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How to convert videos and transfer them to the Motorola DROID X
We show you how to convert video files and optimize them for viewing on the Motorola DROID X
Verizon's highly anticipated Motorola DROID X features a 4.3-inch display, a 1GHz processor and an 8-megapixel camera
Published on Jun 18, 2010
The Motorola DROID X has a big, beautiful screen that just begs for some quality video to show off. But what is the best way for you to convert your favorite videos and transfer them to your DROID X?
In this guide, we show you what software you need to convert videos for viewing on the DROID X, and we also show you how to get your newly converted videos onto your handset.
Requirements:
- Installed copy of Handbrake software
- Video files and or DVD of your choice
- Motorola DROID X with microUSB cable
Step I: Launch the Handbrake application on your computer and select the video source
(click to enlarge)
- Launch Handbrake (figure 1)
- In the menu on the right-hand side, select the iPod Legacy preset (figure 1)
- Select your video source by clicking on the Source dropdown menu (we used a DVD for our testing purposes)
- Select the destination and name for the file once it has been converted (both the .mp4 and .m4v extension work for the DROID X)
- Confirm that the container is set to MP4 File and that Large file size, Web optimized, and iPod 5G support are unchecked
Step II: Adjust Handbrake's Video Settings
Picture Tab:
- Uncheck Keep Aspect Ratio
- Set the DROID X Width and Height (the DROID X supports a maximum of 854 x 480 pixels)
Video Tab:
(click to enlarge)
- Set Handbrake's encoding settings by clicking on the Video tab (figure 2)
- Confirm the Video Codec is set as H.264 (x264)
- Framerate (FPS) should be set to Same as source
- Under Quality, select the Avg Bitrate (kbps) and change it to 1500
Step III: Adjust audio settings
(click to enlarge)
- Set Handbrake's audio settings by clicking on the Audio tab (figure 3)
- Confirm the Audio Codec is AAC (faac)
- Mixdown should be set to Stereo
- Change the Samplerate to 48
- Change the Bitrate to 160
Step IV: Save as a preset for future use
- Click on the Presets menu and select New Preset
- Enter DROID X in the dialog box and click Add
- "DROID X" will now be saved as a preset and listed on the right hand side in Handbrake to be used in the future
Step V: Convert the video and copy to your DROID X
- Click on the Start button in Handbrake
- A command line/DOS window will open and start to process the video conversion
- Once the conversion is done, mount your DROID X on to your computer via USB (figure 4)
- Once mounted, create a folder named Video in the root folder on the DROID X
- Copy converted file into the Video folder
That's it! The converted video can now be played on your DROID X using the Gallery app. It should look fantastic on the DROID X's screen as long as the original source was of good quality.
A few things to keep in mind when converting video:
- The DROID X does not like video file sizes over 2GB (the settings in Step II should help insure that the file size is kept under 2GB)
- Your converted video will only be as good as the source video
- If your source is over 854 x 480, you must be sure to set the width and height to a maximum of 854 x 480 as noted in Step II
Click here for more Motorola DROID X guides
Click here for our full Motorola DROID X review
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Users Comments
Re: How to convert videos and transfer them to the Motorola DROID X
Posted By carsmatic 1 July 21, 2010 05:17:30 AM
In step 2.2, you state, "Set the DROID X Width and Height (the DROID X supports a maximum of 854 x 480 pixels)" I have the most updated version of Handbrake (v.0.9.4 x86_64) and it does not allow me to go beyond 720. Am I missing something here? Thanks.
Re: How to convert videos and transfer them to the Motorola DROID X
Posted By mir101780 1 July 24, 2010 01:58:22 PM
Resolution depends on the size of the source. Usually dvdrips dont have a resolution that is more than 720, Try to keep the resolution as close as the 720 x 480 or 400 if possible for standard dvdrips. Did you have the aspect ratio book checked? If so try to set the height to 480 before setting your width, then it should automatically give you the max width for that source. Look for HD rips if you want higher resolutins if you dont have the aspect ratio box checked you can force set the resolution to whatever you want.
Re: How to convert videos and transfer them to the Motorola DROID X
Posted By droid_x_guy 1 July 25, 2010 06:23:34 PM
In step 1.3:Select your video source by clicking on the Source dropdown menu (we used a DVD for our testing purposes) When I open the activity window it shows Scanning title 1 of 14... dvdnav: Read Error, Error reading from DVD. And it does nothing but repeat that. Am I doing something wrong? Please help.
Re: How to convert videos and transfer them to the Motorola DROID X
Posted By mntbighker 1 August 3, 2010 06:51:26 AM
So far every effort at using Handbrake Mac has resulted in HORRIBLY screwed up audio WAY out of sync. Using Quicktime Pro MP4 export on the other hand works perfectly. Go figure?
Re: How to convert videos and transfer them to the Motorola DROID X
Posted By Pseudonym34 1 February 22, 2011 02:05:08 AM
@droid_x_guy...yeah I know the post is about a year old, but the answer to your question is that you have to rip the movie to a file first and then use Handbrake. It needs its encryption broken first. My question is, what is the conversion speed? It seems awfully slow, according to the timeline, it will take 6 hours for it convert! Is this normal or am I missing a setting? Thanks in advance.
