How to Convert Flv to Mpeg-4 Files

MPEG-4 videos work on both Macs and PCs.

The Flash (FLV) video format appears quite often online as the standard container for video streaming. Sites such as YouTube and DailyMotion employ the FLV format. Once you've placed an FLV on your hard drive, you may wish to convert the file into a more widely compatible format such as the MPEG-4 (MP4), which will work on devices like the iPod and Zune.

Instructions

Online Conversion

1. Open any Web browser and navigate to media-convert.com.

2. Click "Choose File." In the pop-up window, choose the FLV file you want to convert into an MPEG-4. Select "OK" to pick it for conversion. The site will automatically detect your input file type.

3. Select "MPEG-4 Video" as your transfer format in the "Output format" window.

4. Click the blue "OK" button to upload the FLV to media-convert.com and commence the conversion. Once the site finishes converting the file, click the green "Download" button to receive the converted MPEG-4 file.

PC Software Conversion

1. Go to flvsoft.com and download the FLV to Video Converter Pro 2. The site hosts a demo version of the software.

2. Install and run the application. Click the "Add File" button to choose the FLV file you want to convert. The program allows users to select and convert multiple files for simultaneous conversion.

3. Select "MPEG-4 Move" in the "Format" menu to select your target format.

4. Click "Open" and pick out a destination folder for your converted file.

5. Click the "Play" button in the lower-right corner to convert the file. You'll find the converted file in the folder you selected in Step 4.

Mac Software Conversion

1. Go to applemacvideo.com and download the FLV to MP4 Converter for Mac. The site hosts both an Intel version and a PowerPC version of the program.

2. Install and run the application. Click "Add Files" and import the FLV you want to change into an MPEG-4.

3. Select "MPEG-4" in the "Format" drop-down menu to choose MPEG-4 as your target format.

4. Click "Browse." In the contextual menu, pick a folder in which to place the new MPEG-4.

5. Click "Start." The new video file will appear in the folder you selected in Step 4.

References

• Drupal: FlashVideo
• Adobe: FLV/F4V Technology Center
• FILExt: File Extension FLV
• Apple: MPEG-4
• Chiariglione: Overview of the MPEG-4 Standard

Resources

• Media-convert: Online FLV Conversion
• FLVsoft: Enjoy Flash Video FLV from YouTube and Google Video on Portable Devices
• Applemacvideo: How to Convert Between FLV and MP4 on Mac OS X
• Adobe: Download Adobe Flash Player
• Apple: Download the Free Player