'm not sure the solution is worth $39 bucks to me (or was it $29?). Any comments on my new results.

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Answer 3

Jon Walker

Level 6

19,489 points

Dec 6, 2011 3:41 PM in response to pa-squash

I'm less anxious to try the QT Pro solutions because I'm not sure the solution is worth $39 bucks to me (or was it $29?). Any comments on my new results.

For me, the inconsistency in results is more disturbing than anything else. I would shy away from using QT X for most serious editing actions—even minor ones. If you are not willing to invest $29.99 (US Apple Store), then try downloading and installing the free MPEG Streamclip app. It has most of the linear editing features of QT Pro but lacks its layering/compositing/masking abilities. If your two files have alpha-numeric names that indicate their playback order, then simply drop your HandBrake output files to the MPEG Streamclip window and it will automatically merge the files together and you can then save the combined files using the "Save As..." option to copy the merged data to a single MOV file container to retain multiple audio or chapter tracks. You can even trim the middle of the merged file to get rid of any unwanted or lengthy fade out/in between the two movies if needed (e,g, like the transition between the two discs of a LOTR special edition DVD set), an embedded "intermission", etc.

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