MAC - How to Convert multiple video Files using Automator and Quicktime Pro
this is mac only, sorry pc guys.

motivation:
scratchlive should be able to play everything quick time plays.
but unfortunately, some file types are not supported by sl and itunes, for example mpg, m2v, mkv and so on.
with the right plug ins, they play in quick time.
avi files are ok for sl but not for itunes.
so this little hint helps you to get your files into itunes and by that way into vsl the fast way

first option is to store original in a safe place, open it in quick time pro, save ... as reference..., load reference file to itunes, and never ever touch original again
that way you can play even mpegs in sl, if you have the corresponding quick time plug in.
pros:
no conversion needed, no loss of quality


cons:
if you ever accidentially delete the referenced movie, the reference becomes worthless.
dirty trick, might be less stable

second way is as follows
(Get Quick Time Pro)
(Get Perian)
(Get Mpeg Component for Quick Time)
(get any other component that helps you playing the files you want in quick time)

Get this Automator action: www.apple.com

open automator
import action mentioned above
add action "read files" to workflow
add action "flatten movies" to workflow
drag your avi's, mpeg's or whatever quicktime can read to the first action
choose destination folder on second action
klick play
enjoy results in itunes and video sl

pros:
fast for big amount of files to be converted
real conversion, no tricks here
cons
works for 99% of all files. but some might crash.
you might lose some quality due to reencodeing

one more thing to mention
you might have to save one video file manually with quick time first, and do it well.
this is to ensure the right settings are picked by the automator script, since it assumeably just picks the most recent (not sure on this, worked immedieately for me but i did conversions with qt before.)

and remember to only use files you own the rights for.