How to Change the Format of an iPod Download

by Marshal M. Rosenthal
You can convert iPod videos into other formats.

You can convert iPod videos into other formats.

Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

Video files that are downloaded for the iPod are optimized for use on the iPod. But they are not as easily accessed by other video programs. Turning an iPod file into another video format can make it more accommodating to use, especially on Windows-based computers. The conversion from the iPod format to another video format can be easily accomplished using Quicktime Pro on a Mac or PC. It will not damage the original iPod video file in any way.

Step 1

Download the free Quicktime player program from the Apple website. Double-click on the Quicktime icon when it has finished downloading and follow the menu directions to install the program. Restart the computer if using a PC.

Step 2

Go to the Apple website and pay for the serial key to turn Quicktime player into Quicktime Pro. Run the Quicktime program. Go to File then Registration at the top of the screen and enter in the serial key in the blank space provided. Close the window using the red button at the top of the left side and quit the Quicktime program. Restart the computer if using a PC.

Step 3

Run the Quicktime Pro program. Go to File, then Open File at the top of the screen. Navigate to the iPod video file and highlight it in the window that has now appeared. Click on the "Open" button at the lower right of the screen to load in the video file and close the window.

Step 4

Go to File then Export at the top of the screen. Rename the video file in the open column at the top of the window that has now appeared. Go to the Export tab near the bottom of the window and click on the drop down menu next to it.

Step 5

Select the video format that the iPod video file will be changed to by selecting it from the drop-down menu. Click the "Save" button at the lower right of the window to close the window and save the video file in the new format chosen.

Quit the Quicktime Pro program and archive or delete the iPod video file.

Tip

  • Don't have other programs running when doing the conversion using Quicktime Pro. This will make sure that no other program will disrupt the conversion process.

Warning

  • Because there is always the chance of the conversion process damaging a file, it is best to use a duplicate of the file instead. This will enable the original file to be available should the duplicate being converted suffer corruption or deletion.

About the Author

Marshal M. Rosenthal is a technology maven with more than 15 years of editorial experience. A graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography with a Bachelor of Arts in photographic arts, his editorial work has appeared both domestically as well as internationally in publications such as "Home Theater," "Electronic House," "eGear," "Computer and Video Games" and "Digitrends."

Photo Credits

  • Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images