Importing MPEG-2 With iMovie - JVC Everio

I have two problems.
1. I cannot watch or edit my camcorder videos, which are mpeg-2 files with a .MOD attached to the end of the file. How do I watch these successfully? Should I download the codec for Quicktime despite the horrible reviews?
2. How do I edit them with imovie without losing alot of quality? I've found converters but when I convert to a mp4, I lose a lot of the quality. Help!

I have been converting them to the highest quality that my program, VisualHub, will let me, which includes the H.264, but I am still noticing a very significant reduction in quality.
I assume here that you are referring to a difference in quality between the original MPEG2 video and the intermediate H.264 file and not between your original file and any final output from iMovie '08. (I.e. you are referring to the output from Visual Hub?) If so, then what are the specs for the file so I have some idea as to what I would normally expect in the way of quality?
I decide to do a quick test on this end also and post the results so you could see what I consider "expected quality" levels for the settings I proposed. Basically, I demuxed a VOB source file to elementary M2V and AIFF files and combined these streams of data with an AIC/AIFF conversion of the original VOB and placed them in an MOV file container with the AIC video display offset so the two video tracks can be compared side-by-side either during playback or by manually stepping through the individual frames. Frankly, I don't really see any difference between the two. Unfortunately, I forgot that you don't have QT MPEG2 component to view the results and this "combination format" file can't be viewed by players like VLC (no valid FourCC), MPEG Streamclip (only displays the MPEG half), etc.
However, since I went to the trouble of crating and uploading the comparison, I will go ahead ahead an post the URL which can be played directly in the QT Player by those having the appropriate codecs. Just be advise that there is no "Quick Start" for this file and it takes several minutes to download into the player even with a high-speed internet connection.
http://homepage.mac.com/jrwalker4/.Public/MPEGAICComp.mov
Should I use another program?
My personal preference would be MPEG Streamclip, but there are others who are very satisfied with Visual Hub. So it is really up to you.
Will paying for the Quicktime MPEG-2 codec help?
I consider it an essential tool for working with both MPEG Streamclip and QT Pro but if you don't use either, then I see no need to buy it.
How about upgrading to Quicktime Pro?
There are many things you can do with QT Pro that simply cannot be done or cannot be done as easily in other applications. It will not help you to convert "muxed" MPEG2 files and preserve the audio but does support M2V files with supported audio. Since I don't know what you routinely do, it is difficult to advise you here. For me QT Pro and the QT MPEG2 component are required on almost a daily basis.

Similar Messages

Please Help Me With My JVC Everio

I am trying to import my footage from my JVC Everio GZ-HD3U to iMovie HD. Apparently I had to change the quality to 1440 CBR. Unfortunately, I did not do this and already recorded half of my project. Is there any possible way to simply put the **** footage on my computer? Right now I'm totally fed up and is desperate for help. Please help me out with some detailed instructions. Or if Im screwed, just tell me. Thanks.

as Forest allready mentioned: HDDcorders are not supported by iMHD vers5 (this board is about vers5).
but...
'mount' your device, a HDDcorder should be noticed by Finder as an ext. device..
drag the corresponding files onto your local HDD...
use converter tools as MpegStreamclip (www.squared5.com) + the 20$ *mp2 component* (apple.com) or VisualHub to convert the files into 'Apple Intermediate Codec' ... import that files into iMHD ...

How can i import mpeg files into iMovie?

how can i import mpeg files into iMovie?

Where are your MPEG stored?
I have hundreds of old MPEGs stored in my nexternal drive, but unfortunatly i was not able import them into iMovie. I did the following trick: I created a new set of a folder and subfolder and called it "Virtual_CAM/DCIM" and saved it on my desktop. Then went to Disk Utilities>File Menue>New>Disk Image from Folder. Then selected the folder on my desktop and clicked enter. I moved the .dmg file to my external (or just keep it on your desktop). I clicked on the .dmg file. It shoud be visible on the Finder. Open your Imovie and import as you do from your camera.

Importing MPEG-2 .MOV from JVC into Premiere Pro CC

hi all, first post on this forum, i am josh.
down to business. i have been having trouble with premiere pro, i am tasked with editing footage for a promotional video for a college. the footage was recorded on two seperate cameras, first was a JVC HM100, second is a Canon 1100D.
now we have most of our footage, and i have looked through it when i was on a mac, but then we i went home to do it at home on my PC running Windows 8.1 and Premiere Pro CC, i tried to import the JVC footage and it says the Codec is missing. but when i import the footage from the Canon, it works fine, so i have to right codec to play mov. but as far as i know, it is todo with the JVC recording with MPEG-2. now converting the footage works, but it is extremely time staking and i think it is reducing the qaulity a bit. i just want to know if there is another way for me to fix the file and import it into Premiere Pro CC. or a different conversion method. i am using handbrake currently as i know the programme and i can change a lot of quality settings. i have a lot of little files to convert, it isnt a case of a few big files, its over 30 little files, so i would like a working queueing feature if i convert file.
to summarise.
i can import MOV files that were filmed on a JVC camera but i can import files that were filmed on Canon camera, and i beleive it is todo with MPEG-2, that is what i gathered from other posts and forums.
thanks in advance for any help, i hope i gave you all the info you need.
System stuff:
OS: Windows 8.1 Pro 64-Bit
Premiere Pro CC, latest, i have some other adobe programs such as AE, PS, and AI, as well as media encoder(which doesnt accept the file either)
System Spec:
CPU: 4670k
MOBO: MSI G45 Z87 Gaming
Ram: G-Skill RipJaw 8Gb (2x4Gb) 1600Mhz
PSU: Corsair CX 600
GPU: GTX 760

MOV is a wrapper (just like the plastic wrapper on a loaf of bread) so you need to determine what is inside the wrapper (white, whole wheat... ???)
Codec & Format information, read both links in reply #1 http://forums.adobe.com/thread/1270588
Report back with the codec details of your file, use the programs below... A screen shot works well to SHOW people what you are doing
http://forums.adobe.com/thread/592070?tstart=30 for screen shot instructions
Free programs to get file information for PC/Mac http://mediaarea.net/en/MediaInfo/Download

Importing MPEG-1 to iMovie

I have a Sony Camera and it shoots videos in MPEG-1, it will go into iphoto but will not import into i video

please try to be more vague...
I have stated 6 very specific, very common video/audio compression formats that will work in iMovie '08. There are dozens of additional possible permutations using these compression formats in different combinations, as well as, using additional less common audio formats that were not mentioned. It would be a waste of my time to try and explain how to convert using an average of three different MPEG Streamclip work flows for each possible target permutation.
how could anyone possible understand what you're talking about
The various groups I work with locally on a routine basis whose members range in age from 12 to 80 have little or no problem understanding the basic concepts involved even if they are not familiar with the specific use of the MPEG Streamclip application itself. Based on what you say, I would have to conclude that you are either not familiar with the use of audio/video codecs; their purpose in terms of time, space, and/or efficiency; or are simply one of those individuals who has trouble making decisions when offered too many options. In this case, I suggest you download iSquint (free) which limits your output options to MPEG4/AAC or H.264/AAC compression format. Here is a "Quick Notes" tutorial for using it to convert either MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 files for use in iMovie '08.
look... the problem is clear... now how to i convert the files
The basic concept here is to decide in which compression format you want to edit your files. DV/DV and AIC/AIFF are high quality compression formats that produce large source files for editing. M-JPEG/AIFF and Photo-JPEG/AIFF compression formats represent a compromise between quality and source file size. MPEG-4/AAC and H.264/AAC conversion normally produce small source files for editing but at a cost in potential final quality. Only you can determine which compression format would best suit your specific needs for a given project, hardware, and/or storage memory considerations.
Once you have decided on which target compression format you want to your, you then convert to that format combination by "export" your MPEG-1 files using the appropriate export option in the "File" menu. For instance, most people who want to export to a DV video with DV audio compression format would normally select the "Export to DV..." option. However, if you prefer DV video with AIFF (Linear PCM Big Endian) audio (or other audio option) you could also select the "Export to QuickTime..." or the "Export to Other..." File menu options and enter more "customized" settings if you so desire and know what you are doing.
i got the freaking streamclip software and have converted it to every file imaginable and it still don't work
Obviously your statement is an exaggeration since out of the thousands of possible combinations, there are literally hundreds that do work with iMovie '08.
so does this work or what?
Since it would appear you don't have a clue what is going on here and seem too frustrated to proceed logically on your own or seek personal assistance from someone more knowledgeable in your local area, my suggestion would be to use the "iTunes" preset option. Simply select the "Export to MPEG-4" File menu option, press the "iTunes" button, ensure that the default dimensions/aspect ration match you MPEG-1 input file, and press the "Make MP4" to automatically create an H.264/AAC file which will import to iMovie '08.

IMPORT issues: Works with iMovie 3 but not iMovie 6 ???

Okay, still trying to get my import issue resolved.
I have a SONY HDR-HC3 DVmini.
No problems with iMovie 3 on my Powerbook.
iMovie 6 on my MDD will let me control the camera, but the screen stays BLUE with no IMPORT.
My buddy thinks it might be a Quicktime issue.
He said to download Quicktime Pro, that might resolve this issue.
I can copy the iMovie 3 file to my machine with iMovie 6 and do the editing, just not the importing...
THANX

Hi
Can be so much.
Often Camera has to be connected to Charger/mains during Capture.
An majority is a faulthy - badly connected FW-Cable (USB don't work at all)
My list on this
*NO CAMERA or A/D-box*
Cable
• Sure that You use the FireWire - USB will not work for miniDV tape Cameras
FireWire - Sure not using the accompany USB-Cable but bought a 4-pin to 6-pin FW one ?
• Test another FW-Cable very often the problem maker.
Camera
• Test Your Camera on another Mac so that DV-in still works OK
• Toogle in iMovie pref. Play-back via Camera (on<->off some times)
• Some Cameras has a Menu where You must select DV-out to get it to work
• Camera connected to "charger" (mains adaptor) - not just on battery
Does Your Camera work on another Mac ?
Sorry to say it is to easy to turn the 6-pin end of the FW-cable 180 deg wrong.
This is lethal to the A/D-chip in the Camera = needs an expensive repair.
(Hard to find out - else than import/export to another Mac ceased to work
everything else is OK eg recording and playback to TV)
Connections
• Daisy Chaining most often doesn’t work (some unique cases - it’s the only way that work (some Canon Cameras ?))
Try to avoid connecting Camera <--> external HD <--> Mac but import directly to the Mac then move
the Movie project to dedicated external hard disk.
Mac
• Free space on internal (start-up) hard disk ? Please specify the amount of free space.
(Other hard disks don't count)
I go for a minmum of 25Gb free space for 4x3 SD Video - and my guess is 5 times more for 16x9 HD ones
after material is imported and edited.
SoftWare
• Delete iMovie pref file may help sometimes. I rather start a new account, log into this and have a re-try.
• Any strange Plug-ins into QuickTime as Perian etc ? Remove and try again.
• FileVault is off ? (hopefully)
Using WHAT versions ? .
• Mac OS - X.5.4 ?
• QuickTime version ? (This is the heart in both iMovie and FinalCut)
• iMovie 8 (7.1.?) ?
• iMovie HD 6 (6.0.4/3) ?
*Other ways to import Your miniDV tape*
• Use another Camera. There where tape play-back stations from SONY
but they costed about 2-4 times a normal miniDV Camera.
• If Your Camera works on another Mac. Make an iMovie movie project here and move it
over to Your Mac via an external hard disk.
(HAS TO BE Mac OS Extended formatted - USB/DOS/FAT32/Mac OS Exchange WILL NOT DO)
(Should be a FireWire one - USB/USB2 performs badly)
from LKN 1935.
Hi Bengt W, I tried it all, but nothing worked. Your answer has been helpfull insofar as all the different trials led to the conclusion that there was something wrong with my iMovie software. I therefore threw everything away and reinstalled iMovie from the HD. After that the exportation of DV videos (there has not been any problem with HDV videos) to my Sony camcorders worked properly as it did before. Thank you. LKN 1935
from Karsten.
in addition to Bengt's excellent '9 yards of advice' ..
camera set to 'Play' , not rec/computer/etc.?
camera not on battery, but power-line?
did your Mac 'recognize' this camera before...?
a technical check.
connect camera, on, playback, fw-connected...
click on the Blue Apple, upper left of your screen ..
choose 'About../More..
under Firewire.. what do you read..?
More
• FileVault - Secure that it’s turned off
• Network storage - DOESN’T WORK
• Where did You store/capture/import Your project ?
External USB hard disk = Bad Choise / FireWire = Good
If so it has to be Mac OS Extended formatted
----> UNIX/DOS/FAT32/Mac OS Exchange is NOT Working for VIDEO !
mbolander
Thanks for all your suggestions. What I learned is that I had a software problem. I had something called "Nikon Transfer" on my Mac that was recognizing my Canon camcorder as a still camera and was preventing iMovie from working properly. After uninstalling Nikon Transfer and doing a reboot, everything worked great.
I never liked the Nikon Transfer software anyway--I guess I'll get a cheap card reader and use that to transfer photos in the future.
*No Camera or bad import*
• USB hard disk
• Network storage
• File Vault is on
jiggaman15dg wrote
if you have adobe cs3 or 4 and have the adobe bridge on close that
or no firewire will work
see if that halps
DJ1249 wrote
The problem was the external backup hard drive that is connected, you need to disconect the external drive before the mac can see the video camera.
Yours Bengt W

Cannot Import Video made with iMovie for iPhone/iPod Touch

I edited a video on my iPod touch using Apple's iMovie. The resulting .MOV file that iMovie creates will not import into iPhoto '11. While iMovie recognises the file just fine, iPhoto believes it is an unsupported file type. It's a .MOV for goodness sakes created with Apple's own hardware and program! Very strange. Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience.

Hey there. In answer to your question, all other clips that appear in my camera roll are easily seen by iPhoto. It is only those movies that I have created with iMovie for iPhone that iPhoto does not recognize. It's really strange, considering the fact that it's just a .MOV file. As a result, I've had to download a program called 'DiskAid' that allows me to transfer the .MOV file directly to my computer from the iPod Touch.
In answer to your question regarding whether or not iMovie for iPhone was worth downloading, I would have to say yes (assuming of course the import-to-iPhoto problem gets fixed). It's not a perfect program. My biggest complaint is that you have to import clips ONE at a time. There's no 'import all' option. This is really time consuming as you have to cycle through all the videos on your iPod or iPhone and manually tap each one and repeat. My dad likes to take a lot of 1-minute videos that then have to get spliced together and that can be really tedious with how this iMovie is currently set up. However, if you regularly think to add your clips to an existing project as you go along, things should be fine. It could do with a few more features and faster rendering times, but on the whole, it's a decent program. I have a feeling, though, that it was designed more for the YouTube generation who want to upload a five-minute video instead of people like my father and I who like to edit an hour or so and then eventually burn to a DVD. iMovie for the Mac still CERTAINLY has it's place.

Importing from camera with iMovie onto computer with home on AFP share ...

I am trying to import a movie from a Sony Handycam into iMovie '08. iMovie can see the camera. The problem is that I cannot choose where to save the movie. I am only offered the choice of one of the two disks in my machine but am not given a chance to choose the actual folder location. Furthermore, the only choices are not write accessible to me.
I am guessing that iMovie doesn't want to import to my home/Movies because it is on an AFP share but why can't I choose the /Users/Shared folder (or any other location)?
Does the user that imports video into iMovie have to be an admin user?
The dialog that opens when I choose to import says "Save To:" but is not a proper (usual) file selection dialog. I only get two choices and they are internal disks not folders.
I know that Apple loves to work from the premise that they know best how I should do what I want to do but in this case I am actually totally prevented from doing what I want to do. I could actually log in as the admin user, import the movie (I'm assuming that would work) and then copy the files to my account. Any other suggestions would be welcome. Is there a way to specify the path for the import dialog?
(I am sitting on a gigabit ethernet network with a recent XServe and XServe RAID serving my home. I find it hard to believe that this couldn't handle a simple video import. It's not even HD.)

I am only offered the choice of one of the two disks in my machine but am not given a chance to choose the actual folder location. Furthermore, the only choices are not write accessible to me.
Other than the start-up drive user's account "Movies" folder, iMovie '08 only allows access to the "root" level of non-start-up drives which are the only areas it scans for "iMovie Events" folders during initialization. In addition, in order to access non-start-up drives, they must be formatted as "Mac Extended OS" drives.
I am guessing that iMovie doesn't want to import to my home/Movies because it is on an AFP share but why can't I choose the /Users/Shared folder (or any other location)?
See above.
Does the user that imports video into iMovie have to be an admin user?
No.
The dialog that opens when I choose to import says "Save To:" but is not a proper (usual) file selection dialog. I only get two choices and they are internal disks not folders.
See first answer.
I know that Apple loves to work from the premise that they know best how I should do what I want to do but in this case I am actually totally prevented from doing what I want to do. I could actually log in as the admin user, import the movie (I'm assuming that would work) and then copy the files to my account. Any other suggestions would be welcome. Is there a way to specify the path for the import dialog?
Finder level file operations performed external to iMovie '08 tend to corrupt pointers/reference paths unless they emulate what iMovie itself does in which case the initialization scan may be able to fix some problems.
I am sitting on a gigabit ethernet network with a recent XServe and XServe RAID serving my home. I find it hard to believe that this couldn't handle a simple video import. It's not even HD.
Not familiar with such use so I don't know if this would automatically limit your access to root level storage area.

Can't import from camcorder with iMove '08

I'm no longer able to import my movies from my Sony camcorder. I was able to do so in July so I'm assuming there's a problem with the latest software. The camcorder is connected via USB (it show its connected) but iMovie does not come up with the import prompt it used to, nor can I select from Import (it only shows the built-in camera). I have more then enough space, I've tried multiple USB cables, even disconnected everything else, re-booted, powered down the camcorder--everything. Please help, this is very frustrating!

You don't say which camcorder you're using.
Many Canon camcorders will NOT work properly with anything else, e.g; an external disc, on the FireWire circuit. Sorry. For those, you'd need to import to the internal disc and then copy to the external, and continue editing with the external drive.
"..Could it be my firewire drive is too slow to record the video?.." No: all modern external FW drives are perfectly fast enough, and a 320gb is certainly a modern drive.
"..formatted Mac OS extended (journaled).." ..are you absolutely CERTAIN..? ..It needs to be, otherwise it'll do just as you describe. And even discs bought for Macs or from Mac stores generally come formatted as "PC Exchange", i.e; MS-DOS formatted. Check it again by right-clicking or Ctrl-clicking it and use 'Get Info'. If it really says "Mac OS Extended" you're OK. If not, you'll need to use Applications>Utilities>Disk Utility, select the name of the disc and click the 'Erase' tab (after you've moved off the disc anything which you might want to keep) and then select 'Mac OS Extended'. CAUTION: be sure that you've selected the external drive: don't accidentally reformat and wipe your internal drive!
"..Are there any settings I can adjust or other things to try?.." No. However..
Some camcorders are not properly recognised by iMovie at first. It pays to open a project which already has some footage in it, play that and then attach the camcorder and try importing. Playing back some existing DV footage often - in my experience, anyway - 'kick starts' the program into accepting more footage from the attached device.
But that only works if (a) the drive DEFINITELY is formatted as Mac OS Extended, and (b) you're NOT using a Canon with an external disc..

Importing MPEG 2 into iMOvie

hi folks, I was wondering if anyone has yet imported MPEG2 files from a DVD handycam into iMovie?
Is there any noticeable difference in this format than with the old mini-DV format as I am considering upgrading to a 3-chip DVD video camera...and am in research mode before taking the next step
any advice or suggestions would be welcomed
many thanks
Tony

Hi e
Copy from Karsten S:
.. and here the complete 'full 9 yards' ... :
DVDs are in a socalled delivery format (mpeg2), which isn't meant and made for any processing as editing...
for using the iLife apps, you have to convert'em first, in recommended order, choose one of the following tools/workarounds:
* DVDxDV (free trial, 25$, Pro: 90$)
* Apple mpeg2 plugin (19$) + Streamclip (free)
* VisualHub (23.32$)
* Cinematize >60$
* Mpeg2Works >25$ + Apple plug-in
* Toast 6/7/8 allows converting to dv/insert dvd, hit apple-k
* connect a miniDV Camcorder with analogue input to a DVD-player and transfer disk to tape/use as converter
none of these apps override copyprotection mechanisms as on commercial dvds...
http://danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6010.shtml
http://danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6018.shtml
be nice to copy rights
... and try the forum's search-feature...
from Karsten
Can't be said any better.
Yours Bengt W

Import dropout-artifact with imovie 08

I have a sony dcr-pc330 miniDV handycam and get video artifact during any attempt at importing movies; prior to upgrade to new imac and im08 had used this camera for importing to prior versions of IM on a old powerbook without troubles; then first had difficulty after reusing a miniDV tape (although played fine on the camcorder) and was able to successfully import only by using a friend's sony camcorder; have since used a dv head cleaner and only used miniDV tapes once but when attempting to import again on my camcorder I continue to get a digital mosaic appearance on the import screen which is how the final import saves. During the import the picture on the camera display has no corresponding glitches. I am using a standard firewire cable. I have 4GHz RAM and 1 terabyte HD so memory should not be an issue.
Confused and dismayed...can anyone HELP!

I've done a search for a panasonic SDS and it seems to be a cordless drill, is there some more alphanumeric bits to the model number or something.

IMovie can import MPEG files directly on iMac!

IMovie in my iMac can import mpeg files with no hassles. At the same time iMovie on my Mac book air can not do the same except after conversion to a compatible format by a third party software ! Any explanation for that ?
MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Yes, iMovie '08 can do this. Make sure you finalize the disk in your camcorder first. And it has to be DVD formatted as a Video disk, not VR. Macs cannot read from VR-formatted disks.
You don't import any files directly from the camcorder. Instead, use "Import from Camera". Actually, with iMovie '08 running, when you connect your camcorder, the camera import window should pop up automatically.

I can capture with iMovie 6, but not with FCP 6.0 ('no data from device')

I didn't have any problem with FCP 5, but am getting nowhere with FCP 6 using the same settings (I think). FCP seems to see the camcorder, but can't control it and, even if I manually start the camera, reports 'no data from device' when I do a 'Capture Now'. Device control isn't critical, but I'd sure like to find out why it doesn't see the data stream from the camera (Sony HDR-HC7 / FW400). I must be missing a setting some place, but sure can't find it. On the other hand, I have full device control and zero dropout capture with iMovie (exact same hardware configuration). Any ideas?

Wolfgang Matzl wrote:
canopus works fine, as well as all other devices.
i have tons of tapes and tried a few, none worked.
i tried to capture on both my new imac and my mbpro, no way.
but now i'm sure there is something wrong with the sony handycam, i tried to import with my old final cut studio, and it's not possible, also. fc pro says: waiting for timecode.
so i'm confused now. does the sony dcr-trv not send a timecode? maybe, and this will explain the troubles. but on the other hand i imported successfully some footage with exact this device.
maybe i used the canopus then to correct the timebase, i can't remember how i did it. but this would mean i have to accept loss of quality, since i have to connect the sony with s-vhs with the canopus and convert it.
right now i'm importing a tape with imovie and will have a look how the result is, but as far as i remember, the audio has to be re-rendered when importing in fcpx…
My finger is pointing to a Timecode issue.
Is timecode enabled in the camera?
Is it continuous on the tape?
Al

Newbie seeks advice on importing to iMovie from JVC Everio

Hi there,
While I'm an old hand at the Mac - I really have little experience of AV applications and cams. I am very interested in buying a JVC Everio GZ-MC 500 or MC 200 Digital Media Camera, but just found out that I cannot import movie outputs into iMovie. Since MicroDrive technology seems like the way of the future I'd like to stick to the JVC. Is there any work around to this problem?
I have iLife 05 with iMovie HD installed and have just downloaded QT7 with Pro upgrade on the way. Does the MPEG 2 component solve this situation?
Any assistance to this would be a great help.
Thanks and regards,
Des

My experience with microdrives (..incidentally, Clive Sinclair used the name 'Microdrive' for the tape storage devices he sold for his original 1980s home computers ..about 20 feet of videotape wound into an endless loop in a teeny plastic housing, rather like a miniature 8-track cartridge ..they were also used in the ancient British ICL 'One-Per-Desk' under licence from Sinclair: those two slots along the top are microdrive slots.. Oops ..sorry; where was I..?) ..is that they're unreliable. CF cards are better. But how much video can you store on a CF card, and at what price?
Microdrives need a moment to run up to speed, and constantly starting and stopping them - as I've done with, for instance, a Sony F828 stills camera - I find that the drive gets confused about whether it should be saving or accessing ..and just stops working. Same thing has happened to me with a microdrive in various other devices. So I don't trust them any more. I've used various sizes (340Mb, 1Gb, 2.2Gb) and I always cross my fingers: some have stopped working completely; others have had to be reformatted as DOS, and then formatted as Mac HFS+ ..and I've found them to be more trouble than they promise to be worth. Imagine suddenly losing all your video after you'd just shot about 46 minutes' worth.. Weddings? Argghh! The bride and groom would be so disappointed ..and so would you!
There are various programs which will read MPEG-2 footage (..including the audio: iMovie will play the video 'natively', but often without the sound..) such as Streamclip. That'll convert MPEG footage into proper QuickTime, which iMovie can handle. So you could connect your microdrive(s) to your Mac, copy the footage, squirt it through Streamclip, then edit it.
However, be aware that the quality of the footage may not be as high as material recorded with proper miniDV (or Digital-8) tapes because of the nature of the Everio's recording/compressing/storing routine. The specification - on that page mentioned by 'L', above - shows that the Everios record in the same format as DV "NTSC (720x480) 4:2:0 PAL (720x576) 4:2:0" but - not having tried one - I dunno if the final appearance ..once the video's been 'unscrambled' from MPEG-2 format into something iMovie compatible, then saved back to tape or hard disc.. is as good as DV. It might be even better [..HDV hi-def is saved as MPEG-2..] but I couldn't say.
But DO be careful about microdrives ..ask a few Everio owners before putting down your money and buying one. And how does the price of a microdrive compare with a 60 minute miniDV tape?
Oh, by the way, I almost forgot: welcome to iMovie Discussions!

Importing .mod files into iMovie from JVC Everio

Just bought a JVC GZ-MZ 255 camcorder which produce MPEG-2 .mod files. I have a ibook G4 with 10.4 OS and iLife '06 (contains imovie). Shouldn't imovie recognize the camera when hooked an automatically import? I have a feeling that streamclip might come into play - but is there another option? Anyone have experiece with this? Thanks!

Hi Brady,
I have a new Everio HD that I have been fooling with all day. Finally got a clip into iMovie 6 ....but only once and I'm still figuring this out too.....if you are not using a HD camera this may or may not work for you.
The Everio Quicktime extension must be installed. (Download and install the patch if you upgrade to Leopard).
Is your camera an HD? If so you need to capture the clip in 1440 CDR not FHD (FullHighDef).
Launch iMovie 6. Create a new movie in Video format HDV 1080i . then plug in your camera via firewire.
Put the camera in playback mode (Play/REC), press the Function, select Dubbing Playback (bottom of the menu). You should get a menu with a start button now. Switch to iMovie 6 and select "Import". This should start the clip playing from the camera....you may have to hit the Start on the camera.
This should get your clips into i Movie.
We may be ably to create playlists and get them in that way too but I have not had any luck with the JVC instructions to do this. There are video tutorials on the JVC website too but again they have not worked for me.
There is also a way to get and work the FHD files but that is a USB file transfer followed by a file conversion. I'll tackle that a little later...
Good luck,
Roger

Importing MPEG-2 With iMovie - JVC Everio

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