Codec for QT play on Mac AND PC-- + IMovie edit? (DVD rip using MPEG STRCLP

Question

Based on the helpful advice of this forum, I am ripping a bunch of DVD's of home movies into a large number of discrete .mov files that I can (1) import into IMOVIE for editing and (2) view directly and effortlessly using QT on both a Mac AND a PC (I want to send these files to others). Maintaining image quality is very important given the less than perfect MPEG 2 source material.
I am following the suggested process using MPEG STREAMCLIP, including trimming and light cutting of unwanted sections before creation of each file.
*My question is what is the best export process and settings for my situation?*. Given the less than ideal quality of the MPEG-2 source, I would like to avoid further degradation if possible. Choices:
1. EXPORT to .mov using *AIC codec* -- clearly the best choice for IMOVIE editing and QT playback on a MAC -- but unable to playback using QT on a PC without buying/loading the AIC software. This is a problem since I want the ability to give the .mov files to others and allow them play on a PC without instructions or the hassle of a software download.
2. EXPORT to .mov with *another Codec -- but which CODEC?* --which codec allows effortless playback with QT/ MAC and PC while retaining original MPEG-2 quality -- and allows for later editing in IMOVIE?
3. *SAVE AS .mov* -- my understanding is that this copies the original MPEG-2 (after trimming and cuts) and eliminates transcoding. Is this accurate? If so, will it play effortlessly on a MAC and PC? Am I sacrificing anything when importing into IMOVIE (other than the need to transcode from MPEG-2 into AIC)
Thanks in advance for the help. I continue to be amazed at the complexity of choices for such a simple process.
Ken

Answer 1

Martin, I Exported my rip using MPEGstreamclip DV/DVCPRO-NTSC full quality, then exported QT Movie out of FC after editing a bit. Put it back to DVD using DVDSP and used Compressor due to tutorials I watched from Larry Jordon, saying I would get a better quality compression using compressor. I know you are probably scratching your head at this point saying, wait, FCE doesn't come with Compressor or DVDSP. At this time I'll have to admit, I have FCstudio but started out with Express and like the FCE forum better then the FC forum.
The setting in compressor I used are:
Name: MPEG-2 6.2Mbps 2-pass
Description: Fits up to 90 minutes of video with Dolby Digital audio at 192 Kbps or 60 minutes with AIFF audio on a DVD-5
File Extension: m2v
Estimated file size: 2.72 GB/hour of source
Type: MPEG-2 video elementary stream
Usage:SD DVD
Video Encoder
Format: M2V
Width and Height: Automatic
Pixel aspect ratio: Default
Crop: None
Padding: None
Frame rate: (100% of source)
Frame Controls: Automatically selected: Off
Start timecode from source
Aspect ratio: Automatic
Selected 16:9
Field dominance: Automatic
Average data rate: 6.2 (Mbps)
2 Pass VBR enabled
Maximum data rate: 7.7 (Mbps)
High quality
Best motion estimation
Closed GOP Size: 1/2 second, Structure: IBBP
DVD Studio Pro meta-data enabled