Best option for bulk conversion of video to iTunes?

LordSplodge · 23 Nov 2010 at 13:28

I have a large media library of videos in a few different formats (nothing too esertoric) that I'd like to get into iTunes so they can be sent to the second gen Apple TV that I'll be getting.

I don't mind waiting a while for the conversion to happen but I do want minimal loss a quality and ability to batch convert.

What is the best software to do this? Could Compressor do it as I have Final Cut Studio but I'm not a Comoressor user and would probably prefer simple single task software.

Looking at around 250GB of media so it will take a while...

J1234 · 23 Nov 2010 at 13:33

You could use HandBrake. You can convert it with the pre-set Apple TV settings which will give you the best picture and you can also set up a queue of files you want to convert.

Tunney · 23 Nov 2010 at 13:41

I'd choose Handbrake too. You can just drag and drop a whole bunch of files in at once but it easily produces the best size/quality out of any of the converters. You'll need to import each video file one-by-one into the batch queue but it only takes a few clicks.

LordSplodge · 23 Nov 2010 at 14:00

I thought about Handbrake but the last time I used it to convert Firefly to iTunes it made a massive hash of the job.

I'll get the new version and give it as test whirl. I feel my CPU may be taking a hammering...

startrek2 · 23 Nov 2010 at 15:09

visual hub is another and i find good ..

if you on pc ripbot or staxrip both do great jobs and use all the cores

LordSplodge · 23 Nov 2010 at 15:51

startrek2 said:
visual hub is another and i find good ..

if you on pc ripbot or staxrip both do great jobs and use all the cores

What's this PC thing you speak of?

Only Macs in my house I am afraid*

* Excluding my Sons gaming computer but that's less powerful than my iMac and he wouldn't be pleased if I tied it up for ages.

startrek2 · 23 Nov 2010 at 16:41

Ok my lord well call it bootcamp

Does that satisfy your mac needs

LordSplodge · 23 Nov 2010 at 21:30

startrek2 said:
Ok my lord well call it bootcamp

Does that satisfy your mac needs

Handbrake is doing a fine job, cheers.

CrispyXUK · 23 Nov 2010 at 21:58

subler

Fr0dders · 24 Nov 2010 at 07:46

If you have any trouble, i use iVi

http://download.cnet.com/iVI/3000-2194_4-75212924.html

allosunshine · 27 Nov 2010 at 06:06

If you want to speed things up a bit get yourself an Elgato Turbo.264 HD. Halves the time it takes to convert files. It comes with its own conversion utility (outputs as .MP4 files) but I've stopped using it cos the converted file doesn't seem to play nice with my WDTV Live.
Instead I've been using iFlicks (outputs as .MOV files) as it downloads metadata and cover art to embed into the file as well.
Both the Elgato software and iFlicks has plenty of presets for the various Apple devices on offer.
It is a bit expensive but I got mine for £60 brand new off the bay but its been a godsend converting all the kids stuff for the iPad.