Quick time Pro VS. iMovie HD

Question

Hi,
I am thinking of upgrading from my iPod Photo to the iPod movie and was wondering if in order to get avi or mepg movies into my ipod video, I need to purchace quick time pro.
I have iMove HD and have been able to first import an .avi movie into it, and then convert that imported file to .mp4, which then I was able to import into my iTunes movie library. Since I don't have the ipod video yet, I am wondering if it will be uploaded upon sync. I am thinking that since the file was added to the iTunes library, then it will certainly be syncable!
I also imported video from my mini DV camera into iMovie HD and converted the final movie into the mp4 format and was also able to import that file into my iTunes video library. And thus was wondering the same thing, will this file be syncable with the ipod video?
If yes is the case, then why would I need Quick time Pro?
Thanks and I look forward to your explannation.
Also, on a last note, if I want to convert some of my DVD's to be able to watch them on my ipod, what steps do I need to take? I am a powerbook g4 owner.
In that case, will I need Quick time Pro, or can I still do it using iMovie HD, or perhaps even some other free software that might be available?
Thanks.

Answer 1

I am thinking of upgrading from my iPod Photo to the iPod movie and was wondering if in order to get avi or mepg movies into my ipod video, I need to purchace quick time pro.
I personally would recommend having QT Pro and the MPEG2 plug-in in order to short-cut certain work flow options. However, if you are asking if it is absolutely necessary, then the answer is no. First off, QT Pro will not convert "muxed" files (MPEG1, MPEG2, VOB, certain AVI, AVI MJPEG, etc.) any more than you already can using QT Tools access through iMovie, FCX, and/or FCP. As to AVI not already supported by your work flow, you would sill need the DivX or 3ivX QT plug-in with Pro. Same is true if you want to process WMV files in QT Pro. Only in this case, you would need to get the WMV/WMA QT Pro plug-in from Flip4Mac or a similar third party. The only real advantage in using QT Pro is not having to import the source file into iMovie first. Of course, this isn't a problem where you plan to edit a movie anyway but is nice if you are simply transcoding a QT compatible format directly to an iPod compatible format. In addition, it does give you QT Player some additional enhancements which can come in handy.
For "muxed" video, you will still need an MPEG based third party application like PSPWare (free in the unregistered mode), iSQuint (free), Forty-TwoDVD-VXPlus ($$), or MPEG StreamClip (free) to handle such situations. In addition, it is likely that you will eventually come across a movie whose content is simply too complex to be handled by one or more of the format converters and you will either have to modify settings or switch to a secondary application.
Since I don't have the ipod video yet, I am wondering if it will be uploaded upon sync. I am thinking that since the file was added to the iTunes library, then it will certainly be syncable!
Unfortunately, this is not rue. Both the QT and iTunes players are based on the on the complete QT library. The iPod player, on the other hand, is merely a sub-set player of the other two. As far as video goes, it is only capable of playing MPEG4/AAC (LC) and H.264/AAC (LC) file formats and then, only when they meet specific requirements. So you will just have to wait and see what happens when you actually try to sync your files.
I also imported video from my mini DV camera into iMovie HD and converted the final movie into the mp4 format and was also able to import that file into my iTunes video library. And thus was wondering the same thing, will this file be syncable with the ipod video?
Same answer here. You will just have to wait and see if you selected the proper settings the first time.
If yes is the case, then why would I need Quick time Pro?
Also already answered above.
Also, on a last note, if I want to convert some of my DVD's to be able to watch them on my ipod, what steps do I need to take?
Your best bet is to download HandBrake (free) or Forty-TwoDVD-VXPlus ($$). The former is a Decrypter/"on-the-fly" extractor and converter. It is require you to enter a number of user setting correctly to work properly, but is a "one-stop" program and well worth the price. The latter, is more of a "settings free" application and probably worth the investment if you are not inclined to manual manipulations. However, it does not decrypt or extract, so you would also need to use a decrypter/extractor application like MacThe Ripper first.
I am a powerbook g4 owner. In that case, will I need Quick time Pro, or can I still do it using iMovie HD, or perhaps even some other free software that might be available?
As indicated above, there are a number of options currently available. In addition to those already mentioned, you may wish to try MoviesForMyPod (free) or Podner ($$). The former is a simple, handy converter for QT compatible format conversions. The latter is probably the most polished QT/QT plug-ins compatible converter and has the "tightest" conversion process when it comes to the conversion of "problem" files which sometimes "stump" other converter utilities and is currently iLounge's "favorite" converter.
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