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I am quite a non-technical guy when it comes to such stuff and hence looking for "easy" solutions.

On Windows, I had used Red Kawa Videora to convert the various audio and video formats to iPod-playable formats. I think it also has a version which works on Mac.

I would like to know if there is other (possibly better and as much or more user-friendly) software which does the above job of converting various audio and video formats into what Apple products can play. (I guess what works on iPod also works on iPad.)

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3 Answers

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HandBrake used to be my go-to app for this task but lets face it: nightmare UI. Especially if you're a professed "non-technical guy".

The new wonder-in-a-box video convert is Smart Converter. Like HandBrake, it's free. Unlike HandBrake the UI is very non-threatening. Drop file, pick output format, go. Works for video and audio.

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Wow, thanks Ian, I've never heard of this app but I will give it a try! :) – TheNumb Jul 16 '11 at 18:47
@TheNumb it is relatively new, at least on the App Store. – Ian C.♦ Jul 16 '11 at 23:40
@Ian C. Thanks for the reference. To download it from the appstore I seem to need an Apple Id. Can I have multiple Apple Ids? Like from two different email ids? Also some of the reviews of this app tells me that this can't convert .avi files..Is that true? – Anirbit Jul 17 '11 at 15:42
@Anirbit: I don't know about multiple Apple IDs. Maybe ask that as a separate question. It hasn't failed to convert anything I've thrown at it yet. Doesn't mean it's infallible though. – Ian C.♦ Jul 17 '11 at 17:24
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I'd say that HandBrake is a good start.

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Switch is what I use for all my audio conversions. Although it says you need to pay for it, there is a free version. It may seem somewhat confusing, but it's free. As Ian C. said, Handbrake is the best video conversion software. (because it's free!!!)

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