Last week, I showed you how to create slidecast training videos using free software. This week, I’ll teach you how to convert your videos into iPod and mp3 formats.
One of the great benefits of doing this is that your employees can watch or listen to training programs whenever and wherever they want – traveling for business, commuting to work, or even while they work out.
Converting to mp3
Converting your video into an audio mp3 is super easy using free software called AoA Audio Extractor. First things first, download and install the software.
Once you have Audio Extractor, it’s a simple drag-and-drop, one click process:
1. Drag and drop the video file you want to convert into the Audio Extractor window.
To do this, left click the file, move your mouse into the Audio Extractor window, and then release the left click button.
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After you drop the file, you should see it displayed on the list of videos to be converted.
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2. Select the Output Path.
This is where you want to converted file to be saved. To change the location, click “Browse.” In the screen shot below, I’m saving my file to my desktop.
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3. Click the “Start” button.
It’s giant and yellow – hard to miss! While converting, a screen will display telling you the conversion status. Once completed, you’ll get a message telling you the files done.
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That’s it! You’ve converted your video into an mp3. Now let’s look at how to convert it into iPod format.
Converting to iPod video
There’s a great, free piece of software called Videora that allows you to convert Windows Media Videos into iPod format. Unfortunately, it doesn’t like to convert video files created by Photo Story, which we used to create our slidecast. Fortunately, there’s a workaround!
1. Download the software
There are two pieces of software that you need:
- Videora, which converts the videos into iPod format
- Windows Movie Maker (XP or Vista), which converts the Photo Story videos into a file that Videora will actually convert
Download and install them both.
2. Add the file to Windows Movie Maker
This is another really easy drag and drop process. After you’ve opened Movie Maker, left click the video file, drag it into the big window in the middle of the Movie Maker Program.
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Next, drag and drop the file into the first panel of the story board, located at the bottom of the program window.
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3. Save as a new Windows Media Video file
Click “File,” and then “Save Movie File.” You’ll be asked to choose a save location. Select “My Computer.” Click “Next.”
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Next, you’ll be asked to choose a file name. Don’t give the file the same name as the original. You may want to add “Version 2″ or “iPod Format” to the end. Click “Next.”
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Next, you’re asked to select the video quality. “Best quality for my computer” should already be selected. Click “Next.” The video will start converting (you’ll see a conversion status bar).
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Once the video is complete, you’ll receive a message letting you know. Click “Finish.”
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4. Adjust the settings in Videora
Before using Videora, I recommend adjusting the settings for ease of use (this is a one-time process). Run Videora and click on “Settings” in the top menu. On the “Encoding” tab, the Device should be set to “iPod Class (6th Generation),” and the Profile should be “H.264 QVGA 768kbps Stereo/128kbps” (the first option on the drop-down menu).
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On the “Converter” tab under “Video Conversion Settings,” set the Output Directory to where you would like your videos to save to. I have mine set to the desktop. The Device should again be “iPod Class (6th Generation),” and the Profile should again be “H.264 QVGA 768kbps Stereo/128kbps” (the first option on the drop-down menu). The Device Directory can remain blank.
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Finally, on the “User Interface” tab, check the box next to Show Conversion Details and set the Conversion Mode to “Power.” Click “Save Settings.”
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5. Convert the video into iPod format
To convert a video into iPod format, click on “Convert” in the top menu, and then select on the “Video File” tab.
Click “Select File” and locate the video file you want to convert (the Version 2 file you created using Movie Maker). Click the file and select “Open.”
Under “Title,” give the file a name. I recommend tacking the phrase “iPod Format” on the end so you can easily distinguish it from your Windows Media Video file. Click “Start Converting.”
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Your video will start converting. To view the progress, click “View conversion progress.” You’ll be taken to a window that shows you the status of the conversion. Once the video is complete, you’ll see the message, “Conversion Complete.”
Congratulations! You’ve converted a video into iPod format.
