subject: iPhone Guides: How to Sync AVI Files to Your Apple Products [print this page] iPhone Guides: How to Sync AVI Files to Your Apple Products
Most native Mac applications, as well as the iPhone itself, are not compatible with AVI files. AVI files are a widely used format for video and are the most common one used for movies found on the Internet. There are a few methods available to get an AVI into iTunes and onto Apple products, including your iPhone, i Pad and iPod Touch. However, these methods require the download and installation of additional software.
The first method available is using Quicktime to process and convert each AVI file. This requires either Quicktime Pro or Quicktime X, which is part of the Snow Leopard package. One advantage to this method is that learning to use a new program is not necessary. Perian is also required, which enables Quicktime to play AVI files and many other file types.
After installing Quicktime and Perian, follow these steps:
1. Open the AVI file using Quicktime.
2. In Quicktime 7, go to File > Export... and select a format to convert to which the iPhone will recognize. MPEG-4 and iPhone formats are the recommended options. Choose where to save the new file and click OK. In Quicktime X, choose Share > iTunes... and three size options will be available. Select iPhone and click share. Quicktime will export the file directly into iTunes.
3. Using Quicktime 7 in step 2 will require dragging the converted file into iTunes and syncing it to the iPhone.
The second method in this guide uses the ffmpegx application. Ffmpegx converts files faster than Quicktime and is shareware, which saves the $30 price of Quicktime 7 Pro. Although ffmpegx is shareware, there are no limitations or expirations on the features used in this guide. to convert AVI files for iPhones:
1. Download ffmpegx and the additional runtime files and install them.
2. Drag and drop an AVI file into the From box in ffmpegx.
3. Click Save As... and choose a location and file name for the new file.
4. In the To box in the right pane, click the arrow to access a list of preset file options. There are also tabs at the top of the pane to access more customization options.
5. Click Encode. Additional AVI files can be queued for a more automated process.
6. After the file is converted, drag and drop it into iTunes and sync it to the iPhone.
The aforementioned methods to sync AVI files to iPhones, the Apple iPod and iPad are not the only ways available. Many free and paid applications exist for this purpose, but it is up to the user to find out which one is right for them.
