Problem Converting AVI (DV) to MOV (DV)

[Casho]

I have a number of AVI (DV) files that were previously imported on my PC, which I want to covert (using my Mac) to the more Mac friendly MOV (DV) file format.

I read that the best way to achieve this is to open the AVI files in Quicktime Pro and to convert the files to MOV using “SAVE AS”, as opposed to “EXPORT”. I understand that the benefit of using “SAVE AS” is that there is no recompression of the DV stream and that only the Container is changed (which results in a lossless conversion).

The problem is that the new MOV (DV) file is significantly larger than the original AVI (DV) file. For example, the size of a 13.5 minute clip increases from 2.95 GB to 5.88 GB.

I wouldn't expect such a significant change in file size if only the Container is indeed being changed.

I have also tried MPEG Streamclip to do the conversion, but I get the following message when I try to open the AVI (DV) file “File open error: this movie file is not supported”.

I have confirmed using Gspot that the AVI (DV) file is a 'Type 1' as opposed to a 'Type 2' file. Gspot also indicates the following information about the file “Multipart OpenDML AVL (3 parts). I don’t know if this is relevant.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Baldrick]

Maybe try convert it to type2 with something like Canopus DV File Converter, DVdate. Then use mpeg streamclip or quicktime pro.

[Casho]

Thanks for your quick reply. I will give it a shot, and report back. Do you know whether others have issues with type 2, or am I just the lucky one?

[Casho]

Hi Baldrick,

THANKYOU x 100000000000.

I first tried to use Canopus DV File Converter but I couldn't get it to work. However, DVdate worked a treat. After I did the conversion to type 2, I was able to use "SAVE AS" in Quicktime Pro to save as an MOV file. The conversion happened instantly and the file size was almost identical.

This also solved an ongoing problem I have had with playing the files in VLC.

I have posted this question on a number of other forums. I will now go and provide links to your solution.

Once again, Thank you.