Macs and PCs use the QuickTime movie format, but it is not compatible with iPods, iPads and other mobile devices that use the H.264 video format. Convert a QuickTime movie file (MOV) to the H.264 video format to watch the video on these mobile devices. You can convert a QuickTime file to the H.264 format using the freely distributed QuickTime 7 Player that works identically on both Mac and PC. Compatibility is assured since Apple created not only the QuickTime MOV video format but the H.264 video format as well.
Step 1
Download the Mac or PC version of the free QuickTime 7 Player from the Apple website onto the computer's desktop (see the link in Resources).
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Step 2
Double-click on the file when it has fully downloaded to the desktop.
Step 3
Follow the menu commands to install the program onto the computer's hard drive. Restart your PC after the installation is complete.
Step 4
Double-click on the icon of the QuickTime 7 Player to launch it.
Step 5
Drag the Quicktime MOV video file onto the icon of the QuickTime 7 Player that is on the desktop.
Step 6
Wait as a video window of the QuickTime MOV video file appears on the screen.
Step 7
Click on "File" at the top of the screen. Select "Save As" from the drop-down menu below "File."
Step 8
Name the H.264 video file that is about to be made in the "Name" column at the top center of the window that appears.
Step 9
Select "Desktop" from the drop down menu below the "Locations" tab at the center of the window.
Step 10
Select one of the mobile device formats from the drop-down menu that is next to the "Format" tab--select "iPhone" or "iPod" for an Apple mobile device or "HD 480p" for a non-Apple mobile device.
Step 11
Click on the "Hide extension" check box that is at the left lower corner of the window.
Step 12
Click on the "Save" button at the lower right corner of the window. Quit the QuickTime 7 Player once the H.264 video file has been saved to the desktop. Archive or delete the QuickTime MOV video file.
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