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How to use SD cards for extra iPad video storage

Now that the iPad 2 has video capabilities, storage on the device is more important than ever. Thanks to a commenter at Mac OS X Hints, you can learn to create a workaround to use SD cards and the iPad's Camera Connection Kit to get extra storage for your media.

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Joe Aimonetti
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Apple

Now that the iPad 2 has video capabilities, storage on the device is more important than ever. According to commenter "nigelgoodman" at Mac OS X Hints, you can create a workaround using SD cards and the iPad's Camera Connection Kit to get extra storage for your media.

Videos stored on an SD card can be imported with the Camera Connection Kit when formatted properly.

Formatting your SD card
First, you must set up your SD card. In order for the iPad to recognize your media files, it has to think that the card you store your media on is from a camera.

To do this, set the folder structure to something of the type created on a card that's used in a camera, for example: DCIM > 100DICAM >

Any media you want to be able to import to your iPad should be placed in the 100DICAM folder.

Formatting your media files
Now that your SD card is properly set up, you need to be sure your video files are recognized.

The first thing you must do is ensure that your files are H.264-compliant. You can use free encoding software like HandBrake, which has an iPad preset, to properly encode your files.

Once your files are compatible with your iPad, you must rename them. The name must be eight digits with sequential numbers, just like when a camera takes pictures, for example: DSC_0001, DSC_0002, and so on.

Import to your iPad
Place the renamed files in your 100DICAM folder and plug your SD card into your iPad via the Camera Connection Kit.

You will be asked to import files. Choose the ones you wish to add to your iPad and they will be imported to the Photos app, from which they can be played. Obviously with the numbered files it may be tough to remember which file is which, so be sure to make yourself a key.

Do you have any great iPad tricks? Send me a message or let me know in the comments!