Tool for Encoding to MP3 audio files on the Mac

If you need to encode MP3 audio files on the Mac then using tools such as Episode and Sorenson Squeeze are obviously good choices for this. There are MP3 encoding presets already built into both applications. If you're trying to save money a free tool that you can use is called Audacity. This tool was first recommended to me by Brian Alves, one of the world's leading podcasters and host of The DV Show. If you have AIFF source files Audacity can encode them. To use Audacity for encoding MP3 files you'll need to download and install the Audacity application and the LAME mp3 encoder available on the Audacity website under downloads.

1-Day Sorenson Squeeze Training

Class Summary: This Sorenson Squeeze training is designed to give you a better understanding of Sorenson Squeeze and help you with future encoding projects. Sorenson Squeeze is one of the best kept secrets and this class will help you unlock its many benefits. In addition to learning about the Sorenson Squeeze 6 interface, students will learn about the different video input options, how to compression to various formats, how to compress content for video ipods/video podcasts, how to adjust compression settings and the process for encoding a DVD inside the Sorenson Squeeze application. Our Sorenson Squeeze 6 Training class is available In-class, On-site or On-line. This class is great for Videographers, IT professionals, Video Editors, Producers and other Media Professionals. Contact us at 407.477.5837 or E-mail us at info@freemancompression.com for more details about this training class.

In this training students will also learn:

• How to encode to QuickTime, Real Media (PC only), Flash, Windows Media and H.264
• How to encode Real-time and Downloadable streaming videos
• The process for encoding numerous videos using Watch Folders
• How to FTP files to a Streaming Server or a Web Server inside Squeeze
• How to upload encoded videos to a Sorenson 360 account
• The process for capturing video within Sorenson Squeeze 6
  
• How to set-up filters for encoding projects
• How to encode linked Flash .FLV and .SWF files and stand-alone .FLV files

Featured Software for Class



Class Overview

1. Interface Overview

Your instructor will show you the different features of the interface to get you familiar with the Sorenson Squeeze 6. This part of the class will cover Video Input, Filters, Format & Compression Setting, Batch Tree, Details, Sorenson 360, Publishing, and Preview Windows.

2. Video Input Options

For this training module you will learn how to use the different video input options. Learn how to input stand-alone videos, use watch folders and capture video all within the Squeeze application. You can input several stand-alone videos for batch encoding or encode a large amount of videos for hands-free encoding. Capturing videos from a video camera or video deck with Sorenson Squeeze 6 is one of the application's greatest benefits. Learn how this is done in this portion of the class.

3. Encoding Downloadable Streaming Videos

You will encode videos for downloadable streaming in formats such as: QuickTime, H.264, Windows Media, Real Media and Flash. This part of the class will teach you how to get the quality you desire for your downloadable streaming videos by teaching you how to adjust the various Format & Compression Settings for your desired format in Sorenson Squeeze 6. Learn how to take a compression preset and customize it for better quality.

4. Encoding Real-time Streaming Videos

Learn how to encode hinted QuickTime and H.264 videos for a Streaming Server. You will also learn how to encode Real Media, Windows Media, and Flash videos for real-time streaming. This portion of the class will inform you on different tools to use when compressing your videos for Streaming Servers.

5. Compression for Video iPods, Video Podcasts and Audio Podcasts

Students will learn how to compress video content for Video iPods, Video Podcast and Audio Podcasts using Sorenson Squeeze 6. Participants will learn how to adjust their compression settings to get high quality results. The instructor will also show you how to get encoded videos onto the Video iPod and how to display them onto your TV. This class will teach you which codec to use for compressing your videos for Video iPods, Video Podcasts and Audio Podcasts with Sorenson Squeeze.

6. Format and Compression Settings

This training module will cover the details of adjusting the different presets under the Format and Compression Settings. Learn how to set parameters such as: Data rate, Sample Size, Sample Rate, Encoding Method, Frame Size, Frame Rate and Key Frame Every. This portion of the class will help demystify many of the compression settings in Squeeze.

7. Working with Filters

You will learn how to adjust your filters for your compression projects. Learn when to use Deinterlace, Noise Reduction, Normalize Audio, Hue, Brightness, Contrast, and Cropping filters. You will learn how to apply filters to your videos as well as specifying a default filter for all compression jobs.

8. Using Publishing Filters

Students will learn how to utilize the various Publishing Filters such as Copy Output to Local and Copy Output to FTP. You'll enjoy this portion of the class as you learn how to simplify the web authoring process by automatically sending your files to their delivery destination. Using the Publishing Filters will greatly improve your compression workflow.

9. Encoding and Authoring a DVD inside Squeeze 6

This portion of the class will show you how to encode and author a DVD directly inside the Sorenson Squeeze application. Instead of using a DVD authoring tool to make your one-off DVDs you'll learn how to use Sorenson Squeeze, saving your a tremendous amount of time.

10. Encoding Linked Flash .FLV and .SWF files

Students will work through the process of creating linked Flash .FLV and .SWF files for displaying videos inside the .SWF media players that come inside of Sorenson Squeeze. You'll learn how to select your player and adjust video playback. The instructor will also show you how to author your Flash Linked .SWF amd .FLV files on-line and as well as how to force users to a website after the video finishes playing.

MPEG Streamclip Great Tool for Converting MOD files

If you're in need for a tool to help you with the conversion of .MOD files on Mac. MPEG Streamclip is a tool that you should consider. If you're using SDHC Memory Cards when you connect your camera on the Mac you can locate all of your video files by opening the Memory Card and navigating to the .MOD files. The .MOD files are basically MPEG-2 Program Stream files with the .MOD extension.

Recently I had two encoding projects where about 300-400 .MOD files needed to be converted for encoding in iMovie for Summer Art Camp students in Ohio and for Windows Movie maker for Summer Leadership Academy students in Florida.

Here were some benefits that I saw using MPEG Streamclip for the conversions:

• Batch encoding of 200 .MOD files to .MOV or .WMV could be done easily
• Telestream's Flip4Mac Plug-in is available from within MPEG Streamclip
• You can watch a video preview of the videos being converted
• Adjustments to Audio, Brightness, Contrast and Saturation can made during batch encoding
• The tool is Free
• Conversions happen quickly

Here's a look at the Batch List for encoding numerous files



Here's a look at the main interface where .MOD files can be converted to DV/DVCPro-NTSC .MOV.