IMovie '08 & Front Row

I have imported widescreen video from a camera into iMovie '08 and it displays correctly, if I use Front Row to display these movies they appear incorrectly in 4:3 aspect ratio, how can I correct this?

The files are simply downloaded from the hard disc of a video camera (widescreen format) using iMovie '08, no editing or exporting.
Since you did not say what compression format the files are in or whether these files are being "Shared/Exported" from iMovie '08 or or if you are simply pointing Front Row at the source files and playing them, it is impossible to tell if the problem is in iMovie '08 output or your Front Row playback.
For instance, normal DV files, whether widescreen or 4:3, the data is stored in 720x480 "rectangular pixel" matrix. Many QT based applications are programed to display such content using "square" pixel representation on a computer monitor but output "rectangular" pixel equivalent to devices like an analog TV. Others are not and, therefore, may display a distorted view.
Since I do not have Front Row on my computer, I am not sure what it does. On the other hand, if you are "Exporting" files from iMovie '08 using manual QT display settings, you could be creating the distortion yourself.
If you are viewing the "source" clips in Front Row, not doing any editing in iMovie '08, and don't have QT Pro, you can always open your clips in a free third-party application like MPEG Streamclip and see if they are distorted there. If so and the source files are DV or AIC, then you could export your clips to a "corrected," more compact format (like H.264/AAC) for display in Front Row at their proper cropped/scaled aspect ratio. If the source files are MPEG-2, then this workflow will not work in MPEG Streamclip unless you have the QT MPEG-2 component installed. However, if you do get a message telling you this, then you know the source files are MPEG-2 and I would suspect the files "lost" their "widescreen" flag during import by iMovie 08 and its absence is what is causing the display problem in Front Row.

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Running IMovie with Front Row

Can IMovie, on a Macmini, be recording images and sound from a camera, such as a web cab, while at the say time Front Row?
I record Karaoke performance for posting on the Internet. The songs with lyrics are shown on a screen.

Hi Gary,
Don't know if you've resolved this yet but you could drag it out of the /Library/QuickTime to your desktop when you try to export from your computer to an external device (camera) as it may prevent you from doing so from iMovie. Are you using Final Cut or DVDS Pro that are PPC versions or did you use migration assistant from a PPC to the Mac Pro? Either way I think it is obsolete and is replaced with another directory for the intel.
Sweet Polly

Viewing iMovie events using Front Row looks stretched

I imported some standard def footage (4:3) using iMovie.
When viewing the resulting "dv" files in the "iMovie Events" folder, they look a bit stretched horizontally.
Anyone know why this is?
They look good playing them full screen in iMovie.
They play fine in Quicktime.

I called Apple, but got stuck. They said that iMovie and Quicktime do things that Front Row does not (like adjust for certain things related to aspect ratio I think). They said that Front Row uses the aspect ratio from the original device. I imported these standard def 4:3 mini dv tapes using my Canon HV20 camcorder, not the Sony TRV 30 I recorded them on. I wonder if this i the issue? If so, is there any way to change "the original device setting" for aspect ratio in the dv file?
Here is what "Movie Inspector" in Quicktime shows for the format:
Format: DV, 720 x 480 (640 x 480), Millions
DV, Stereo, 32.000 kHz
But, when I go to Movie Properties->Video Track all 3 items (normal size, display size, and scaled size) show 640x480.
What is the 720 in the Format from Movie Inspector? Can I change it?

Front Row can't find the latest version of my iMovie project

I need some help figuring out just where my iMovie project really is.
I have been creating a project in order to learn how to manage all of the features of iMovie '09. I have revised many times and if I follow the path MacHD>Movies>iMovie Projects>first project and click to open, I see the most recent version.
I have also shared using Media Browser and created an iDVD. Then I created a disc image of that and burned it using disc utility - just to see how all of that works. When I use DVD player to play it, I see the most recent version of my 'movie'.
Next I tried to watch it using Front Row. When I open Front Row, then click through Movies to Movies Folder to iMovie Projects the computer tells me that there is no content. What I do have beneath the word Movies is the word Large. If I click on that, I get a much older version of the iMovie project that I thought had been discarded days ago.
This is not a big deal. But I would like to know why Front Row can't find the most recent version of the project. I also would like to know why the old version is still there and reassurance that my latest version really has been saved and that it is 'safe'.

I think that the movies that you see in Front Row are the ones that you shared to iTunes. However, if you click on the movies folder, you should see movies in your Media Browser. These are stored inside your RCProject file in the Movies/imovie Projects/<Project Name> container. If you right-click/Show Package Contents, you should see a Movies folder that has your movie.
Also, there is a quirk in the Media Browser. If you have shared a movie to the Media Browser, and later change the movie, the Media Browser copy is deleted right then. You will see a warning message that says "This movie has already been shared. If you change it you will need to republish" (I am paraphrasing). So you have to re-share the movie for it to be in the Media Browser. However, copies you have shared to iTunes are not affected until you re-share.

Can Front Row play iMovie HD?

My first experience with iMovie HD was very satisfying UNTIL after the project was finished. As I wrote in another post, I'm frustrated that I have not found a way to export (not archive) the project to DVD to share with family and friends. In addition to the actual project file, I tried exporting to Quicktime and making a file for "transfer to camcorder," and all of the files were saved to the Movies subfolder in my home folder.
I was surprised and further frustrated to find that not only could I NOT find a way to export ANY of these files to DVD, when I opened Front Row, none of these files showed up for selection.
Again, am I missing something basic? If not, what's the point of iMovie HD if no other high quality medium can play the finished product?

The best way to do this is to make a play lists (call it "Nano", etc.). Then go into the iPod Preferences (iTunes > Preferences > iPod). Click the radio button that says "Automatically Update Selected Playlists Only:", and Select the "Nano" playlist. Click OK.
Now, your iPod will only sync the songs in the Nano playlist, so your wife can keep her songs for her Nano in that playlist, and you can have your songs in the Library.
Hope this helps,
Cory

Front Row cannot see my iMovie Projects

Navigating to the iMovie Projects menu in Front Row brings up a 'No content found' message. I can see the projects in iMovie and have tried sharing in the Media Browser - but no luck!
Front Row can however see iMovie events without any problem.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Patrick

I moved my iMovie Events to an external HDD to save space on my primary HDD. I did this via iMovie, so my iMovie Projects remained intact and I was able to continue to view my iMovie Events (whether on internal/external HDD) no problem. However, iMovie Events on my external HDD were not visible in Front Row. Is there a way that I can have it both ways whereby I can store my iMovie Events on my external HDD and have Front Row be able to access them?
Perhaps the solution is to "Share" my iMovie Projects to iTunes, in which case the shared files will be saved on my primary HDD and visible in Front Row. I want to avoid this, if possible, as this is just an extra step that consumes space on my primary HDD and my iPod.
Thanks.

How to Delete Item from Front Row?

Someone sent me a short imovie project and it was automatically downloaded to my "Download" folder. When I opened Front Row, the project name it's right under "Movies" along with "iTunes Top Movies", "Theatrical Trailers" and "Movie Folder".
I then moved the project file from "Download" to another folder created under my "Movie" folder. When I went to Front Row again, the original project was still under the list in Movies, now it's also in "Movies Folder". So basically it's showing up twice in Front Row in different places.
I see that once I play the movie from my Movies folder directly from the folder, it's automatically set to Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Movies. So it's showing up in Front Row via iTunes, and it's also showing in Front Row via my Movies Folder.
I just want to organize Front Row so that I don't have a long list of projects immediately under "Movies" in Front Row. I want these projects to neatly go in one personal movie folder only.
Is there a way to reorganize the items list in Front Row?
How do I delete the item that's originally placed under "Movies" in Front Row?

Assets are organized in various apps - primarily iTunes for most of us.
That said, you may benefit from this series:
http://www.macnewsworld.com/story/59317.html

How can I use apple remote with Mountain Lion? Any Front Row alternative?

Hi All,
I recently upgraded from Snow Leopard to Mountain Lion.
All great except for my Apple Remote control.
Before, I could effectively control my iMac media with Apple Remote by using Front Row (music, photos, videos, good integration with iTunes and iPhoto).
Now, as I understand, Front Row is expired.
So, my Apple remote still works but with very limited options (just music, forward, backward and volume), and it's a real pity.
Any of you Guys know how to restore Front Row?
Otherwise maybe suggest an alternative (sth similar, should allow iMac media control by Apple Remote)?
So far I tried to restore all Front Row files by a Time Capsule Snow Leopard backup (as indicatred on some other Communities).
To restore was easy, but then, no way to launch it.
Any advice will help!
Thanks in advance/all the best.
Marco

Thanks Klaus1 for your prompt answer, although I went again through a dated discussion.
I also got the feeling that somehow they want to push Apple TV..
But, respectfully speaking towards our Friends at Apple, is it fair to promise what you don't deliver?
I have choosen apple because I percive it's different.
At currently published link: http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MC377Z/A/apple-remote
they do promote the following:
Apple Remote with Mac
The Apple Remote gives you total command of your music, photos, videos and DVDs from anywhere in the room. It works with Front Row - a menu-based, full-screen interface - to make accessing the digital content on your Mac as simple as navigating your iPod. When you press the Menu button, your desktop fades and the sleek, Front Row interface takes its place, to give you control over your music in iTunes, your photos in iPhoto, the videos in your Videos folder and your DVDs. Turn up the volume. Shuffle. Skip to the next chapter on your DVD. Play a slide show, a home video that you made in iMovie, even a film trailer.
Compatible with Apple products introduced in 2005 or later that have a built-in infrared (IR) receiver. Not compatible with MacBook Pro with Retina display.
Cost for this is 15£ (19€).
Now, I have iMac and Mac Book Pro (no retina display) both with Mountain Lion installed, and I understand both of them are not compatible with Front Row.
Actually I adore apple tv and I got 2 at home nicely working on 2 different TVs.
So I accomplished twice their wish of selling this product to me.
Why shall they deceive me (and many others, as I read) by killing a still promised service?
Should I read all forums before buying a trusted-brand-product like apple, to ensure that id does what declared?
Don't get me wrong, I'm an enthusiast user of the whole apple family, since many years, and still I am.
Just politely complaining for this decision, which creates to Many an easy avoidable disservice.
Cheers
Marco

Front Row on 2nd Gen iMac G5

Does anyone know whether it will be possible to run Front Row on a 2nd Gen iMac G5 using an Apple Remote?
Hos does the Apple Remote work? If it's a Bluetooth device, I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work?
Unless 'Front Row' is a 'hard-wired' ROM application?
I like the look but I bought a 2G recently, which I think is the nuts...to be honest the built in i-Sight is of little interest to me...makes me think of internet cafes...and it's going to make the London Store even more of a foreign exchange student hangout.

It says front row and photo booth are included in the software bundled with the iMac. " More software
In addition, the iMac G5 comes with an incredible bundle of software:
iLife 05, which includes the latest versions of iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD and GarageBand
Front Row
Photo Booth
iWork 05 30-day trial
AppleWorks
Quicken 2006 for Mac
2006 World Book
Nanosaur 2
Marble Blast Gold
Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive "
I dont see why apple wont make that available for purchase for those of us who just bought that last rev Imac in May.

How do I get front row to see external drive

I have my home movies stored on an external drive connected to my iMac, but front row can't seem to see the external drive. Anyone help me on this?

Never mind. I figured it out. I have to create an alias folder of the movie folder on the external drive and stick it in the imovie folder on the mac.

FRONT ROW TV SHOWS HELP!

i currently record tv shows onto my mac. the problem is... when i covert the file to iTunes, i put the genre as TV SHOW and even the SETTINGS as TV SHOW. the file doesn't even show up on the TV show section of FRONT ROW. is there a way to put that video in the TV SHow section? it would really help me if you can answer this very frustrating issue with my few months old iMac.

You didn't say how you get your TV shows into your mac. I use EyeTV so decided to play around with this. I EXPORTED a recorded TV show from EyeTV and chose the "for iTunes" format. The resulting .m4a file, I dragged into my Music folder. From there Frontrow would display it but when I played it (using the Music selection in Frontrow and then looking under "Songs") I only got the sound, no video.
Next I re-EXPORTED from EyeTV, this time in "for iMovie" format and it produced a folder. Inside that folder was another folder labelled "Media" and within that was a file "Clip 01.dv". I dragged that to my Movies folder. From there Frontrow would play it (sound and video) using the Videos selection and then looking under "Movies". Quality wasn't as great as I hoped, but maybe when exporting, you could try one of the other formats in the pulldown. (I tried the Quicktime Movie choice with no obvious improvment but perhaps others would give different results.

Why won't Front Row recognize DV movie files??

Hi,
I've placed several DV movie files in my 'Movies' folder and Front Row doesn't seem to find them. If I save the files as an MOV file, front row sees them instantly, but a) it doubles the file size and b) I shouldn't have to do that.
The first Intel iMac I had (which was returned for other reasons) saw and played the same files immediately after they were dropped in the folder.
Does anyone know why this might be happening??Does the recent Front Row software update have something to do with it??
As always, any help is greatly appreciated!
-SS

Hey Rachel,
I use QuickTime Pro to save them as MOV files. If you want a free solution, I'm pretty sure you'd be able to do it using iMovie. Import the DV file and then export it as an MOV file. There's probably another free program out there that will do it more simply, but I haven't looked into that.
I think this degrades the quality a little bit though, and we shouldn't have to go to this trouble. The DV files (and any other Quicktime-playable format) should show up in Front Row if placed into your "Movies" folder. At least that's my understanding...
-SS

Events do not appear in Front Row / Shared Photos

Events do not appear when launching Photos in Front Row, only Recent Viewed, Last Import, Web Galleries and Albums.
Doesn't it kind of defeats the purpose to have Events, which was implemented to make organizing easier and eradicate the large number of albums we usually had?

Yes, I think the Event implementation is lacking in a few areas. On the positive side, I noticed that iMovie and iDVD '08 allow you to browse Events and add them as slideshows.
Now all we need is for Apple to update FrontRow to support Events, and also update iTunes/iPod so that we can view our events on the iPod.
Although Events is a re-hashed "Film Rolls" feature, I believe that many people would be happy to group photos by Events, using Albums only rarely. If we can get full support for Events in other apps, then it would be great!

How do I get AVCHD Lite and AVCHD videos to play in Front Row?

How do I get AVCHD Lite and AVCHD videos to play in Front Row? They use the .mts file extension, and can be played in VLC.

You will have to be able to play them in QuickTime before they'll be available in Front Row. It looks like the current version of iMovie will edit/play AVCHD movies. Can you put one of your videos into iMovie and export it as a QuickTime file?
-Doug

Is Front Row part of the 'Bundled Software'?

With the Leopard update disk I got when purchasing my Mac Mini in February, is there an option to reinstall just the bundled software, without being forced to reinstall the entire OS?. Is Front Row part of that bundled software package?

Angloswede wrote:
With the Leopard update disk I got when purchasing my Mac Mini in February, is there an option to reinstall just the bundled software, without being forced to reinstall the entire OS?.
bundled software means ilife ( iphoto, imovie, garage band, iweb and idvd). Is this what you are talking about? ilife is not part of leopard so it wouldn't be on the leopard upgrade DVD. if you want to reinstall it you need either a separate ilife DVd if you bought it or the original Tiger install disks that came with the computer. Insert the tiger disk, open it in finder and double-click on 'install bundled software only". this will reinstall ilife.
Is Front Row part of that bundled software package?
no. Front Row is part of the OS itself. you can reinstall Front Row fromthe leopard install DVD using [Pacifist|http://www.charlessoft.com>.

IMovie '08 & Front Row

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