How can a Mac user convert .avi to .wmv?

[QueenIdella]

I don't kow a whole lot about video, although I'm fairly proficient with audio. I have been trying to show a Flip video to my family of my daughter's talent show. Everyone can view it except my brother - no matter what format I use (which works for everyone else - Facebook, YouTube, .mov, .m4v, .avi, 3gp, .flv) he can't see it. His computer is at his work, and it's fairly restrictive - he can't view any social media, etc. I even put it into a PowerPoint for him. No go. I asked him what format can he view video with. He says he can see .wmv files.

However, I don't know how to convert any of my files into .wmv. I have ffmpegx, VLC, avidemux, Handbrake, DivX Converter, as well as QuickTime and iMovie, but I don't see .wmv as any of the file format options for transcoding. Is there something I'm missing about .wmv? Is it not a real file format or something? Is it called something else? How can I convert my video files so that my brother can see them? Inquiring minds want to know!

My computer is a MacBook Pro, my OS is 10.6.4

Thanks in advance, Alicia

[bsulli]

http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/mac_video_converter_freeware/

I don't use this on my Mac but I do use it on pc's when I'm stuck using one. The link says it will convert to .wmv(windows media videos) so I'm assuming it does in the Mac version. The free pc version definitely does. AVC will take just about any source file and convert it to any other format from my experience with it. Tell him to buy a Mac for the house then this won't be a problem.

[Cornucopia]

If you're on a Mac, this is the only GOOD option: http://www.telestream.net/flip4mac-wmv/overview.htm
(See the "Studio" versions which allow encoding/exporting)

If you're on a PC, QTPro exporting to Intermediate AVI, then encoding with WME to WMV is pretty straightforward and inexpensive.

Scott

[johns0]

Thread moved to mac forum.

[QueenIdella]

Thanks so much for y'all's input! I appreciate your quick responses.

I wish I could get him to get a Mac, but he won't even get a PC for home, so that's a lost cause. If he had a home PC he could watch YouTube or Facebook (sigh.)

I'll think about springing for the Flip4Mac if I can't find any other way to convert it, but 50$ is a lot for one little 3-minute video. If I find more uses for it it might be worth it...maybe I'll try it with my kids' PC and see if I can get the WME thing happening. I was hoping there might be a freeware or open source solution for Mac.

Thanks, Alicia

[bsulli]

Thanks so much for y'all's input! I appreciate your quick responses.

I wish I could get him to get a Mac, but he won't even get a PC for home, so that's a lost cause. If he had a home PC he could watch YouTube or Facebook (sigh.)

I'll think about springing for the Flip4Mac if I can't find any other way to convert it, but 50$ is a lot for one little 3-minute video. If I find more uses for it it might be worth it...maybe I'll try it with my kids' PC and see if I can get the WME thing happening. I was hoping there might be a freeware or open source solution for Mac.

Thanks, Alicia

What I sent you the link to is freeware.

As for the other posters link to flip4mac I install the player function on every Mac I support then I don't have to deal with codec issues. The player is free.

[QueenIdella]

bsulli - you're absolutely right! I realized it right after I posted, and went and downloaded it. Thank you so much. I meant to post right away but it was late and I fell aseep.

Thank you so much - it's perfect.

[frlane]

I believe that Episode also encodes for WMV.

[lordsmurf]

Burn him a DVD and mail it to him.

Sorry, but not having a computer at home -- at all -- is sort of ridiculous.
In 2010, that's like not having a refrigerator or microwave.

Going out of your way to make this video file strikes me as silly.