Tech Geek

A few weeks back I mentioned a way to use MOV files within PowerPoint by inserting them as an object and calling out to another program to play the video file. It was an imperfect solution and I really wasn't happy with it. I've been looking for a way to reliably convert MOV files into WMV files so that PowerPoint would let me use them within presentations. Finally, thanks to GeekBreek.TV with Cali Lewis #464, I've found it. FormatFactory handles all sorts of media format conversions on Windows.

According to the website, FormatFactory is a multifunctional media converter which handles all these conversions:

• All to MP4/3GP/MPG/AVI/WMV/FLV/SWF.
• All to MP3/WMA/MMF/AMR/OGG/M4A/WAV.
• All to JPG/BMP/PNG/TIF/ICO/....
• Rip DVD to video file , Rip Music CD to audio file.
• MP4 files support iPod/iPhone/PSP/BlackBerry format.

So, here are the steps to download a MOV file or an MP4 file that you want to use it within PowerPoint.

1. Install FormatFactory by downloading it from this link.
2. Save the file somewhere you can remember it. Let's use Brief #464 of GeekBrief.TV. Even though it is available in Windows Media format, let's usethis link to download it as an MP4 file. (Right click the link and choose Save As, then put it somewhere you can remember.)
3. Run FormatFactory.
4. In the left column, click All to WMV.
5. In the window that pops up, make sure the checkbox next to Output to source file folder is checked.
6. Click Add File under the big green plus sign.
7. Add the file or files that you want to convert and press the Open button.
8. Click the Okay button.
9. At the top of the window, click the Start button to start the conversion.
10. As it converts, you'll see a progress bar.
11. Once it's done, you should have a WMV file that you can play within PowerPoint by using the Insert-->Insert Movie-->Movie from File.

FormatFactory will also handle all sorts of other conversions, for example making video ready to play on an Ipod or Blackberry or other portable device that is picky about what formats it will play.