Problem combining multiple mp4 files in quicktime

Question

Level 1

2 points

Problem combining multiple mp4 files in quicktime

I'm trying to combine three mp4 files (about 70 MB each) into one video file. I read that quicktime could do this rather easily. Sure enough, after opening one mp4 I can simply drag in the other two after it.

Next I can either close the file, which will prompt me to save the new video, or I can export the video. Either way, the initial time estimate is 2 minutes... then 4 minutes, 6, 9, etc. This goes on indefinitely and the increment of time added increases as well. The first time I tried to combine the three mp4 files I left QuickTime to save the video and when I checked back it had an estimate of over 200,000 hours left and was increasing at 16,000 hours every couple seconds.

Seems like this is a bug of some kind but I don't have a clue how to trouble shoot this. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Brandon

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on Feb 20, 2014 8:04 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Roddaman

Level 1

0 points

Jun 1, 2015 9:28 PM in response to bzle

I had the same problem. Turned out to be an "incorrect time value". Best free fix was simply to open the files I wanted to join in the free "MPEG Streamclip" app (from squared5 (dot) com), choose "Fix Timecode Breaks" from the Edit menu, then Save the file. Joining the newly saved files was a piece of cake!

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Answer 2

bzle Author

Level 1

2 points

Feb 23, 2014 4:21 PM in response to bzle

I still don't know what's wrong with QuickTime, but this program combined the mp4 files quick and easy:

http://www.mp4joiner.org/en/

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Answer 3

Jul 20, 2015 11:05 AM in response to MatraSimca

I've found the easiest way of doing it, just use an older version of the regular free QuickTime 7.0+ which gives you the ability to just drag and drop files on top of each other in sequence and it creates a perfect, merged video for you. Ofcourse Apple took this feature away on their later updates as usual to force people to buy the Pro version, but you don't need to buy it. QuickTime 7.0+ also gives alot of other useful features too, all taken away from users in upgrades! upgrades! upgrades!

http://www.macyourself.com/2009/03/...eo-files-using-the-free-version-of-quickti me/

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Answer 4

Jul 19, 2015 12:14 AM in response to Roddaman

Apple has been ******* me off for so long now...these options would have worked if they didn't take them away on their newer Quicktime updates. This will only work with older version of Quicktime 7.0+ so Roddaman...please clarify your technique with MPEG Streamclip because I have this and use it, but don't see how to merge or string mp4's together like you say you can.

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