I am still one of those unlucky ones that doesn’t yet own an iPad. But my brother (who is not a techie) asked me the other day how he could convert AVI format to MOV, so he could watch those videos on iTunes.
The easiest thing would be for Apple to support the AVI format within iTunes, but this is one of those maddening decisions they have made which doesn’t make much sense, so people are stuck.
Let’s move along.
There are some good conversion programs but the best ones are pricey and the free ones are usually junk. In my research, I located an app that will take care of this issue and it is really sweet.
It’s called Air Video and it works on both Mac and Windows platforms.
Let’s take a look!
The Air Video Server
First, you have to download the Air Video Server software. Once you do that, the server window will open (I did not test the Windows version, but I suspect it operates similarly):
Click on the ‘Add Disk Folder’ and then browse to folders where you have videos, movies, etc.
The iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad App
Next, install the app on your device. There is a free version and also a paid version. The difference between the two is simple. The free version limits the amount of items the app will display in a given folder. If you have 10 movies in a folder, the app will display 3 in the free version. You will have to back out of the folder and go back in to see three different items. The paid app is only $2.99 and has no restrictions.
Your list of videos will be displayed. If you choose a video in AVI format, you’ll see the following screen (I have selected a rip of one of my favorite films, ‘The Insider’):
This is where it gets cool. The play option is not available because of the format, but there are two options you have. You can either convert the video as a whole, but you can also start playing the movie and it will convert as you are watching it.
Very cool.
Once the video is fully converted, there will be option to add the video to your iTunes library.
Done!
Learn more about Air Video on their website.
Matthew Snider says
You can also just use handbreak and their built in iPad templates to save a DVD to any file type. It also works with files saving to another format.
Timmy says
I love Air Video. I also highly recommend Plex. The interface is nice and clean, it transcodes video on the fly as well (including .MKV) and has the benefit of a gorgeous media center solution should you choose to watch your video on your PC.
Plex even has an AppleTV option for those who are brave enough to jailbreak their units. I stream virtually anything from my Mac to my living room and even to my car with Plex—pretty great stuff.
The great thing about Air Video, however, is the option to store it once it is converted—that is a huge plus over Plex. Also, at $2.99, you can’t go wrong.
Thanks for the great article!
ryan says
There is a much easier way, that doesn’t require you installing programs, using up your system resources, or being at home to work
CineX Player app. All you need. Plays avi just fine, no PC software or converting required.