I used to shoot video in my Powershot S3 IS (MVI_.AVI) and load it into iPhoto, I used quicktime pro so I could convert it for emailing to family members. That was when I was running Leopard now with Mt. Lion nothing works. Videos do not open at all?

Question

I used to shoot video in my Powershot S3 IS (Format MVI_.AVI) and load them into iPhoto, I used quicktime pro so I could convert for emailing to family members.  That was when I was running Leopard now with Mt. Lion nothing works.  Videos do not open at all.  Any simple suggestions, I am not real keen on iMovie Productions and not real certain how they compress for emailing attachments.  Something simple here that I am missing?  Thanks so much.  I am a grandpa trying to share with family members far away (quickly & simply).

Answer 1

I am surprised that Apple did not build a converter into Mt. Lion.
Apple does have a converter built into Mountain Lion. It is call "Quicktime." However, in order to use this converter, you must first make sure the compression formats are playback compatible with QT. Basically, there are three levels of QT compatibility. The lowest is "Playback." These file can be played by QT but may not be conversion or edit compatible with QT. The second level is QT "Conversion" compatible. These files are playback compatible and can be converted to other compression formats using QT. "Edit" compatible media files are "Fully" compatible with QT since the can be played, converted and/or edited by QT. The main problem here is that AVI is a "legacy" file format that has not been officially supported by Microsoft for more than 11 years when it was replaced by Windows Media multimedia file/compression formats. Many of the original compression formats used in AVI files have never been transcoded for the Mac platform, use beyond system 9, or use beyond PPC platforms. In addition, some commonly used AVI codecs are proprietary or use non-standard (hybrid) profile and level combinations. In short, there is little wonder that Apple has been distancing itself from this outdated file type as it re-writes and upgrades its own QT structure to support more standardized, more scalable, more modern high definition file types and compression formats. It is really unfortunate that users continue to use this outmoded file type simply because it is freely available, easy to use, or they are simply too lazy to move on to a more modern or more efficient file types and/or compression formats.
I tested Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate for the Mac, which seems to be the "state of the art".  I may be purchasing a new camera which might create a whole new set of variables.  This program seems to cover all bases and is great for novices.
There are many third-party apps available if you wish to search for them. Many are even available in the App Store. Most do their job well and it is usually a matter of personal user preference as to which is best.
HandBrake seems more suited to folks with more experience and knowledge.
I mentioned Handbrake primarily because it is free and easy to use when you employ the included conversion presets options. (The TV options can normally be used for almost any situation depending on the source file and output requirements.) It is also excellent for more experienced users, but has a somewhat limited choice of output options as it does not access the user's system QT codec component configuration.