Two Conversions for Success?

[Worley]

I recently installed the latest version of Videora iPod Converter (2.6) to convert some home movies (.avi files) for playback on my 5G iPod. The files convert successfully using the Videora conversion wizard and its default settings. They sometimes automatically transfer into iTunes and sometimes not. When they don't transfer, iTunes displays an error message requiring the program to shut down. This is not really important since I can just import the converted file manually into the iTunes movie folder. The converted movie file plays fine in iTunes, however, it will not sync with the iPod. itunes displays a message saying the file will not work on the iPod.

After several frustrating attempts, I recalled reading a post at iLounge that iTunes has a built-in iPod video converter. So, last night I took the converted Videora movie file and had iTunes convert it "internally" within iTunes, and guess what? The second file (produced through the iTunes software) transferred to the iPod!! At least this method now works for me, but I end up creating two converted files and the iTunes conversion utility is slowwwwww....

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't Videora supposed to produce a converted file that will sync to my iPod without having to do a "second conversion " as described above? It sure would save time....

thanks.

[Sketch]

Yes, the Videora converter should create an iPod ready file. Please posting a console log of the initial conversion; it might help us isolate the problem. There are instructions in the FAQ sticky thread.

[Worley]

I did finally did figure out how to create an MPEG 4 video file with one pass using Videroa 2.6 which transferred easily to the iPod within iTunes. I also was able to retain the original aspect ratio of the source .avi file which is a home video created in anamorphic widescreen. The prior videos (requiring two conversions) were a little stretched vertically but not too noticeably. I have noticed, however, that the recent converted MPEG 4 videos (with the correct aspect ratio) are a little more pixelated than the other videos which used the H.264 wizard/default file type. Is there one "ideal" setting or bitrate for my situation that would reduce pixelization? Thanks....

[Sketch]

It depends on how high you want your bitrate/filesize to go. At 1500 or lower, use H.264. Using 'advanced' and '2-pass' profiles will improve quality as well, but the conversion will take longer.