How to Convert AVCHD to MP4 (must be easy for user) and also Merge MP4 clips?

[harryb]

Hi
I have a user requesting some help with these issues but I'm unsure what software to use
He has windows 7 64bit

He needs to convert AVCHD clips from a camcorder to a format his AppleTV gen 1 can read
It must be as near to automated as possible as he isn't too technical,

Also, once the clips are in MP4, is there any free (and straightforward) software that can merge the clips?

I thought windows movie maker would, but only WMV, I saw.

I hope someone can help, I wasnt sure and thought you guys would have plenty suggestions

thanks

[muttleymacclad]

Handbrake for the conversion. Very easy to set up for him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zoots]

Also, once the clips are in MP4, is there any free (and straightforward) software that can merge the clips?
I thought windows movie maker would, but only WMV, I saw.

Windows Movie Maker Live will import MP4 clips no problem. It will only export as WMV files though and I'm presuming his Apple TV won't play them?

To merge MP4's, use Avidemux. Free and quick as it doesn't re-encode.

http://fixounet.free.fr/avidemux/

Make sure to get the 64 bit version.

To add files one after the other, add the first then (using the very last blue button on the interface under the video) move to the end and click the append button at the top with the green plus sign, add the second file and the it will go in after the first.
Settings - Video: copy. Audio: copy. Format:MP4
File > Save > Save Video (choose location) > name file with mp4 extension (so, holiday clips.mp4).
No idea why it doesn't add it's own extension, it never has.

[harryb]

Ok thanks guys I will check these out today thanks a lot, a shame windows Movie maker is WMV output!

I hadn't realised handbrake was windows also. I always thought it was mac only, thanks