How to Convert Video for Taskstream Uploading

Objective:

Converting a video file of less than 500MB, to computer video format MOV, MP4, AVI, or WMV, that can be played back on Macintosh or Windows computers. Due to file size limit, BEFORE you record your video, check to make sure that the camcorder is set to "Long Play" (LP) setting, NOT "High Quality" (or on some models "High Definition" (HD).)

How?

You don't have to use a computer lab to convert the video.  Most of these software titles are available either free or come with your computer or camcorder. If you missed one of many orientation workshops we offered, synopsis is here.

• If you have a Canon FS200 camcorder, or similar models, that records to a memory card:

• For Windows Computer:  To download a free software such as "FreeVideotoIpod converter"  click here. Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here. 
• You can also use a free software called "Any Video Converter"; click here to download. Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here.
• or you can use Windows "Movie Maker"that comes with your Windows 7
• For Macintosh Computer:  Use the iMovie software that comes with your Mac.  Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here.

• If you have a Canon Vixia HF 200: this camcorder records in High Def. to an SD memory card.
• For Windows computer:  use Video Browser. This software is on a CD that comes with the camcorder; or you can download it here (you will need the serial number of the camcorder -shown on the bottom of your camcorder- to download). Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here.
• For Macintosh Computer:  Use the iMovie software that comes with your Mac.  Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here.
• If you have a Sony DVD 308 camcorder or similar model that use mini-DVD.  Use mini DVD-R discs (DO NOT USE RW discs). NOTE: VERY IMPORTANT:
  

• You MUST FINALIZE your disc once you finished recording, to make the disc playable on your computer or DVD player.  Video demonstration here.


• DO NOT INSERT MINI-DVD DISC INTO THE SLOT LOADING DRIVE (as in the iMacs or most laptop models; you will loose your discs and damage the drives). If computer does not have a tray loading DVD-drive, use another computer with DVD drive or connect your camcorder to your computer (be sure to press "Computer" on the left) and copy your VIDEO_TS folder onto a USB Flashdrive (at least 2GB) then follow: Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here.


• To convert video using a Macintosh computer:  If you are in an Education computer lab, use a software called ImTOO DVD to MP4 converter.  Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here. At home using a Macintosh Computer:  Use the iMovie software that comes with your Mac. Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here.
  

• To convert video using a Windows computer: you can get this done either in our labs or at home, using a free software called "Any Video Converter"; click here to download. Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here. More software titles allow this process available on the Web.

• If you have a newer model of camcorders with built-in hard disks or with SD memory cards that can record in MP4 format: with proper settings (see your camcorder manual; use the LOW resolution settings for small file size) record the video; then check the file size; if smaller than 200MB, upload.
  
• If you have a camcorder with mini-DV tape, such as Canon ZR series, use iMovie.   Written instruction here.  Video demonstration here.