Help with Windows Movie Maker and MP4 format

[laurie31]

I have used Windows Movie Maker to make slide shows set to music, but now I want to make fun videos like these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLOJ9HMkgAE&playnext=1&videos=5yExYS8uFwk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V12zl-Bk6Yc&playnext=1&videos=v4EYY2F5pfo

I have spent lots of time setting up the titles, matching photos with the music, and now I want to add the video, only I find that my vids are MP4 and WMM doesn't "do" MP4 apparently.

Can anyone recommend a program that can change my MP4 video and music into a format that WMM will recognize or should I use a different program for my editing?

If so, can anyone recommend something free (or VERY cheap) that is safe. I have googled and come up with a lot of tech discussion boards, that are too tech-y for me, and tried to download some free software, but it's all been blocked by my virus protection. DH says some such programs are really malware, so I've been afraid to override and install them after they have been flagged as dangerous. It may be that our security settings are too high - I would be willing to override if someone told me it was a safe program.

Which is easier? To change my MP4 and use WMM or to use something totally different?

Thanks!!

 

[bicker]

Sorry, I can't answer your question directly, but I have encountered issues such as yours several times in several contexts. I solved my problems by buying Nero. I've found it well-worth-it.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

I have spent lots of time setting up the titles, matching photos with the music, and now I want to add the video, only I find that my vids are MP4 and WMM doesn't "do" MP4 apparently.

Can anyone recommend a program that can change my MP4 video and music into a format that WMM will recognize or should I use a different program for my editing?

If so, can anyone recommend something free (or VERY cheap) that is safe. I have googled and come up with a lot of tech discussion boards, that are too tech-y for me, and tried to download some free software, but it's all been blocked by my virus protection. DH says some such programs are really malware, so I've been afraid to override and install them after they have been flagged as dangerous. It may be that our security settings are too high - I would be willing to override if someone told me it was a safe program.

Which is easier? To change my MP4 and use WMM or to use something totally different?

Thanks!!

have you tried looking on download . com? Programs on there are safe and they might have something that you're looking for...that's where I always go for free progams.

 

[Tina]

I've done a lot of video editing and I like Pinnacle Studio Ultimate. Its not free, but I think the price is fair, considering all the program does. I think its about $100. There may be a free trial download out there. Google the product title.

 

[Magic Mom]

What are you using to open your video with? I take my video with my digital camera, and haven't had any problem using the video in WMM.

I haven't had to use it, but this supposedly works to convert.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/mp4cam2avi/

 

[laurie31]

Thank you all for your help.

I was trying to import the videos directly from VideoCam Suite, which is the software that came with my camcorder. Howeer, by trial and error yesterday, I found that I can copy the video to a "normal" folder, and it will import from there.

I will still check out the things recommended here, though.