How to Convert an MP4 to an MPEG-2 With Ubuntu

Instructions

1. • 1

     Install WinFF onto your Ubuntu installation. WinFF is a GUI (graphical user interface) front end for the FFmpeg conversion software. You can use the command line installation by opening a terminal window from the Applications > Accessories > Terminal menu and typing:

     sudo apt-get install winff

     You can also use the Synaptic Package Manager from the "System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager" menu to install the software--search for the WinFF program, tick the check box and hit "Apply" to install the program and its dependencies.

   • 2

     Open the WinFF program from the "Applications > Sound & Video > WinFF" menu. WinFF inputs the complicated command line commands for FFmpeg in the background, allowing you to convert video files from one format to another using a convenient GUI.

   • 3

     Click the "Add" button. This brings up a file folder window. Switch to the location of the desired MP4 file and select the file. Press the "Open" button to finish.

   • 4

     Click the drop-down box titled "Convert To" and select "DVD." This tells the software you want to convert the file to a MPEG-2 (.mpg) file.

   • 5

     Click the drop-down box titled "Device Preset" and select the preset that matches your desired output. For many users, this is "NTSC DVD Widescreen."

   • 6

     Click the "..." button to the right of the "Output Folder" box. Select the location where you want to save the newly converted file.

   • 7

     Press the "Convert" button to start the conversion process. This brings up a terminal window where you see the FFmpeg commands and the progress of the conversion. The terminal window closes automatically when the process finishes.

2. 
   

Tips & Warnings

• Use the "Options" button to customize the conversion process additionally.
• Advanced users can edit the presets or create new presets from the Edit menu.