Small XML pointer files (4kb) are created in your iTunes media folder, pointing to your files. Your original video files remain untouched. This import method is recommended for quick & dirty imports because you cannot add metadata or artwork to your videos. External subtitles are not supported and if you decide to move your video files later on, the iTunes pointers will break. This is the fastest import method of VideoDrive. You will only be able to watch the videos on your local machine.

1. 1.Create media links pointing to your videos

Small reference movies are created in your iTunes media folder, pointing to your files. Your original files remain untouched. This is the default import method because it’s a fast way to import your videos in iTunes while adding metadata and artwork do them. External subtitles are supported and you can move your video files later on without breaking the reference movies. You will only be able to watch the videos on your local machine.

2. 2.Create reference files to your videos

Your video files are copied in a compatible iTunes container without converting the video. As a copy is made, you can delete your original video file to free up disk space. This is the most versatile import method without having to reconvert your videos. External subtitles are supported, videos can be streamed to shared iTunes libraries (Mac only) and copied using iTunes Home Sharing.

3. 3.Copy videos in a compatible container

This import method has the same characteristics as import method 3 with the additional possibility of streaming and syncing the videos to a white AppleTV. If you have hacked this AppleTV and installed additional codecs you will be able to playback your videos on that device without having to reconvert your videos first.

4. 4.Copy videos in an AppleTV container

Your video files are converted into the native H.264 format of iTunes. This is a slow import method. As a converted copy is made, you can delete your original video file to free up disk space. Use this import method to have your vides in the highest possible resolution with full compatibility. External subtitles are supported, videos can be streamed to shared iTunes libraries (Mac only) and copied using iTunes Home Sharing.

6. 6.Convert to AppleTV and iPad optimized videos

This import method has the same characteristics as import method 5 except it will reduce the resolution and/or bit rate so that your videos will play on AppleTV and iPad.

5. 5.Convert to native iTunes videos

7. 7.Convert to iPhone optimized videos

This import method has the same characteristics as import method 5 except it will reduce the resolution and/or bit rate so that your videos will play on iPhone. Videos will also play on AppleTV and iPad although they might be smaller.

8. 8.Convert to iPod optimized videos

This import method has the same characteristics as import method 5 except it will reduce the resolution and/or bit rate so that your videos will play on the Video iPod. Videos will also play on AppleTV, iPad and iPhone although their resolution will be (too) small.

9. 9.Add all videos directly to iTunes

iTunes only supports to directly add MP4, M4V and MOV files. With this import method, VideoDrive will trick iTunes in accepting all video formats. However, this is not officially supported and might result in reduced performance of iTunes and Front Row.  Additionally, some features such as adding artwork are not supported by AVI, WMV and MPG containers. Use this import method with caution.

VideoDrive offers 9 import methods to put all your videos in iTunes. Read on for a brief explanation on each import method. Or skip this part and determine which one is best for you.

EyeTV, trp, m2ts, mts, and ts files and VIDEO_TS folders can only be imported with import methods 5 until 8 because they cannot be played in QuickTime and iTunes.

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