How can I import h.264 encoded MOV files into windows movie maker?

I have a couple of digital camcorders that output .MOV files encoded in h.264 video/AAC audio. They won't load into Windows Movie Maker or Windows Media Player - I guess I need to install some codecs. Where can I get these?

Solution 1:

The .mov videos are in a proprietary Apple format whose secrets are jealously guarded by Apple. Many Apple codecs have non-Apple implementations which are pretty good, but not perfect, which is unfortunately also the case with QuickTime Alternative.

The only video player that's guaranteed to play .mov videos correctly is Apple's QuickTime. You can download it here (be sure not to download the version with iTunes).

You can either use the QuickTime player to watch your .mov videos, or you can still continue to use Windows Media Player. But in this case you'll need a product that makes available to WMP all the QuickTime codecs currently installed. A free product that does that is available here : QuickTime DirectShow Source Filter.

Solution 2:

After many hours of searching, I FINALLY found a GOOD solution! Here's a free program that will convert MOV and MP4 files to an AVI container, without re-encoding the H.264 video inside, so it's much faster than any video conversion -- about as fast as just copying the files off the cards -- and absolutely no loss of quality:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/mp4cam2avi/

You may also need the ffdshow H.264 codec, which is also freeware available on SourceForge, and then you're all set: You can play your videos in Windows Media Player and edit them in Windows Movie Maker.