As you may already know (or have just discovered), when you record a GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar or GoToTraining, a codec is applied to the WMV file. The codec is used to compress the size of the recording, but unfortunately it can get in the way when you try to edit the file.
The good news is that you can always remove the codec from your recording, here are the 3 methods:
Method 1
Configure the GoToMeeting Recording Preferences to automatically remove the codec at the end of the session. This is handy because it’s an automatic process but the down side is it ties up your PC right after your session.
Method 2
Use the free Expression Encoder from Microsoft as documented here to remove the codec and edit the recording. The benefit of this method is it lets you remove to codec whenever you want plus you can edit the recording. The downside is the free version of this application does not let you convert the recording from WMV to another format, but there are other free applications you can use to achieve this.
If you are having trouble with this method, it may be due to changes made in GoToMeeting v5.4. Please see this new post for a solution: http://glenndcitrix.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/using-microsoft-expression-encoder-with-gotomeeting-v5-4/
Method 3
The 3rd method is actually a version of the 1st method, and comes to you via a very talented co-worker @GoToDane.
Dane has written a batch file that uses the built in transcoder installed with GoToMeeting, to remove the codec as it would normally do if you followed method 1. The benefit being you can do it whenever you want, rather than have it automatically start at the end of your session.
It’s quite straight forward:
- You simply download this batch file on to a Windows PC that has GoToMeeting installed on it.
- Drag-n-drop the WMV file onto the BATCH file.
- Enter the GoToMeeting build number and hit enter. To find out your build number simply right click the GoToMeeting icon in your System Tray and select About.
Please note:
- GoToMeeting must be installed for the BATCH file to work.
- The BATCH file should work on 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. It has been tested on Windows 7 x64, Windows Vista x86, and Windows XP x86.
- Trans-coding video is a big job, so exit all unnecessary applications on your computer before you start. If you computer is struggling for resources during the conversion process, it can result in corrupt files and trans-coding errors.
- Shorten the file name and remove any special characters, they can cause issues when trans-coding.
- Make a back up copy of the original recording, in case something goes wrong.
I would like to thank everyone who have left comments, and shared their own helpful tips!
