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TICKET ARCHIVE -> ASF conversion to MOV
Jewels37 - Jan 11, 2006 - 4:11 pm
Hi. I need to convert .asf files to .mov format without having to purchase software. ( I am using OS X) Any suggestions? Thanks!
Natobasso - Jan 13, 2006 - 1:55 pm
haven't found any freeware, but for $20 I think DivX will do what you want. Read here for more info:
http://www.divx.com/divx/create/converter/
I couldn't see if it does ASF to MOV but it looks like an "all in one" app.
http://www.divx.com/divx/create/converter/
I couldn't see if it does ASF to MOV but it looks like an "all in one" app.
Natobasso - Jan 13, 2006 - 1:56 pm
I was wrong! I found the free mac codec here:
http://www.divx.com/divx/mac/
http://www.divx.com/divx/mac/
Jewels37 - Jan 19, 2006 - 8:05 am
Thank you so much...but it didn't work. 
Natobasso - Jan 19, 2006 - 3:19 pm
What happened? Need details.
Jewels37 - Jan 20, 2006 - 7:34 am
When I drag the .asf file onto the converter, I receive an error message that says "Unknown file type" "1 file rejected".
Suggestions?
Julie
Suggestions?
Julie
Natobasso - Jan 20, 2006 - 11:53 am
Maybe we should back up here…
Where do the asf files come from (PC or Mac)? Why do you want to convert them to MOV (What's your end goal)?
Where do the asf files come from (PC or Mac)? Why do you want to convert them to MOV (What's your end goal)?
Jewels37 - Jan 23, 2006 - 8:49 am
Hi,
The .asf files come from www.unitedstreaming.com which offers Windows Media Player and Quicktime formats of most of it's video clips. I am a technology trainer for a public school system that uses iBooks in the elementary schools. Unfortunately, some of the better video clips are only available in Windows Media Player format...thus .asf files. Even though teachers can download Windows Media Player for Macs and play the .asf files, they cannot embed the .asf video clips into any of our presentation software. Hyperstudio, Appleworks, Keynote, and PowerPoint for Mac do not support .asf files. They only support .mov files. The whole premise behind using these videos is to be able to embed them into these Apple based programs to be used as an instructional tool. If you need more information, please feel free to let me know. Suggestions?
Julie
The .asf files come from www.unitedstreaming.com which offers Windows Media Player and Quicktime formats of most of it's video clips. I am a technology trainer for a public school system that uses iBooks in the elementary schools. Unfortunately, some of the better video clips are only available in Windows Media Player format...thus .asf files. Even though teachers can download Windows Media Player for Macs and play the .asf files, they cannot embed the .asf video clips into any of our presentation software. Hyperstudio, Appleworks, Keynote, and PowerPoint for Mac do not support .asf files. They only support .mov files. The whole premise behind using these videos is to be able to embed them into these Apple based programs to be used as an instructional tool. If you need more information, please feel free to let me know.
Suggestions?Julie
Natobasso - Jan 23, 2006 - 12:10 pm
I wonder if united streaming protects their video clips from import? Could be…have you contacted them to see if they will be kind enough to convert the clips for you? Being in education that request could pull some weight.
Jewels37 - Jan 23, 2006 - 12:14 pm
This is what United Streaming has to say about it:
Tips for United Streaming
A few rules to follow when making multimedia projects that you want to open seamlessly on
both a Macintosh and a PC:
Always create hyperlinks when making a project that you wish to open on either a Macintosh or a PC. If you embed a clip in a project created on a PC, for example, it WILL NOT open on a Macintosh computer, and the reverse is true as well.
Save all video clips and the project file in the same folder before you define hyperlinks. When you do this, all of the files that you need will be in the correct location to begin with and you won’t need to drag individual files and videos into a folder at a later time. If you later decide to record your project to a CD or move it to a shared folder, your hyperlinks will all work.
When saving or creating file names for video files, project and document files, and folders, make sure they all are saved with eight characters or less – not counting the three-letter file extensions such as “ .asf” for Windows Media Player® or “.mov” for QuickTime. This should ensure success when you create projects that incorporate hyperlinks that you intend to use on both Macintosh computers and PCs.
ALWAYS save the original downloaded video clips in your project folder. Whether you choose to use hyperlinks or insert video clips directly into software applications such as PowerPoint®, the videos must still be available or the clips will not play when you or your students view the projects.
Make sure you have the appropriate plug-ins and test your computer and projection devices before using the videos in a classroom setting. A quick way to check: Locate our “Check Requirements” link on the bottom right corner of your log-in page. Plug-ins can be found at www.microsoft.com and www.apple.com.
For PowerPoint XP and earlier: You cannot embed* Windows Media Player® Videos into a Macintosh with PowerPoint®, and you cannot embed QuickTime videos into a PC with PowerPoint®.
Attempting either will give you an error message. If you try to open an embedded video that was previously created on the opposite platform, all you will see, most likely, is the first still from the video and nothing else, OR you may get a message asking you what application you would like to use to play the video. Even if you have the plug-in loaded on the machine, it will not work. Hyperlinking will always work for both platforms when creating or opening files if you follow the rules outlined above.
*Embedding – An embedded file is one in which portions of the data from the video clip is physically inserted into the application. This can be done with a few applications, such as PowerPoint® by going to “Insert>Movies and Sounds>Movie from File.”
Macintosh Issues with Windows Media Player®:
The quality of QuickTime video files is poorer than the comparable Windows Media Player® files. This is a QuickTime Player® issue: all files on both players are encoded and compressed at the same bit rate and resolutions. Because of this, there may be times when you wish to download and play Windows Media Player® files. If so, it is recommended that you:
Create a Windows Media Player® alias to your desktop for easier navigating. See below for rationale.
If the .asf file isn’t recognized or if the video clip does not play when you double-click the icon, open the Media Player® and then go to “File” and “Open.” When you do this, the icon will change from a generic text document to the Windows Media Player® icon (the icon will look like a world with a filmstrip wrapped around it or an orange and blue square and triangle). If you had previously created a hyperlink from an existing document or project to this video file, you may need to edit the hyperlink. See our document on “File Exchange” for additional information on how to work successfully with Macintosh computers and Windows Media Player® Files.
QuickTime software is proprietary to Macintosh computers, and so all QuickTime files should open seamlessly. You should save QuickTime files with the extension “.mov”.
PC Users and Windows Media Player®:
Microsoft Office 97 Users: You cannot embed a Windows Media Player file into a PowerPoint®
Microsoft Office 97 Users: You cannot embed a Windows Media Player file into a PowerPoint®
Tips for United Streaming
A few rules to follow when making multimedia projects that you want to open seamlessly on
both a Macintosh and a PC:
Always create hyperlinks when making a project that you wish to open on either a Macintosh or a PC. If you embed a clip in a project created on a PC, for example, it WILL NOT open on a Macintosh computer, and the reverse is true as well.
Save all video clips and the project file in the same folder before you define hyperlinks. When you do this, all of the files that you need will be in the correct location to begin with and you won’t need to drag individual files and videos into a folder at a later time. If you later decide to record your project to a CD or move it to a shared folder, your hyperlinks will all work.
When saving or creating file names for video files, project and document files, and folders, make sure they all are saved with eight characters or less – not counting the three-letter file extensions such as “ .asf” for Windows Media Player® or “.mov” for QuickTime. This should ensure success when you create projects that incorporate hyperlinks that you intend to use on both Macintosh computers and PCs.
ALWAYS save the original downloaded video clips in your project folder. Whether you choose to use hyperlinks or insert video clips directly into software applications such as PowerPoint®, the videos must still be available or the clips will not play when you or your students view the projects.
Make sure you have the appropriate plug-ins and test your computer and projection devices before using the videos in a classroom setting. A quick way to check: Locate our “Check Requirements” link on the bottom right corner of your log-in page. Plug-ins can be found at www.microsoft.com and www.apple.com.
For PowerPoint XP and earlier: You cannot embed* Windows Media Player® Videos into a Macintosh with PowerPoint®, and you cannot embed QuickTime videos into a PC with PowerPoint®.
Attempting either will give you an error message. If you try to open an embedded video that was previously created on the opposite platform, all you will see, most likely, is the first still from the video and nothing else, OR you may get a message asking you what application you would like to use to play the video. Even if you have the plug-in loaded on the machine, it will not work. Hyperlinking will always work for both platforms when creating or opening files if you follow the rules outlined above.
*Embedding – An embedded file is one in which portions of the data from the video clip is physically inserted into the application. This can be done with a few applications, such as PowerPoint® by going to “Insert>Movies and Sounds>Movie from File.”
Macintosh Issues with Windows Media Player®:
The quality of QuickTime video files is poorer than the comparable Windows Media Player® files. This is a QuickTime Player® issue: all files on both players are encoded and compressed at the same bit rate and resolutions. Because of this, there may be times when you wish to download and play Windows Media Player® files. If so, it is recommended that you:
Create a Windows Media Player® alias to your desktop for easier navigating. See below for rationale.
If the .asf file isn’t recognized or if the video clip does not play when you double-click the icon, open the Media Player® and then go to “File” and “Open.” When you do this, the icon will change from a generic text document to the Windows Media Player® icon (the icon will look like a world with a filmstrip wrapped around it or an orange and blue square and triangle). If you had previously created a hyperlink from an existing document or project to this video file, you may need to edit the hyperlink. See our document on “File Exchange” for additional information on how to work successfully with Macintosh computers and Windows Media Player® Files.
QuickTime software is proprietary to Macintosh computers, and so all QuickTime files should open seamlessly. You should save QuickTime files with the extension “.mov”.
PC Users and Windows Media Player®:
Microsoft Office 97 Users: You cannot embed a Windows Media Player file into a PowerPoint®
Microsoft Office 97 Users: You cannot embed a Windows Media Player file into a PowerPoint®
Natobasso - Jan 23, 2006 - 12:22 pm
Looks confusing!
Have you contacted the company yet regarding this? Sounds like the original files have to be created on a mac to be played on one, and vice a versa.
Maybe I should put this question back out for all to see. I don't think I have the answer on this one.
Have you contacted the company yet regarding this? Sounds like the original files have to be created on a mac to be played on one, and vice a versa.
Maybe I should put this question back out for all to see. I don't think I have the answer on this one.
Natobasso - Jan 25, 2006 - 1:26 pm
This thread might be of use to you:
http://www.macosx.com/volunteer/qvie...estionid=20342
http://www.macosx.com/volunteer/qvie...estionid=20342
Jewels37 - Jan 25, 2006 - 1:28 pm
You would like for me to be a volunteer? Thanks!
Julie
Julie
Natobasso - Jan 25, 2006 - 1:34 pm
Sure, if you'd like! But that wasn't my intention with my most recent post.
Just showing you someone else with a similar issue--looks like .mov (quicktime) is a better, more universal format for both macs and pcs to open. Might help your issue.
Just showing you someone else with a similar issue--looks like .mov (quicktime) is a better, more universal format for both macs and pcs to open. Might help your issue.
Jewels37 - Jan 25, 2006 - 1:48 pm
That's true and why I need to convert the .asf files to .mov. I'll check out that link this evening. Thank you for everything!
Julie
Julie
Natobasso - Jan 25, 2006 - 3:49 pm
Sure! Let me know what happens.
Jewels37 - Jan 26, 2006 - 9:28 am
That link just sends me to the volunteer information page. Did you intend to direct me to a particular thread?
Julie
Julie
Natobasso - Jan 26, 2006 - 11:59 am
Ah, you must not be able to access that page since you aren't a Volunteer Tech. Here's the text copied from that thread:
MOV to WMV converter
On Dec 28, 4:50pm Paul wrote:
Hi,
I am looking for a converter that will change a file from MOV to WMV. Can you suggest a free download?
Thank you,
Paul Markgraff
Response(s)
On Dec 28, 4:54pm Ben R. wrote
Nothing free on the market I know of. Cheapest alternative is Popwire ($30 shareware):
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/26181
Why would you want to do this?, though.
- Ben
On Dec 28, 4:58pm Paul wrote
I want people running windows to see it. Is there something different you would suggest?
On Dec 28, 5:06pm Ben R. wrote
People running Windows can view QuickTime .mov files with QuickTime. It's a pretty quick download and install on a broadband connection. It's so much easier to use than WMP, anyway, even on the Windows side.
On Dec 28, 5:11pm Paul wrote
I agree, but I am creating advertising clips for business people to view over the Internet. In most cases, IT administrators won't allow business people to download applications to their work computers. In fact, they usually guard against it. So, I need something that will run on both Windows Media Player and Quicktime. Any ideas?
On Dec 28, 5:23pm Ben R. wrote
QuickTime is natively capable of exporting to AVI, which both it and WMP can read. Is that a workable alternative?
On Dec 28, 5:25pm Paul wrote
Sort of. That is what I have done in the past, but even at highest optimization, a 2 Mb MOV file will turn into a 15 Mb AVI file. Any other ideas?
On Dec 28, 5:42pm Ben R. wrote
I suppose that's the nature of QuickTime perhaps just being a more optimized format than AVI. I'm out of ideas.
On Dec 28, 5:42pm Ben R. wrote
Except one: What kind of compression are you using for that AVI conversion?
On Dec 28, 5:52pm Paul wrote
I am using the Cinepak compression for video and no compressor for the audio.
On Dec 28, 6:00pm Ben R. wrote
As far as I've seen, AVIs usually compress audio in MP3 format. Does that change the file size any? Otherwise, again, I'm out.
On Dec 28, 6:07pm Paul wrote
I'll keep trying. Thanks for your help.
On Dec 28, 6:44pm Nathaniel F. wrote
Howdy!
You need to host and stream your content. The best possible way is to find a service that will do this for you or host it on your own website. You've opened a can of worms with this question. Do you have an internal IT person you can have help you set up your movie file?
Then you can also try posting it in a flash presentation on the web, and then 95% of all computers will be able to view it. Most browsers can display flash.
On Jan 22, 10:59am Paul wrote
Thanks again. I have a streaming server available now, and i will try to use a Flash presentation.
paul m
On Jan 22, 11:10am Nathaniel F. wrote
Want me to leave this question open till you have a result or close it?
On Jan 22, 6:25pm Paul wrote
Would you please leave it open for now? I will let you know what I find out.
paulm
On Jan 23, 12:59am Nathaniel F. wrote
Sounds good.
MOV to WMV converter
On Dec 28, 4:50pm Paul wrote:
Hi,
I am looking for a converter that will change a file from MOV to WMV. Can you suggest a free download?
Thank you,
Paul Markgraff
Response(s)
On Dec 28, 4:54pm Ben R. wrote
Nothing free on the market I know of. Cheapest alternative is Popwire ($30 shareware):
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/26181
Why would you want to do this?, though.
- Ben
On Dec 28, 4:58pm Paul wrote
I want people running windows to see it. Is there something different you would suggest?
On Dec 28, 5:06pm Ben R. wrote
People running Windows can view QuickTime .mov files with QuickTime. It's a pretty quick download and install on a broadband connection. It's so much easier to use than WMP, anyway, even on the Windows side.
On Dec 28, 5:11pm Paul wrote
I agree, but I am creating advertising clips for business people to view over the Internet. In most cases, IT administrators won't allow business people to download applications to their work computers. In fact, they usually guard against it. So, I need something that will run on both Windows Media Player and Quicktime. Any ideas?
On Dec 28, 5:23pm Ben R. wrote
QuickTime is natively capable of exporting to AVI, which both it and WMP can read. Is that a workable alternative?
On Dec 28, 5:25pm Paul wrote
Sort of. That is what I have done in the past, but even at highest optimization, a 2 Mb MOV file will turn into a 15 Mb AVI file. Any other ideas?
On Dec 28, 5:42pm Ben R. wrote
I suppose that's the nature of QuickTime perhaps just being a more optimized format than AVI. I'm out of ideas.
On Dec 28, 5:42pm Ben R. wrote
Except one: What kind of compression are you using for that AVI conversion?
On Dec 28, 5:52pm Paul wrote
I am using the Cinepak compression for video and no compressor for the audio.
On Dec 28, 6:00pm Ben R. wrote
As far as I've seen, AVIs usually compress audio in MP3 format. Does that change the file size any? Otherwise, again, I'm out.
On Dec 28, 6:07pm Paul wrote
I'll keep trying. Thanks for your help.
On Dec 28, 6:44pm Nathaniel F. wrote
Howdy!
You need to host and stream your content. The best possible way is to find a service that will do this for you or host it on your own website. You've opened a can of worms with this question. Do you have an internal IT person you can have help you set up your movie file?
Then you can also try posting it in a flash presentation on the web, and then 95% of all computers will be able to view it. Most browsers can display flash.
On Jan 22, 10:59am Paul wrote
Thanks again. I have a streaming server available now, and i will try to use a Flash presentation.
paul m
On Jan 22, 11:10am Nathaniel F. wrote
Want me to leave this question open till you have a result or close it?
On Jan 22, 6:25pm Paul wrote
Would you please leave it open for now? I will let you know what I find out.
paulm
On Jan 23, 12:59am Nathaniel F. wrote
Sounds good.
Jewels37 - Jan 26, 2006 - 12:45 pm
I tried converting the .asf files to .avi and was able to successfully convert the media but was unsucessful at being able to convert the audio to .mp3 format. Suggestions?
Natobasso - Jan 26, 2006 - 1:10 pm
Why mp3 format?
can you open the avi file in iMovie and extract the audio that way? Then use Audacity to convert to mp3:
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
can you open the avi file in iMovie and extract the audio that way? Then use Audacity to convert to mp3:
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Jewels37 - Jan 26, 2006 - 1:13 pm
I already have Audacity but didn't think about doing that...duh!!! Thanks! I'll let you know how it goes.
Julie
Thanks! I'll let you know how it goes. Julie
Natobasso - Jan 26, 2006 - 1:24 pm
Why are you separating the audio from the video file?
Jewels37 - Jan 26, 2006 - 1:28 pm
It wasn't an option. The audio didn't convert with the video.. It wasn't intentional.
Natobasso - Jan 26, 2006 - 1:30 pm
Ah, I see! 
Jewels37 - Jan 26, 2006 - 1:36 pm
LOL I'd blame it on the blonde, but the brunette couldn't do it either.
I'd blame it on the blonde, but the brunette couldn't do it either.
Natobasso - Jan 27, 2006 - 12:25 pm
What do you call a blonde in between two brunettes? A wind tunnel… har har
Jewels37 - Feb 2, 2006 - 2:02 pm
LOL! Don't close me out yet!! I haven't had time to work on the issue since your last email. 
I have been preparing for the EdTech conference at Randolph-Macon University. I will work with Audacity this weekend and I would like to have your "expertise" nearby if I need it. Deal? Oh...but the jokes have to be brunette-bashers! LOL!
Julie
I have been preparing for the EdTech conference at Randolph-Macon University. I will work with Audacity this weekend and I would like to have your "expertise" nearby if I need it. Deal? Oh...but the jokes have to be brunette-bashers! LOL!Julie
Natobasso - Feb 2, 2006 - 2:12 pm
Nope, had no intention of closing this thread.
Jewels37 - Feb 16, 2006 - 9:53 am
Hey! Are you around?? I need your help desperately!
Julie
Julie
Natobasso - Feb 16, 2006 - 10:21 am
I'm here. Please update me on the situation.
Jewels37 - Feb 16, 2006 - 10:29 am
Actually, my supervisor is going to splurge and buy converters for us.
My problem today is different and printing-related. I haven't been able to print on any of my schools' network printers in the past 3 days. Appletalk is on. Ethernet plugged in. Airport off. My network settings match my co-workers'. I have restarted the computer. I have tried turning Appletalk off, clicked apply, and then back on again... nada. This is the oddest thing... It's a new computer with Tiger and I have never had this trouble before.
Now...having said that...I have a blonde confession. I installed Vonage at home with a new Linksys router. I was having trouble hitting the wireless at home so I think I messed with some settings...ask me not what. (All I needed to do was reset the router. duh!)
Do you have any suggestions to help me with this?
Julie
My problem today is different and printing-related. I haven't been able to print on any of my schools' network printers in the past 3 days. Appletalk is on. Ethernet plugged in. Airport off. My network settings match my co-workers'. I have restarted the computer. I have tried turning Appletalk off, clicked apply, and then back on again... nada. This is the oddest thing... It's a new computer with Tiger and I have never had this trouble before.
Now...having said that...I have a blonde confession. I installed Vonage at home with a new Linksys router. I was having trouble hitting the wireless at home so I think I messed with some settings...ask me not what. (All I needed to do was reset the router. duh!)
Do you have any suggestions to help me with this?
Julie
Natobasso - Feb 16, 2006 - 10:57 am
I can help you with the printing question, but you should post the Vonage question to the forums.
I venture to guess that since you have Tiger you need to update your printer driver. I need to know why you're printing with AppleTalk (shouldn't need it) and what kind of printer you have.
I venture to guess that since you have Tiger you need to update your printer driver. I need to know why you're printing with AppleTalk (shouldn't need it) and what kind of printer you have.
Jewels37 - Feb 16, 2006 - 11:24 am
Nah...I solved the Vonage problem fine. (restarted my router)
The printers are of various types located in different schools. We need Appletalk when connected to Ethernet in order to add printers. The printers aren't showing up. The printer drivers were all updated. I removed the printers on my list to remount them, but my computer isn't seeing any of them on the network. The other trainers are baffled...
The printers are of various types located in different schools. We need Appletalk when connected to Ethernet in order to add printers. The printers aren't showing up. The printer drivers were all updated. I removed the printers on my list to remount them, but my computer isn't seeing any of them on the network. The other trainers are baffled...
Natobasso - Feb 16, 2006 - 11:47 am
Like I said, if you're on a network with a print server, you don't need Apple Talk unless you're running OS 9.
I can only help you if I know these things: What kind of printer are you printing to? What OS X are you running?
I can only help you if I know these things: What kind of printer are you printing to? What OS X are you running?
Jewels37 - Feb 16, 2006 - 11:51 am
Sorry. We ARE running dual platforms... OS X 10.4.4 and OS 9
Natobasso - Feb 16, 2006 - 12:21 pm
What kind of printer are you printing to?
Jewels37 - Feb 16, 2006 - 12:31 pm
Hey...it doesn't matter because I use all types in the different schools. I fixed the problem on my own by going to http://www.fixamacsoftware.com/softw...ads/index.html and downloaded the Print Center Repair for Tiger.
Thank you for all of your help!
Julie
Thank you for all of your help!
Julie
Natobasso - Feb 16, 2006 - 12:50 pm
Well hey, look at you! Good job and glad I could help. Forgot about Print Center Repair…
(Closing thread.)
(Closing thread.)
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