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Converting Video Clips for iPods using iTunes 6.0.2       

When the video-capable fifth-generation iPod was first shipped last year, Apple’s iTunes disappointed many users by lacking in-built tools to convert their existing videos to iPod-ready format. During those months, only a handful of third-party solutions were required to encode video content for the iPod. Now they have just become largely unnecessary for the casual user.

Why? Well, it’s not often that a small revision to iTunes brings major new features, but iTunes 6.0.2 is an exception. It now handles video conversion to an iPod-compatible format, giving iPod owners access to the power of a key QuickTime Pro feature without the additional $29 cost.

As is typical for Apple, the added features are so subtly integrated that they may be difficult for some users to find. Well here is a mini tutorial to help you get started.

 How to Convert Video Clips with iTunes 6.0.2

ITunes 6.0.2 can make iPod-ready files from most QuickTime-compatible video formats, including MOV, MPEG, and MP4. The files are automatically converted to H.264-format video 320 pixels wide, and this setting cannot be customized within iTunes. It’s perfectly good for iPod viewing, but on-TV or PC viewing is another story.

You can start adding your MOV, MPEG, or MP4 files to your iTunes library by simply dragging them into your iTunes Library Window. Highlight a single or multiple items by pressing ‘ctrl’ key and clicking on the desired items. Then right click on any of the item and select” Convert Selection for iPod.” Instantly iTunes will begin working on your files. The progress of conversion can be monitored by clicking on “Source” and then clicking on “Converting Songs.”

What to do after the conversion is complete?

As soon as the conversion process gets over, you will have two identically named files one of which is the converted file and the other one the original. Well the criteria to decide which file to delete and which one to keep is not based on the size of the files because the converted files may or may not be smaller in size. As such, the size after conversion is more dependent on the source format. However, the “Kind” column will show the converted file as “MPEG4 video file” and it’s “Date Added” will be more recent than the original. Then all that you have to do is simply remove the older file from your library. Well another way to tell which is the converted file is to open them using QuickTime. It will show all the video specifications that you may need to know.

At what time the conversion is complete, you will now have two files identically named, one of which is your original, and one of which is the new iPod-compatible version. How does one determine which file to delete? The new file may be either larger or smaller in size than the original, so don’t use these criteria. However, the “Kind” column for the new file will display “MPEG-4 video file,” and its “Date Added” will be more recent than the original. Remove the older file from your library.

Now you are just a few minutes away from playing your favorite movie on your iPod. Simply follow the instructions above and enjoy your video clips and movies. Also, remember you can download thousands of hit songs for a few pennies over the Internet. This is an outstanding deal, since now you can listen to your favorite tunes without paying a fortune.

IPods are fun little tools, however the devices are expensive, therefore if you are searching for an iPod take time to research the market, since deals do exist.