1080/60P incompatibility with iMovie

Why is there an incompatibility between imovie video input and Panasonics HDC TM900K video output of 1080/60P? Is it likely that iMovie will be upgraded in the future to accomodate the higher resolution video?

Here are some things that may be helpful.
1) FCPX will import 60P and edit it.
2) iMovie 9.04 will take the 60P AVCHD footage that I have converted to .mov through the free mediaconverter, and let me edit it, though it downgrades it to 29.94fps. So one can convert and use 60P footage, though it gets cut in half.
3) I can drag the 60P .mov that I have converted through mediaconverter into the free mpegstreamclip, and export that out of there in 60P, say prores422. That file looks wonderful, though it is huge. I suggest experimenting.
I think Apple is slow to adopt the AVCHD2 standard with 60P because most of the users of iMovie are using older computers that would really struggle with the huge files that 60P creates.
But FCPX finally got 60P editing...so who knows about iMovie.
What gets downconverted in iMovie might be 120mb in 1080, and so useable in iMovie and YouTube, but a full 1 GB in 60P ProRes.
Hugh

Similar Messages

Import 1080 60p AVCHD to iMovie!

The latest iMovie`11 (version 9.0.4) will not import 1080 60p AVCHD 2 videos directly from my Sony NEX-5N camera. The easy workaround is to copy the video files to the hard drive (best done with BootCamp Sony Picture Motion Browser) and then rewrap the 1080 60p (.mts and .m2ts) videos into QuickTime (.mov) movies, using either ClipWrap or Media Converter. Rewrapping AVCHD 2 video also avoids the time-consuming transcoding into Apple Intermediate Codec, which can quadruple the video file size and cause slight IQ loss.
I did some tests, trying to decide between ClipWrap and Media Converter with AVCHD Plugin:
- iMovie`11 will import, display, and render ClipWrap and Media Converter rewrapped videos without problem.
- During importing, iMovie`11 will transcode ClipWrap videos even if the "Optimize video" is unchecked unless a Hidden Function is activated in the Terminal, on the other hand, iMovie won't transcode Media Converter files if the "Optimize video" is unchecked.
- ClipWrap and Media Converter rewrapped videos appear pretty much identical to the source; HOWEVER...
- Export using QuickTime to Apple Intermediate Codec: ClipWrap file produces a more contrasty image with shadow areas appear less blotchy than Media Converter.
- Export using QT to H.264: ClipWrap file also produces a more contrasty image with shadow areas appear noticeably less blotchy than Media Converter.
Somehow ClipWrap rewrapping method makes a noticeable difference in the export qualities so I'll be using ClipWrap instead of the Media Converter!
To export edited 1080 60p videos from iMovie, go to "Share / Export using QuickTime... / Options / Video" and make sure "Size / Dimensions" is set to 1920X1080 and "Settings / Frame Rate" is set to 59.94. Despite the fact that iMovie`11 "File / Project Properties..." show "30fps - NTSC", 1080 60p video can be exported and will play smoothly on Macs fast enough to handle the format.
Here are some samples showing the differences in export image qualities.

Hi jonpais,
The best codec is Apple ProRes for FCP. Due to the difference in the compresstion standard of AVCHD and ProRes 422, the converted files are significantly larger than the original ones. If you prefer smaller file size, please choose “Apple ProRes 422 (LT) (*.mov)” instead.
ProRes 422 (HQ): offers the utmost possible quality for 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 sources and provides target data rate of approximately 220 Mbps and higher quality than Apple ProRes 422;
ProRes 422: provides target data rate of approximately 145 Mbps and higher quality than Apple ProRes 422 (LT);
ProRes 422 (LT): provides roughly 70 percent of the data rate of Apple ProRes 422 (thus, smaller file sizes than Apple ProRes 422) and higher quality than ProRes 422 (Proxy);
ProRes 422 (Proxy): provides roughly 30 percent of the data rate of Apple ProRes 422 and high-quality offline editing at the original frame size, frame rate, and aspect ratio;
ProRes 4444: offers the utmost possible quality for 4:4:4 sources and roughly 50 percent higher than the data rate of Apple ProRes 422 (HQ).
If you want to know more, there is a prores link, maybehelp you: http://mts-to-aic-converter.com/transcode-sony-cx360v-1080-50p-60p-mts-to-prores -422-hq-for-final-cut-pro-on-mac/
Good Luck!

Help: Best way to use 1080 60p video in iMovie '11?

I recently purchased a Sony HD Camcorder (cx130) and am recording at the highest quality setting (1080 60p). I'd like to use the video in iMovie '11. What is the best way to do this without losing any quality in the video files?

I don't know about Final Mate, I have read about Voltaic HD and ClickWrap though.
http://www.divergentmedia.com/clipwrap
Which rewraps your AVCHD files as .mov, without transcoding them, might be able to fool iMovie into thinking the video clips are compatible, even though they are 1080 60p.
Same for Voltaic HD, it can convert your AVCHD files to .mov
http://www.shedworx.com/voltaichd

Some questions about the Panasonic TM700 1080 60p mode.

Hey folks,
I've been using the Panasonic tm700 with FCP 7 and it's great for my purposes.
I have been converting my 1080 60p footage with Voltaic and it generally works pretty great for slow motion stuff.
My questions are :
1. Since the camera doesn't offer a 30p mode, would I get a higher quality image from shooting in the 60p mode and converting it to 30p or shooting in 60i and deinterlacing the footage?
2. Voltaic or Aunsoft? Which is the better converter for 1080 60p to Pro Res?
thanks!
alec
Message was edited by: smotherparty

1. You will get perfect 30p from 60p (just edit into a 30p timeline and FCP will drop other frame). Don't deinterlace 60i as a means to make 30p unless you have no other option.
2. I have never used Voltaic or Aunsoft ... if I had to choose between the two I think I'd probably want to use Voltaic just because Aunsoft (as a brand name) has little exposure / credibility in the pro market. If I could choose for myself tho I'd probably be using neither of those two, I'd be trying Divergent Media's ClipWrap instead.
http://www.divergentmedia.com/clipwrap

CS5.5 Question (I'm on trial and this feature isn't available). 1080 60p AVCHD Export Question

I just bought a Sony AVCHD camcorder that shoots in 60p. The files play great on my mac (VLC) and wonderfully on my PS3. I also like the 5.1 sound it produces.
I would like to be able to edit the video, crop, transitions, etc. then export to the same format it was originally shot in. 1080 60p AVCHD with 5.1 dolby.
The AVCHD export option isn't available in the trial version. Here are the questions:
#1 is what I am wanting to do possible? Specifically the 60p part of it.
#2 Is there another mac option?

Welcome to the forum.
As Jim points out, the DD 5.1 SS SurCode Encoder is available from Minnetonka Audio HERE.
Good luck,
Hunt

Can iMovie '09 handle 1080/60p

I am considering purchasing the new Panasonic TM700K which can record at 1080/60p Video but I have read that most programs cannot handle the 60p ... does anyone know if iMovie 09 can handle this? I have the new quad core iMac so I'm relatively certain I have the horse power to do it if the programs can run it.
Thanks in advance!

Hi John, Congratulations on your quad core iMac. (I recently made the PC-> i5 27" iMac switch, and live in Boynton, work in Boca.) I only work with 720p source, and am relatively new at iMovie, so can only comment based on what I have been reading in this forum.
I purchased Steve Mullen's ebook "The Ins and Outs of iMovie 09, Second Ed" which contains specific chapters on working with 1080p60 footage with iMovie. From his descriptions, you must change an under the covers iMovie configuration setting using a shareware utility to make iMovie process in 60p, import differently, and post process an export through another freeware utility if headed to Blu-ray. (Sorry to be generic. Trying to tell you without giving away someone else's intellectual property...)
Interestingly, Steve Mullen also posted about that same camera - search the forum for his threads.

Does iMovie '11 support 1080-60p?

Since there is no forum yet for the just released iMovie '11, pardon me for posting this year.
I was wondering if the new iMovie '11 will be supporting 1080-60p from Panasonic TM700K camcorder? And if so, will it convert and bloat the files to several times the original size?

I too have the SD600 in the UK recording at 1080/50p. No, iMovie '08, 09, and (whilst I haven't got it the general opinion seems to include '11) do not natively support 1080 at 50p or 60p.
I've always used iMovie 06 or Final Cut Express (which to be fair don't handle that resolution either) so I'm not fully up to speed with what I refer to as the 'iTube Trilogy' - In short, the latest '08, '09 & '11 products should be shipped under a different name than iMovie - They are more for assembling clips and posting them online or by email. IM '06, FCE and Final Cut Pro are movie making software packages.
So, your options .................
Record in lower / 'standard' AVCHD resolutions. These 1080i formats are fully accepted by iMovie '09 /'11, but be warned.... Whilst I have little experience of the iTube Trilogy, the general verdict is that to handle interlaced footage, they remove every other line of resolution, so downgrading your beautiful camcorder footage before you've even started. Fine for Youtube, but not good for DVD's or movies.
Record in 1080p and save your video to an external hard drive for a future day when video editing software catches up.
Record in 1080p and save your video as above - Then use a couple of applications / utilities to get your footage into iMovie. Look through other threads and there are quite a few tips and tricks about getting the best quality from iMovie. In quick summary ......
Movist - A free application that can view mts files. You will need a fast Mac to play them at that sort of speed and resolution progressively
Convert your mts files with a couple of utilities that will allow your movies to be imported into iMovie. ClipWrap, VoltaicHD are inexpensive utilities that will take your mts files and rewrap them in a file format that iMovie understands. There is also a free Automater Utility called rewrap2m4v which I have used very successfully and I think it does much the same thing. Preserves the resolution and frame rate and effectively just renames it as m4v so that iMovie can import it.
I like iMovie 06 at 720p resolution, but this has a limited Frame Rate of 25fps, so effectively removing every other frame of your 50p footage. iMovie '09 / '11 will maintain resolution if keep your footage progressive throughout. This software also likes to work in 25fps but there is a software work-around to increase the frame rate to the original 50fps utilitising a utility called Plisteditpro.
So, as a final answer to your question, iMovie '11 won't accept your footage out of the box. But you can use a utility such as ClipWrap to repackage it as an acceptible movie format at full resolution and frame rate. You can use plistedit to change iM '09 (and presumably '11) to accept 50fps and then you should be able to edit (on a fast mac) your movies. My personal solution is to record at full 50p and save for the future, then rewrap the files and edit them in iMovie '06 at 720p25 where I am downgrading both resolution and frame rate, but they still look beautiful enough for my humble needs.
Good luck and great choice of camcorder.

Should I record video in Iframe format or other format such as 1080/60i or 1080/60p--want to import to imovie or abobe premiere?

I am traveling and recording video using a panasonicHCX920 full HD camera. I will probably import video into Imovie 11 on my Imac--but if I switch to final cut or Adobe premiere what recording format should I use? I know Iframe works--but does it work for HD movies played back on a HD TV? Which format is best?
1080/60I (1080/60p) or Iframe?
Thanks

Hi
iMovie can not yet - use p50 or p60 - as standard at all !
So I would use i50 or i60
the progressive material (p60) can be converted outside iMovie to interlaced (i60) - but I don't know how.
FinalCut Pro X - Can import and use progressive material - i've read.
Yours Bengt W

1080 60p AVCHD choppy only under Mountain Lion

1080 60p AVCHD .m2ts and .mov video playbacks, using VLC and QuickTime are choppy only under Mountain Lion.
The same videos used to playback smooth with VLC and QuickTime under 10.6.8 Snow Leopard and Sony PMB under BootCamp/XP so my 27" iMac with 12GB RAM and 512MB video RAM is not the problem.
Anyone has a solution to this? I'm thinking about going back to 10.6.8 Snow Leopard via TimeMachine.
Is there a way to assign more RAM to QuickTime, iMovie, VLC, or other media players since out of the 12GB RAM only 160MB was assigned to VLC and QuickTime during playback.
Thanks for your help!

These discussions show that the same video-playback problems started with Lion even on 2011 i7 27" iMac and continues to ML:
https://discussions.apple.com/message/16160679#16160679
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3204054?start=0&tstart=0
I'm definitely going back to Snow Leopard and run Mountain Lion from a separate partition only when I need the ML-only Apple eBook app.

Should I buy a cannon R40 camcorder considering combatibilities with imovie'09

using imovie '09 with Cannon R40 series Digic DV IV, which enables several new video capabilities, including higher frame and bit rates -- MP4 1080/60p at 35 megabits per second and AVCHD 2.0 1080/30p at 28Mbps..is this a good match...I am afraid of not being able to easily download movies.

Sorry for the dumb question..apple tech just let me know the AVCHD 2.0 1080/30p at 28Mbps format will work with imovie..nevermind...( the Mp4' 1080p/ not so much) so this is a good choice from that angle...since it has this format.

HD camcorder that works well with iMovie - recommendations

Any recommendation for a reasonably price HD camcorder that works well with iMovie? I've been researching the Sony HDR-CX260V. It's on the list of compatible cameras but says it will not work when it's set to 1080/60p.
I just want something that I can plug in and import video without a lot of hassle.
Thanks!

Here is an Apple published list: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2948 . Just about any DV, HDV and AVCHD camcorder buit by the big Japanese manufacturer's: Canon, JVC, Panasonic or Sony will work, even the newer one's, not on the list. Don't bother with the new Sanyo if you want simple Plug-n-play. This web site: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ratings.php# , has good reviews, so pick your priorities, costs, etc. Best of luck.
Message was edited by: ComPH1

JVC GZ-HM650 compatible with imovie '11?

Is the JVC GZ-HM650 compatible with imovie '11? I have tried Apple's camcorder compatibility list and it is not listed there. This is a new arrival for JVC.

try to connect the camera to Mac and use Import from Camera option to import AVCHD files to iMovie. 1080i and 1080 24/25p are able to work well with iMoive.
however, if AVCHD mts footages are 1080 50/60p, then a converter is needed. iMovie doesn't accpet 50/60p avchd files. It will prompt that it is not supported media. See this guide about how to import avchd files to iMoive.

Sony HDR-CX560V 1080/60p --- is it supported?

Anyone have any experience with this camcorder or similar Sony AVCHD?

I second this request. About 6 months ago, I bought the same camcorder (Sony HDR-CX560), and iMac quad core, and Final Cut Express assuming that Sony Camcorders would work with FCE. It was a bad assumption and I'm still stinging from the major outlay of cash.
The best way I've found to get my footage into FCE is to import it via iMovie (which sees my Sony camcorder) then bring those files into FCE. Despite the camcorder supporting 1080/60p, I can't get iMovie to import that footage, so I'm stuck at 1080/30i if I want to edit it. It's not the elegant solution I was hoping for when I forked out all of that money.
I'm prepared to move to FCP X right away if it improves this situation (and some of my HD export quality concerns). First I need someone to let me know if this camera (or one of the similar Sony HDR-CX series cameras is seen by FCP X and allows you to import HD (and hopefully1080/60p) video directly into the app. If it can't then you can add me to the list of people who are disappointed with FCP X, but at least I won't have wasted another $300.
A 30-day trial version in the app store would be a great way to answer questions like these. Any real world experiences which anyone can share would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!

Panasonic HC V720 compatible with iMovie

Can someone let me know if the Panasonic HC V720 camcorder is compatible with the latest version of iMovie.

If you are using iMovie with the lates version '11, you can know the answer from the site "http://help.apple.com/imovie/cameras/en/index.html"
You will find Panasonic HC-V720 (Both PAL nad NTSC) is compatible with iMovie 11. But you should notice that iMovie does not support footage recorded in 1080-50p/60p from this Camcorder. You'd better avoid shooting videos in the formats.
If you have got some these videos and wanna editing them for sharing, you can use FCP X, Adobe, Sony Vegas, ect NLE's to work with1080-50p/60p recordings, or you can convert MTS to iMovie's native format (AIC) before importing to iMovie.
Learn more:
http://www.brorsoft.com/mts-converter-mac/index.html

Stutter on my 1080/60p video

I just finished my first video in imovie with my panasonic TM90k camcorder. It was shot in 1080/60p and converted with iVI so I could import it to imovie. I noticed a slight stutter when I panned the camera. It only shows up in the finished DVD. Does it have anyhting to do with imovie only converts to 30fps not the 60 that it was recorded at?

roy hansen wrote:
… Does it have anyhting to do with imovie only converts to 30fps not the 60 that it was recorded at?
'stutter' occurs, when the eye isn't able to combine the single frames of a video into one single smooth motion.
so, there's TWO options to increase the 'smoothness': more frames per second (the human eye detects single frames up to 1/200s), as illustrated in line 1) OR adding motion blurr (controlled via shutter speed of camera), as illustrated in line 3)
a typical 'stutter' movie is a close-up drive-by of a snowboarder: the cam, in auto mode, rised shutter speed to 1/10.000th (too much light…) - yippeee, crystal clear ultra sharp single frames - but way way too much 'difference' between frame #1 and frame #2 in video = stutter. (as illustrated in line #2)
2nd example: watch any professional made Hollywood block-buster - you'll never notice ANY single frame WITHOUT 'blurr'. E.g. any sequence from a Transformer movie: blurred, blurred, blurred. in result: although a house-high bot waves about close-up to cam, the movement is smoooooth. FEELS smooth - no additional frames needed (movies usually have only 24p!)
(btw: that's why interlaced is so popular for sport-fans - although completely useless on flat-screens, it adds ALWAYS 'blurr' to any horizontal movement)
summary:
60p is great and the future - but you have to keep the 60p from A to Z.
or, more challenging, act as a Director of Photography, manipulate shutter-speed manually, depending on content, situation, light circumstances and post-production (if you like to add slow-mo in post, blurred material is no good, depending on software/algorithms in use)

1080/60P incompatibility with iMovie

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for