Video Conversion

Video File Format Determination:

• First step will be to determine if the video file is in the proper format to be uploaded into an ITpipes Web project: .mp4  h.264
  

• Download and install a third-party video file conversion software solution.  VLC Media Player is a free, open source option.
  

• If the file extension is not ".mp4" the file will need converted.
  

• If the file extension is ".mp4" then the file may or may not be in the correct format.
  

As an example, here is how use "VLC media player"  to determine if a file needs to be reformatted:

1. Launch VLC media player:   
   

2. Select the "Media" drop down list.
   
   
   

3. Choose "Open File..."
   
   
   

4. Use the browser to locate the video file that needs uploaded into ITpipes.
   

5. Chose the "Tools" drop down list and choose "Codec Information" (or Ctrl+J)
   
   
   

6. If the "Codec:" does not show "H264...." the file needs converted.  Only H264 format works with ITpipes Web.  H264 is the most common codec for mp4 videos
   

Converting a video file to H264 format:

• A 3rd party software will be needed to convert video file formats.
  

• A free program such as "HandBrake" or a solution with a cost such as "Aone"  for less than $100
  

• ITpipes does not support any 3rd party software but can offer some assistance setting up and developing a workflow
  

• Different software will have different capabilities and user interfaces
  

• The software should be approved by an IT department before download and installation
  

Here is an example of the process using "HandBrake" as configured when installed:

1. Launch the HandBrake program 
   
   
   

2. Change the Preferences:
   

1. Choose "Output Files" and change the "File Format" and "MP4 File Extension"
   

2. Change the "Default Path" to easily locate the converted files
   
   
   
   

3. Select the "Open Source" button
   

4. Choose "File open single video file”  
   

1. Use of the "Folder" option could speed up the process in the future but will require a few more steps to get the desired results
   
   

5. Browse to the correct folder and choose the video file to convert.
   

6. Click on the "Start Encode" button.
   

1. The conversion process status is at the bottom of the dialog box.
   

7. Once complete, there should be a converted H264 video ready to upload into the ITpipes media location.
   
   

1. If the conversion software changed the name of the file, the file name MUST be changed back to be identical to the original file name, with only the file extension ending differently.
   
   

8. The converted media MUST be placed back in the same location as the original video
   
   

9. Once converted, the database media records will need modification to reflect the new extension (.mp4)