convert .avi to .mov without re-encoding?

[avramd]

Hello,

I have a few .avi files that would like to author to DVD with iDVD.

Is it possible to simply convert the container from .avi to .mov, without changing the encoding of the embedded movie?

And how can you find out what the embedded encoding type is, to figure out if that is even compatible with QT/iDVD?

Thanks,
Avram

[Rottenwomb]

If it's mpeg4 simple profile, it should load in quicktime. Their you just save as quicktime movie. If it's advanced profile, you'll need to get divx, then save as movie. (At least I think that'll work)

[dnix71]

If you did, the contents of the avi would still have to be something QT could handle. For example, if the audio is mp3, QT won't play it (just like WMP won't handle vbr).

GSpot is freeware for reading the codecs/structure. If you don't have Virtual PC on your Mac, borrow a real pc and scan the files there.

[Jacke]

For example, if the audio is mp3, QT won't play it

False. QT can play MP3 fine in .mov files.

Your first step is to have Quicktime play the original AVI files, best case scenario you just need the DivX codec installed. It's possible that the video or audio is in a format that there is no QT codec for, but try to just install DivX first.

When you have it working in Quicktime, you can use QT Pro or QTAmateur to save as a .mov.

[macr0t0r]

DIVX Doctor II will convert your DIVX AVIs to Quicktime movies for you. It will "repackage" your video without transcoding. The audio will either be repackaged or converted to MP3 (whatever it takes to get to MP3). Works great and its free! Find it at versiontracker.com.