How to I batch convert Quicktime mov to avoid (conversion)?

I understand that sometime in 2013 Quicktime 10 for Mac started to force conversion of .mov which were in a legacy format into a new format. The way this currently happens in when I open a file with quicktime it takes a significant amount of time to convert it and then I have an option to save it. Nothing new here and I've read the other forums on why this is happening. I'd like to batch convert all of my older .mov at once and will save the files in a new format to a new folder. How do I go about doing this quickly, painlessly and cheaply? I tried to import them into the new iMovie thinking it would automatically confer them but they don't. I want to avoid opening several thousand .mov's individually in quicktime and saving them. I have OS X Mavericks 10.9.5 and a 13-inch Macbook Pro 2012. Thanks.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Feb 27, 2016 2:37 PM

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3 replies

Feb 27, 2016 4:26 PM in response to gatornyc

I'd like to batch convert all of my older .mov at once and will save the files in a new format to a new folder. How do I go about doing this quickly, painlessly and cheaply?

Under Mavericks, Yosemite, and El Capitan, the "Convert" structure used by the QT X Player app can be accessed by the user at the Finder level. This means that any file or files selected in a Finder window can be converted singly or as a batch to a given target setting employing the "Encode Selected Video Files" option found in the File "Context" menu. In fact, this menu lets the user target conversion for H.264/AAC standard ("Greater Compatibility") quality, H.264/AAC "Higher Quality", or Apple ProRes 422/LPCM editing quality files at 480p, 720p, or 1080p resolutions. If the source files are not supported by your system's current codec configuration but are supported by the FFmpegX codec package (e.g., codecs that support VLC, MPlayerX, NicePlayer, Perian, etc), then I personally recommend the free HandBrake utility with its novice presets and advanced manual features as a third-party batch converter for QT OS/IOS/tvOS MP4/M4V targeted files. On the other hand, most legacy files can continue to be viewed in VLC, MPlayerX, NicePlayer, or the QT 7 Player with Perian installed if you prefer not to perform any conversion.

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How to I batch convert Quicktime mov to avoid (conversion)?

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