The folks at Miro have a handy tool for fool-proof, dummy-friendly video conversion for mobile devices. Drop nearly any file, and it converts to MP4, OGG Theora, or specific presets for devices from the TMobile G1 to the iPod – and even FLV.
It’s available for Mac and Windows only, not Linux. I imagine that’s because there are already strong choices on Linux, and they’re trying to target the general, less-tech-savvy public.
I still dream of VJing on mobile devices with video outputs (sadly, a lot of these gadgets lack that capability). But regardless, I see this as something I’ll wind up using one way or another.
http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/
What dark magic makes this work? Why, the open source FFMPEG video engine. So, advanced users, you can actually copy the Miro conversion settings and adjust them using FFMPEG:
Conversion Matrix
Or check out some conversion recipes for your own use, from here on CDM:
More ffmpeg Recipes for Free Video Conversion on Any Platform
In other news, Miro’s excellent video browser has just hit version 3.0. It’s a brilliant vision of what video playback could be like in a truly open world. New in this release:
- Automatic subtitles
- Improved performance, from torrent downloading to launch time (and yes, torrent is a terrific way to deliver big files legally)
- Higher maximum volume level, ideal for listening through internal speakers or other sub-optimal scenarios. (Someone, somewhere just made another tired “goes to eleven” joke. Sigh.)
- External file playback, so you aren’t limited to the built-in player.
…plus various other improvements. Go grab it:
(again, Linux complaint – 3.0 seems not to be available yet. Come on, guys.)
And let us know if there are good channels to which visualists should subscribe!