Transcoding (streaming, or otherwise) for unsupported file formats

[GoogleCodeExporter]

It would be interesting to have an option for media files which are in a format 
unsupported by the 
iPhone/iPod Touch.

For example, there could be a 'Convert' button in a similar style to the 
current 'Open' button.  This 
would trigger something like ffmpeg or vlc to convert the file to an 
iPod/iPhone-friendly format.  
Perhaps, if technically possible, the output from that process could be 
directly piped back to the 
client (in effect, streaming as it's transcoded).  Otherwise (for big files), 
perhaps it could indicate 
that the file's being converted on the server.  The re-encoded file would (once 
transcoding is 
complete) appear next to the original file.

Is this feasible?  

Original issue reported on code.google.com by chris.pl...@gmail.com on 12 Jun 2008 at 9:18

[GoogleCodeExporter]

yeah,i agree that would be pretty good, have a 'convert file app' where it 
scans for
only convertible files, then have a script that would load that file in a 
converter,
convert it into a friendly format, put the file in the original directory and 
run it...
It would be possible, although you would need extra programs installed. 
Good idea!!

Original comment by geoff...@gmail.com on 22 Jun 2008 at 12:40