How to convert MPEG videos for use on iMovie?

I filmed my drama assignment with my friend on her video camera, she gave me all the files on a USB and when I got home to start editing on iMovie, it says: iMovie cannot open files in the “MPEG movie” format.

I forgot to mention in a strange way there is not a straight standard format used by cameras as I discover In iMove and Final Cut Express. Mpeg is pretty standard but can be different. For example AVCHD or AVCHD Lite, Motion Jpeg on Panasonic. Each Camera uses similar names but the compression format maybe different and not compatible with iMovie. This why I like Toast, it converts almost anything to a useable format. But if your starting out the Camera Brand and Model is the key to finding compatibility with iMove. Since I have not used iMove in a while and don't know the new version go to the forum with Camera etc. and ask about compatibility. But Toast with some tries will most likely give you what need. This can be frustrating but you'll get there, it may take a little time. Also open the folder with files to see exactly what you've got. You really need to know exactly what you've got. I hope QuickTime work out for you

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How to covert MPEG movie for use in iMovie?

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Hey videoiq2014!
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https://support.apple.com/kb/PH14675
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Get MPEG Streamclip (which is free).
It has a batch mode so you can do a lot of clips at a time and let it run.
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Is there a quick way to convert mpg files for use in imovie?

Prefferable a way I can select a group of files to import into imovie, which is not much of a hassle to do.
thanks

Get MPEG Streamclip (which is free).
It has a batch mode so you can do a lot of clips at a time and let it run.
If they are MPEG2 files you may also need the Apple QuickTIme MPEG2 Playback COmponent ($20). MPEG Streamclip should tell you if you need it.
I usually use FILE/EXPORT TO QUICKTIME/Apple Intermediate Codec, but you could also use DV, h,264, etc.
Drag your completed clips to a new folder in Movies/iMovie Events. (Or to multiple folders if you want to make multiple events)
Or if you want to store them on an external drive which is formatted as Mac OS Extended (journaled), drag them to a folder inside a Folder at the top level called iMovie Events.
Start iMovie and it should recognize the new folders as new events and it will start generating thumbnails.

How to convert mp4 videos (HD) for use on the new ipad in imovie without a mac.

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Please help. I have many videos taken with my sony cybershot camera (Mpv4 (HD)). I have the new ipad and have downloaded imovie. I have converted the videos so they can be viewed on the ipad but imovie will not recognize them. I have a Pc (not a Mac) and have watched many youtube tutorials on how to convert my videos for use on the new ipad and imovie but so far no success.

If you are on the PC there are a LOT of video converters you can use. One of them is Freemake: http://www.freemake.com/
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Could someone please recommend the best program to convert AVI and MPEG files for use (and exporting) into IMovie 11?

Hi - I understand I need to convert AVI and MPEG files for use within IMovie 11. I have one particular file that has a watermark stating "Created with Flip4Mac WMV Demo". Can someone please recommend the best program for a novice? Thanks!

Hi Susan,
It is no simpler converting vobs to mp4 than mpg (mpeg2).
There is *always* a loss of quality converting video from one lossy-compressed format to another, e.g. mpeg2 to mp4.
So, if you want to not lose any quality, then converting vobs to mpeg2 (mpg) is the thing to do (since there will be no video/audio re-compression), assuming Lr5 will accept them (sorry, but I do not know). example commands:
Mac: ffmpeg -i myvideo.vob -sameq myvideo.mpg
Win: ffmbc -i myvideo.vob -sameq myvideo.mpg
If Lr5 won't accept them, then you can convert to mp4 with minimal quality loss using a command like:
Mac: ffmpeg -i myvideo.vob -sameq myvideo.mp4
Win: ffmbc -i myvideo.vob -sameq myvideo.mp4
You may need variations of these commands depending on encoding of vob.
Note: -i means -input-file; -sameq means -same-quality, as much as possible.
ffm... is smart enough to avoid re-encoding, if possible, when -sameq is used, and makes reasonable choices for audio/video codecs based on extension of output file.
Of course, you'll need to download/install ffm... program if not already on your machine, and execute commands in a terminal or command window.
Do keep us posted please .
Cheers,
Rob

Video File Conversions for use in IMOVIE

I have a Sony DCR-DVD100 Camcorder and a Powerbook G4. Video files on the camera cannot be imported into IMOVIE for use and editing. The computer can play the files via a USB connection. The video files include VIDEO_TS.BUP VIDEO_TS.IFO and VIDEO_TS.VOB
Can anybody offer advice or recommendations? Apparently there are downloads which will convert the files for use in IMOVIE but I need some guidance. Thanks.

Hi aphill - welcome to the forum!
Have a look here:
http://www.sjoki.uta.fi/%7Eshmhav/SVCDon_a_Macintosh.html#edit_convertMPEG

How to convert MPEG videos for use on iMovie?

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