Rockcliffe Reference Library

You can use VLC to convert FLV to MP4

The method you use may be dependent on the video codec used to encode the file originally.

To find out what codecs were used start playing your video in VLC and then go to

Tools > Codec Information > Codec (Ctrl+J)

Method 1

Preferred if Video Codec of source file is not H.264.

1. Go to Media > Convert / Save in VLC.
2. Click Add in the File tab.
3. Locate and select the FLV file you want to convert to MP4, and click Open.
4. Click Convert / Save.
5. Select Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4) from the drop-down menu next to Profile. If you want to make advanced changes to the profile, click the small wrench next to it.
6. Click Browse to choose a folder to save the MP4 video to, and then click Save to place the video in that folder.
7. Click Start.

In general, the video will take as long to convert as it does to play at normal speed. It will not "play" in the normal sense that you will be able to see the output at the same time as it is converting the video (i.e. you will see a blank screen during the conversion process). The progress bar will show you were it is in the conversion if it still converting the file. Otherwise check your browse folder if it appears the video has finished.

Method 2

Preferred if Video Codec of source file is already H.264.

1. Go to Media > Convert / Save in VLC.
2. Click Add in the File tab.
3. Locate and select the FLV file you want to convert to MP4, and click Open.
4. Click Convert / Save.
5. Select Re-encapsulation MP4 from the drop-down menu next to Profile.
6. Click the small wrench (edit selected profile).
   1. Tab Encapsulation select MP4/MOV.
   2. Tab Video Codec select Keep original video track.
   3. Tab Audio Codec select Keep original audio track.
   4. Tab Subtitles leave unchecked.
   5. Click Save
7. Click Browse to choose a folder to save the MP4 video to, and then click Save to place the video in that folder.
8. Click Start.

The video will encapsulate in a few seconds depending on the length of the video.

Issues

Sometimes after encoding the audio track will "disappear" (i.e. not play) in VLC if you open the file up.

We haven't found a good reason for this in VLC but if you open the file in Premier Pro or Camtasia the audio track will still be there and plays normally.