Thread: Converting media formats directly on the Internet

Converting media formats directly on the Internet You have received a music or video file in an unknown format via email, and your media player cannot play it. How can one convert the file into a supported format as quickly as possible, without installing a special program?

If you need to convert only a few files, you can save yourself the trouble of downloading and installing a specialized conversion program. Instead, you can settle the matter online with the help of a web service for that purpose. JavaScript must be enabled for the website to function properly. Open 'Tools Internet Options' in internet Explorer to check if the script is enabled. The 'Active Scripting' option in the list on the 'Security' tab in the 'Scripting' section must be set to 'Enable'. In Firefox, click on 'Tools Options', switch to the 'Content' tab and put a tick against 'Enable JavaScript'.

Click on 'Browse' next to the input' field at the top. Now browse through your hard disk for the source file and select it. The website detects the most common matching output format automatically. There are two combination fields for the 'output'; you can select either the target platform such as Windows, DVD PAL, iPod or the desired file format directly using the fields. Depending on this seVing, there are further options also, with' which you can make additional changes like merging multiple individual files, splitting large files into units or changes in volume, image resolution as well as sound and picture quality. Normally, you don't need to change the presets Then just click on 'OK' at the top right to start the conversion.

Your output file will be uploaded first. You can follow the progress of the procedure on the website. Subsequently, the conversion will take place. Finally, you will get a link for downloading the converted file. This link is valid for 24 hours, during which you can even send it to a friend so that he can also download the file. Incidentally, the online service is also suitable for the conversion of many current Office formats and to create PDF or PostScript files.

Bear in mind that you are not allowed to use the service for processing and circulating illegal content.

NOTE

This method is less advisable for converting lots of big files since you need to upload the output files first, which takes much longer than downloading using an ADSL connection. The method however is extremely useful on a notebook or public computer, when no other tool is available or its installation is not permitted.