MPEG streamclip would USUALLY be the answer. Problem with that, is the audio conversion. If the audio is already captured at 24bit/48k, & you select no transcode on options there, you Might be ok. As we have found out, THAT isn't always the case. Your ONLY sure fire bet is to transcode thru "compressor". Yes, you have to tie up an edit machine. (Sort of)-- You COULD use any Mac with "compressor" installed. A good sure solution is to build a preset in "compressor", make it a "droplet" & drop that file onto there. ---Some caveat---, compressor settings work with Blackstorm. MPEG streamclip settings do NOT always interpret the video settings (ie. 960 pixels..,, etc((too much to list))
Your best bet, (that I Know of, right now), Is, to creat that setting in "compressor" & 'automate' the conversion process with apple's 'Automator' App. In doing so, you can make the conversion process a 'ONE TOUCH' process. That, is what I have already built & am working on now. (Currently, trying to get Automator app to automatically 'grab/download' from kipro network.)
As far as your "PS."---,, well, I wouldn't hold my breath!!!!---
ROSS has a LOT of great products! We just got a package deal, & have converted to 'mostly' ROSS. Unfortunately, the Blackstorm product is WAY FAR behind their other products! They ARE trying!!,, BUT, as far as 'clip servers' go, they are FAR behind! I LOVE their new Carbonite switcher! & Dashboard control!, BUT, they have NOT figured out & are STILL trying to work out 'bugs' in the Blackstorm world. (To be honest, there has NOT been a day that I have NOT had to troubleshoot a problem with the system)--- &&, in the sake of 'fairness', ROSS HAS been on the phone with me & 'tried' to work thru the problems.-- (We, just have a problem with ALL of THAT, when, we actually follow the 'manual's' instructions!)
Sooo,, as far as your 'Wishfull thinking' on 'developing a 'more user friendly' codec for playback!,,,---,, DON'T!!!!!!,, THEY have MORE PRESSING ISSUES!!!