Videos recorded using the Linux based Asus EeePC are saved in OGG format. This format is not recognized by non-linux OS based computers. Therefore you will need to convert these if you wish to use them elsewhere – perhaps to edit them. The following tutorial outlines how to go about this conversion.

Note: Online conversion services like ZamZar do not recognize the OGG format.

The Media Converter application will convert most video and audio formats to AVI, flv, m4v,mov, mp3 mp4, mpeg, mpg etc.

Step 1

Download and install Media Converter SA Edition – this can be downloaded for free from http://www.mediaconverter.org .

Click on the ‘Downloads’ link.

Step 2

Open the Media Converter SA Application.

In the ‘Select the Files to Convert’ – browse to the location of the OGG file you wish to convert.

Under ‘Destination’ select a folder to save your converted file to,

and select the format you would like to convert it to.

Important: It is recommended that the default settings are used unless you are familiar with the parameters.

Step  3

Click on the ‘Convert’ button

Media Converter will convert the file(s)

If like me you work cross platform between Macs and PCs then you’ll know how frustrating it can be that iMovie doesn’t work with WMV files (understandably since WMV is a Microsoft proprietry format). Its possibe to play wmv files in Quicktime Player using the free Flip4Mac player. Flip4Mac also have another product called WMV Studio which allows iMovie users to import and export WMV files.

‘Import and export Windows Media files using built-in templates. Export Windows Media files directly from your editing system or media encoding application, including Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express HD, QuickTime Pro, iMovie, Sorenson Media Squeeze 4.1, Discreet Cleaner 6, Compressor 2 and more.’

I recently downloaded the product for $49 and I’m quite impressed with its performance and general usability. The product installs very easily , although you won’t be aware of its presence on your mac until you export in iMovie, where there is another export option, to export as WMV.

I’m currently working on a project for the local authority splicing up a DVD they’ve produced into decsrete clips, students then reassamble the clips, adding their own clips video footage, music and narration to create a ‘new and improved’ version of the original DVD. The resource has to work on both Mac and PC, hence the requirement for WMV. Rather thatn having to either do the whole thing again on a PC, or convert each clip I can now produce WMV for use in MovieMaker without compromising the original clips too much.

I’de strongly recommend this product to anyone who works in both iMovie and MovieMaker.

Just spotted this on YouTube - It is very emotive and could be shown in Geography lessons, assemblies or to support end of term activities.

Students could also have a go at producing their own videos in a similar style.

The brilliant edublogs by Ewan McIntosh put me onto the following video. I have to agree with him – it looks like the kinda place I’d like to work at:

Lip Dub – Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger from amandalynferri and Vimeo.