Importing Quicktime Files to Edit in Final Cut Express

I just bought final cut express to edit quicktime files I receive from work. FCE will not let me import certain files and I get a message saying "Error: File Type Unknown", but what's weird is I CAN import some files that are the EXACT same file type!
I have noticed that one difference in these files is that the icons in Finder are different. The file I CAN import is usually the default quicktime movie icon, while the ones I CANNOT import usually have a video thumbnail for the icon. Does this mean anything?
The files are the same. Same codec, same frame rate, same dimensions, everything but the video length & icon view finder are the same.
Please someone assist me with this or I will have to return FCE and start saving up for FCP I suppose.

I couldn't do this action, I don't have Quicktime Pro. Should I invest in this? What does it mean if the Audio and Video aren't the same settings? Can I change them with Quicktime pro? Thanks!

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Convert mts files for editing in Final Cut?

Is there a way to convert mts files for editing in Final Cut Express or Pro?

Well, first, if you are talking about AVCHD video, FCE & FCP can directly import it from your camcorder. They will also import AVCHD from an SD card or even your hard drive provided you have saved the entire AVCHD folder structure, not just the .mts files by themselves.
If you only have the .mts files (without the surrounding AVCHD folder strucutre) then you should be able to use MPEG Streamclip to convert them to QuickTime/Apple Intermediate Codec for editiing in FCE. MPEG Streamclip is free and works great.
If that doesn't work, then look into ClipWrap, which has a $49.99 price tag.
This will work the same for converting .mts files to ProRes assuming you already have FCP installed, which gives you the ProRes codec.
FCE & FCP do not, however, directly import video from DSLRs because the camera manufacturers have each done some proprietary stuff in their implementation of video in their DSLRs. However, if you have a Canon DSLR & FCP (that is, FCP 7) there is a Canon EOS video plugin that will enable you import the video directly from the DSLR into FCP7. Not sure it's supported on Lion (10.7.x) just yet, but if you have a Canon DSLR it's worth a look.

I have a mpeg file I want to edit in Final Cut Express. How do I best go about importing this file? I assume I must find a way of converting it....?

I have a mpeg file I want to edit in Final Cut Express. How do I best go about importing this file? I assume I must find a way of converting it....?

Use MPEG Streamclip to convert it. Depending on the type of file you might need to purchase the MPEG-2 playback component.

I can't import any files or folders into Final Cut Pro 7.0.3 projects

I can't import any files or folders into Final Cut Pro 7.0.3 projects. When I select import and then either files or folders, I am able to navigate to the drive where the media is being stored, but then when I scroll to locate the files or folders the drive disappears. This problem began as an intermittent problem, but now I cannot import any files or folders. This problem started when I upgraded my operating system to Yosemite version 10.10.2 on my mid-2010 Mac Pro running with 16 GB of memory and an ATI Radeon HD 5770 1024 MB graphics card. Can anyone help me figure out and solve this serious problem? Thanks!

Then just drag the files/folders from your hard drive into FCP. Don't use the IMPORT option...just drag and drop.
The problem started when you installed an OS that doesn't support FCP 7. So if you want things to work smoothly, it's best to go back to an OS that did support FCP 7. Yosemite was written without taking FCP 7 functionality in mind, so it isn't fully functional. It might not do one thing for someone...but works for you in that respect. But then you can't do something else. The ways it doesn't work is always random. Or it might work great for some people, because they don't use functions that might no longer work....so they don't notice it.

What's the best camcorder for taking video to edit in final cut express?

I had a sony, but the file type was MTS and it required conversion to edit in Final Cut Express 3. So i sold it on ebay, and I'm looking to replace it. Does anyone have a set up that is easy to transfer HD video from their camera to their Mac, and edit those files right in Final Cut 3?
Thanks!
J

Not sure this is "rubbish" as you say Tom. FCE 4 has to take files directly from the camera. Works fine when I have the files I want to work with on the camera, does not work fine when I saved them to my hard drive, and want to import them later.
In case you don't believe my personal experience, here's another souce that has had the same conslusion:
"Incidentally, Final Cut Express will not transcode the native .MTS files directly; it needs to take the footage from the camcorder. However, a $30 utility called Voltaic can do the job outside Final Cut Express; it works on PowerPC Macs, too."
http://www.macworld.com/article/131409/2008/01/finalcutexpress4.html
To Mr. Fore, I believe you are correct, it works fine to pull right from the camera, no issue there. Issue comes in when I just want to dump video to my local hard drive and clean out the camera's hard drive so I can keep shooting, and come back at a later date to edit and clean up the old footage. I end up having to import everything from the camera to Final Cut Express 4, which is time consuming, rather than just drop the files on to my hard drive.
What I would like to know, is there a camcorder out there that saves files in a format that I can drop on my local hard drive, and then pull into FCE later. I would love to hear from someone who has done that, what camera they are using.

Correct way of importing an iMovie 6 movie into Final Cut Express?

Hi,
Many thanks in advance for your attention.
Any correct way to import an iMovie 6 HD movie into Final Cut Express for further editing?
I tried.
1. I Exported the iMovie, at Full Quality and it made a Quicktime version of that movie.
2. I then Imported this Quicktime version into Final Cut Express.
3. The audio was smooth, but at regular intervals, the video freezes for a second (and then moves on).
4. The movie plays smoothly back in its original iMovie incarnation and in its Quicktime incarnation. Only in Final Cut Express is there this intermittent freezing. Stop and start.
5. I have Final Cut Express 3.5.1 and iMovie 6 HD.
Thank you,
- Ross

"Full Quality" QuickTime export from iMovie gives you a DV stream which will need rendering in FCE. Rather than "Full Quality," choose "Expert Settings," and then the following:
Video
DV-DVCPRO - NTSC (assuming you're in USA)
Sound
48kHz
16-bit

How can I tell if the quicktime movie I export from Final Cut Express through Quicktime to IDVD is anamorphic

How can I tell if the quicktime movie I export from Final Cut Express through Quicktime to IDVD is anamorphic

Find the Seuence icon in the Browser that corresponds to the Timeline.
Right click the Sequence icon in the Browser.
Select Item Properties.
All info is revealed.
Al

Delivering DVCPro HD footage for editing in Final Cut Express

Is there any way to prepare DVCPro HD footage in Final Cut Pro 6.0.6/FCS 2 so it can be edited in Final Cut Express?

You will have to media manage it to the Apple Intermediate Codec. FCE doesn't do DVCPRO HD.

How do I import an AVI file for use with FInal Cut Express

How do I import or use an AVI file with Final Cut Express?
Thank you. Do I need to convert my AVI file and what is the
easiest way to do that? Thank you.

You should convert the media to QuickTime. Without knowing any specifics most likely the simplest way is to use MPEG Streamclip.

Last edit for "Final Cut Express: Basic Troubleshooting" tip

Hi again,
I'd like to propose a final edit to my previous tip [Final Cut Express: Basic Troubleshooting|http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2662419]. This edit adds post anchor points to allow for easy linking in the future.
The final version will be submitted in the post below.
Thanks for your help!
- Sasha
Edit: Example link = [Trash your preferences|http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=12689228#TrashP refs]

Final Cut Express: Basic Troubleshooting
There are many problems that can occur in any version of Final Cut Express and each one is generally best treated with a solution specifically tailored to it. However, you will generally get the best results if you follow a simple step-by-step approach to troubleshooting outlined here.
1. Quit the application.
2. Is your computer supported by the version of FCE you are running?
Final Cut is particularly susceptible to problems when being used in conjunction with hardware, operating systems, and versions of Quicktime other than those that are supported. Always check before updating to see if the version you are running will continue to be supported. You can view the hardware requirements for FCE4 [here|http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/specs.html]. Note that FCE4 is the only version of the program supported by Snow Leopard. It is generally a good idea when working with Pro Apps to do a complete erase and install when updating to a new OS and then reinstall the program afterwards. Never update any critical software such as Quicktime or your OS when you are in the middle of an important project. Always keep a backup in case something goes wrong when you do.
3. Is your software fully updated to the current version?
In the upper menu bar, select the  symbol and click +Software Update+ in the contextual menu that appears. Make sure to download any Final Cut Express, Quicktime (if supported by the version of FCE you are running) , ProKit, and other important updates that the system recommends. Updated versions provide critical bug fixes and improvements that may solve the problem you were experiencing.
4. Are you using supported external hardware?
FCE can capture using FireWire from camcorders recording in DV-NTSC, DV-PAL, or HDV and can ingest using USB from AVCHD camcorders. Make sure that your recording device is compliant with one of these formats and not some related variant (such as AVCHD Lite). External USB drives are not supported by Apple for video editing - if you are experiencing problems while using one try disconnecting it and see if the issue persists.
5. Trash your preference files and repair disk permissions.
Whenever you have trouble in Final Cut Express it is almost always a good idea start by trashing your preference files. These can easily get corrupted and many problems can be quickly fixed by giving them a dump. The Apple Knowledge Base article found [here|http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2611] outlines how to do this - [Tom Wolsky|http://discussions.apple.com/profile.jspa?userID=342090] also describes a good method [here|http://fcpbook.com/Misc1.html]. It is also a good idea to repair any permissions issues that may have arisen, and you can find a good description of the process [here|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2963?viewlocale=en_US].
6. Search the discussion forums for solutions to similar problems.
You may be experiencing a common problem with the application or one that has been addressed when brought up by other users. Enter your query in the search bar on Apple Discussions and narrow your question to the [FCE forum|http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=936&start=0] to get the most accurate results. Unless something very strange is going on it’s likely that you will find an answer or proposed solution has already been posted.
7. Start a new topic.
If you are unable to find an already posted solution on the forum that works for you and trashing your preference files has not fixed your problem, post a new topic in the FCE forum describing what is going on. Be as descriptive as possible and make sure to include pertinent information such as the specifications of your computer, OS, Quicktime version, the sequence you are editing in within the program, and the clip you are placing in it if this relates to the problem you are experiencing. Refer to [Eric W.|http://discussions.apple.com/profile.jspa?userID=337386]’s announcement [How to Post a new Topic|http://discussions.apple.com/ann.jspa?annID=650] for more information.
8. Perform a complete removal of the application and reinstall.
If you are not receiving working answers to your problem or it appears that your dilemma has not been reproduced in the past, try reinstalling FCE. You should first completely remove all traces of the program. Digital Rebellion has a nice free application called [FCS Remover|http://www.digitalrebellion.com/fcs_remover.htm] which automatically does this - alternatively you can manually do it by moving all components listed [here|http://support.apple.com/kb/TA47818?viewlocale=en_US] to the trash and emptying it. Note that the files listed may be named something slightly different if you are using a different version of Final Cut.
9. Contact Apple.
If all else fails, you should go ahead and contact Apple. It’s possible that you received a faulty disc or that they will have a solution to the problem that no one else has thought of. You can find pertinent contact information [here|http://www.apple.com/contact>.

Convert MTS files for use in Final Cut Express

Having just bought a Canon Legria HF R16 (which in America would be the Vixia) I was struggling the past hours to get my video files from the camera to my mac. Canon doesn't provide much help in this. But I finally got the files in iMovie. Is there a site somewhere where I can find more information about organizing those videos and how best to transfer them from camera with this setup?
So far the procedure seems to be: import in iMovie then import the mov files into Final Cut Express. But maybe there is a more efficient way.
Thanks.

Yes, it's an AVCHD camcorder. Just tried the log & transfer and it imported in Final Cut Express alright. I checked the info about the imported video clips and it looks fine too, at least it says that it's Apple Intermediate Codec. So that would allow me to import my stuff into FCE directly without converting anything. Touch wood.
I am right now trying everything out on my camera, got it today. The size is 1440x1080 if I saw correctly in FCE. Have to check on that om my camcorder. Yes, I had it on SP (standard), changed that to FXP (full size).
I guess I'll manage from here on. Thanks, Martin.
The first moments can be so confusing.
So I guess there is no need to convert the movies in iMovie first, unless I wanted to use iMovie for editing.
I'm still studying the FCE manual as well.

How to convert MTS files for capture in Final Cut Express 4

*PLEASE HELP!!!* While waiting to buy my iMac I saved my Canon Vixia HF200 AVCHD video clips on a PC with backups stored on an external HD. I transferred these to my iMac and they are in .MTS format. I can not open them in either iMovie or Final Cut Express 4. I gather I need to convert the files somehow. What is the best way to do this? _Thank you for your help!_

Here are your options now that you just have the files...
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=9966355#9966355
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2073767&start=15&tstart=0
As Tom said, next time import directly from the volume rather than copying the .mts files.

Transitions and dragging files not working in Final Cut Express 4

Although this topic has been gathering dust in these archives for a while, my problem differs in that there's plenty of room either side of the edit point. So no need for "handles" either side.
Today I installed Final Cut Express 4 on my swanky new MacBook Pro which I am stroking as I write. Ooh, baby, brushed aluminium ...
First, in the Browser, I've set up a "bin" but I am unable to drag any of the four short clips that I've imported from my Nokia 5800 phone. Yet it has worked perfectly in iMovie (the good one, the one with the Timeline).
Why, when I click on a clip, can I not grab it in order to drag it to the bin?
Neither will it let me drag any of the transition icons into place as is done in the tutorial. But when I click on the edit, it drops a brown vertical that looks like it could be the transition icon (I want the cross dissolve at about 2 seconds). I tried several transitions but nothing seems to be showing up in the preview canvas.
How do I drag the transition icon into place?
Once success, though. I used the razor blade to get rid of a few frames, then shift and delete so the whole thing lifts out with the audio — that worked properly. But the edit is a straight cut, no dissolve.
There was a red line that told me something needed rendering, so I rendered "both". Sequence, render all, "both". But when I click on the edit I get another red horizontal render line above it. That's happened several times.
A window with browser and canvas appeared, reading Trim Edit, (left viewer side) Outgoing clip (vid name) 00:00:40:19 and 00:00:41:18, then (right canvas side) Incoming clip 00:01:10:24 and 00:00:50:15. There's also a button reading Track VI but I have no idea what that is. I've tried sliding things but I can't get timings that look like a second to the left of the edit point, and a second to the right, meaning they overlap by two seconds.
The window had three sets of controls, one under the viewer "Outgoing Clip", a second under the right hand canvas "Incoming Clip". The middle one plays the canvas screen as Previewing Edit. Again, we get to the transition and it's a basic cut.
Help! What's going wrong?

"imported from my Nokia 5800 phone."
This material will not work with FCE. It needs to be converted to a format that is compatible with FCE. You can probably use MPEG Streamclip to do this.
Transitions: http://www.fcpbook.com/Effects1.html
Please confirm that you have handles available on your media to create the overlap for the transition.
Rendering: Your material is not compatible with FCE.

HT3775 Does anyone know how to get .mts files and mpg files to work in final cut express?

I am trying to import footage from a cannon xa10 but it wont come up in final cut express. The only files I have managed to get off the sd card are either .mts or .mpg files and these won't import into final cut. Any suggestions?

Barney & cjnz11, are you importing AVCHD lite?
FCE doesnt play nice with AVCHD lite with the Standard plugins, imovie on the other hand does (go figure) there is a fix for this.
1. Open the Final Cut Express.app by right clicking the icon and choose 'show content'. At Contents/Plugins you find a folder called: "AVCHD.RADPlug". compress this and keep it safe (Just incase)
2. Now Open the iMovie.app by right clicking the icon and choose 'show content' At Contents/RADPlugins there is a folder called "AVCHD.RADPlug". Copy that folder to where you found the folder with the same name inside the Final Cut Express.app
After that you will be able to Log & Transfer AVCHD Lite with in FCE instead of the imovie import and XML export method.

What is the easiest way to convert .MTS files for use in Final Cut Express

I initially downloaded my Sony Alpha7 files into iMovie. As the production requires a little more professional software I then tried to import files into Final Cut Express. As these are now .MTS files what is the easiest way of converting them?

Hey Martin et al,
Related question...
After you convert files from M2TS or MP4 into something usable in FCE can you trash the original M2ts/mp4 files ?
I recently used Mpeg Streamclip to convert Mp4 into AIC for FCE for example..
Is there a general rule of when you have to save original files so everything works in FCE?
I'm running out of HD space.
Thanks a lot,
Al

Importing Quicktime Files to Edit in Final Cut Express

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