Alternative Video Formats??

[NHLIVES]

I made this post Problem getting videos to play on why we have to buy an iPod or screw up Windows Media Player by installing the iTunes program.

Am I the only person on the forum that uses Windows Mobile 5 devices. And with Zune on the horizon, it would be much better to use a codec and file format that was standard...or post multiple formats...I vote for WMV and WVA.

[wwest]

Welcome to TR john, Hope you enjoy your stay here.

I think this is something that has been looked into or is being looked into. I am sure rob will jump in a fill us in.

Also When you installed iTunes it messed up your windows media player? I use both without any problems.

[NHLIVES]

In the past I have installed the iTunes software. Unfortunately it hijacks all of the media file extensions. Very similar to what happens when installing QuickTime. As long as you don't want to use windows Media Player as your default player, you may not be affected. Otherwise your system is throughly messed up as some(various) applications expect Windows Media Player and won't work without it.

For that reason and ones of personal preference, I won't be installing either QuickTime or iTunes.

But what I am REALLY looking for is the ability to use my POD, my Palm Treo 700w.

But thanks for the reply.

[Rob]

Originally Posted by NHLIVES

In the past I have installed the iTunes software. Unfortunately it hijacks all of the media file extensions. Very similar to what happens when installing QuickTime. As long as you don't want to use windows Media Player as your default player, you may not be affected. Otherwise your system is throughly messed up as some(various) applications expect Windows Media Player and won't work without it.

during the install of quicktime on windows it will ask, "associate x media types with quicktime" if you uncheck that option, this problem will not occur
also, if it does happen, it can be easily reversed by changing the default application for the specific extension of the file if question.
for example, find a .mp3 file. right click and select open with.
when the dialog box appears, select WMP, and check the box to always use this application. repeat for all needed file types.
(sorry, i dont have a PC at home, so i give this info from memory)

so here is a way to avoid the problem mentioned, and to fix it if it already happened

Originally Posted by NHLIVES

For that reason and ones of personal preference, I won't be installing either QuickTime or iTunes.

and i totally respect your discussion not to use it, however you will have to convert the video files to the desired format to view them, or find an appropriate WMP plugin if one exists

Originally Posted by NHLIVES

But what I am REALLY looking for is the ability to use my POD, my Palm Treo 700w.

But thanks for the reply.

again, you will just need to convert the video to the desired format and you are ready to go..

Originally Posted by NHLIVES

it would be much better to use a codec and file format that was standard...or post multiple formats...I vote for WMV and WVA.

i should note that WMV and WVA are WMP formats, and are NOT standards for podcasting. MP3 and M4V are the current standards. and they are cross platform with the right software (just as WMV or WVA would need additional software on a Mac)

[Gordonious]

Anything is cross platform, "with the right software" You can make windows run on a mac or some systems that run linux, heck even on the original xbox. The second part of it is, "the right software" as far as I can tell is expensive. I really wish the pod casts were available in more the one format. I'd be much more willing to made a donation to the site if you used a little more space to provide an easier format to view. If I end up spending $80 for a program to convert the video to be able to watch it on my PC and my handheld I'll be way too poor to make a donation to the site. (especially since currently the demo versions of these apps currently do not even work for me on three of my PCs with three different operating systems)

I love listening to the MP3s, but I really feel as if I am missing out with not being able to see the vids.


Jon

PS Has anyonve ever found a free converter that works? PLEASE let me know

[Rob]

Gordonious,
the points brought up above by NHLIVES we about him choosing not to use iTunes or quicktime.

regarding your issue, is it a problem with Quicktime/iTunes or is it choosing not to use it?

[graveyardworm]

Dont have much to add to this subject. Just wanted to say welcome to TR to NHlives and say Im glad to see he's over here as well.

[NPage]

I've been using Ultra QuickTime Converter to rip mine to DivX.
Aone Software ( Ultra QuickTime Converter, Convert MOV QT MP4 M4V to AVI MPEG VCD SVCD DVD )
Its $30.00 but it has worked very well for me. I'm sure there is a freeware utility out there that does something similar.

[JeffDubya]

I think the question here has been asked and answered. Time to close this thread.

If NHLIVES ***chooses*** to not use iTunes, or Quicktime, then he chooses to not avail himself of some amazingly great - FREE - content.

It's a free country.

But I think that asking rob to spend additional time, resources and MONEY to offer multiple formats of the show, when it is currently offered in an INDUSTRY STANDARD format... is wrong.

That's my opinion!

[Rob]

Jeff, thanks...

yes, storing multiple video formats is takes a lot of drive space, and since other formats are not as efficient the files are much larger leading to larger bandwidth bills, etc.. and when presenting multiple formats it tends to induce peoepl to download the same show in all formats sometimes to "see the difference" again leading to larger bandwidth bills. both of these last two issues also present real problems reporting the amount of unique downloads and viewer impressions.

anyways, i agree this is a closed issue, as there have been solutions presented and the format can not and is not going to change any time soon. i do hope everyone understands my position