imac 10.5.8
I don't know if this has been discussed but I came across a video that explains how to convert WMVs to mp4s etc on a mac.

Go to: [YouTube link removed]

jaybass

iSkysoft products are common spammer material, so I have to wonder about GoDTuTs and his "How to Convert .wmv to .mp4 on Mac" video. Also, his "sort of hacked download" remark is a big red flag about the questionable nature of the particular version he provides (I sure wouldn't download it).

I'm sure your intention was good, Jay, but I'd rather we not promote iSkysoft or other iffy converter apps here so I removed your link...sorry.

This page is old and unfortunately hasn't been updated in years but I still find it a useful reference:
http://oncallnerd.com/blog-spam-hunt/

For your information and the information of others that read this thread, if you were running OS X 10.6.8 or 10.7 the App Store lists some 65 applications for converting a variety video and/or audio formats including WMV to Mac compatible formats. The prices range from free to $49.95. The App Store also avoids the security concerns expressed by Cyn.

I forgot to mention that I did download the video (backing up first) and it works and it is free. After converting the first WMV, the next ones played without further ado. I had looked at software that claims to convert WMVs but I couldn't find one that actually does. I didn't spend $50 to find out though.
I don't know about them being free.
I keep partition #1 identical to my HD before downloading any dubious software so there was no problem there. In a word, I'm happy with the converter.
Thanks for replying Joe.
jaybass

Cyn,

Thanks for the spam list.

jaybass

I prefer perian and flip4mac. though with the loss of functionality in the new quicktime, flip4mac isn't as useful. (keep an old copy of quicktime player!)

I wasn't aware of any loss of functionality in quicktime, but I do have perian in my system prefs.
Thanks for your reply.
jaybass

the new quicktime player is a player only, you can't edit video or audio anymore. so that "pro" license you bought is worthless, it demotes it to just the player. fortunately the old quicktime player (v7) still works fine and remains pro. I prefer using it for simple audio and video editing. so much lighter weight than say, imovie.

I never did buy a"pro" license so I'm not concerned but I will take a look at (v7).
Thanks for the info.

jaybass

The ClickToFlash extension for Safari provides a handy way to grab viddies from YouTube.

1. When the page loads we can select a format (e.g., 360p MP4) in the upper-left portion of the vid's frame (it obviously isn't playing yet, as that's the basic premise of ClickToFlash).
   
   
2. Then use the contextual menu to select Download Video, and it produces an mp4 version in our downloads folder.

Works for me anyway. Just successfully tested it on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vYoG7-2XZ8

Looks like a lot to digest for me. I'll take a look later on...I'm too busy with audacity right now.
Thanks for that info though.
jaybass

2 steps isn't a lot, unless you're not already running the ClickToFlash extension (in which case installation is also just a simple click or two).

You want difficult? Try converting mp4 to m4v [sic] with iMovie.

> When the page loads we can select a format (e.g., 360p MP4) in the upper-left portion of the vid's frame (it obviously isn't playing yet, as that's the basic premise of ClickToFlash).

> Just successfully tested it on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vYoG7-2XZ8

Hmmm... When I visit that URL I see the CTF format text in the vid's upper left hand corner, but the vid loads and plays without my clicking on either "360mp4" or "Flash." (See me.)

I'll e-mail CTF's developer and see what I can find out.

> I'll e-mail CTF's developer and see what I can find out.


Edit: I asked whether/how the prefs can be changed; more to come.

Just invoke a contextual menu (e.g., control-click on any insignificant area of this page), and you'll see "ClickToFlash Preferences…" among the items.

I knew about CTF's prefs; I just missed the "Autoplay on theses sites" option box a whole bunch of times.

Thanks.