Splasm Software Discussions

Hello,

When I use Podner to create an iPod ready file, using the H.264 encoding, I end up with a file named:

movie.mov

When I use HandBrake to directly rip to an iPod ready file, using what it reports to be "AVC/H.264 Video / AAC Audio", I end up with a file named:

movie.mp4

Is there any difference between these files, given that the filename extension is different?

Next, are there any general rules of thumb regarding choice of average datarate? (In my experience, about 500 kbps seems reasonable.)

I think one of the big advantage that Podner has, is that it actually limits the choices available to the user. I think the author of Podner should recognize that he's on to something that, unfortunately, most of the other video handling software authors don't seem to get -- that there is a large market of Mac users out there wanting to format video for a variety of uses, and need tools that simplify that.

For example, the following are needs that I typically have:

1. I need a video clip in a format (selection of encoder, data rate, picture size) that's suitable to send in an email message.

2. I need a video clip in a format suitable for putting on a website for download an viewing by as many platform-based visitors as possible (Mac, Windows and Linux)

3. I need video in a format suitable for long-term archiving on a hard drive (maybe clips of my kids starting to walk). The format should provide a reasonable balance between quality and file size. (Heck, maybe the iPod size is reasonable?)

I would love to have a tool that could take a variety of sources, and simply figure out what I want *to do* with the video, and then give me just a few options to chose from (and a recommendation).

-- Matt