Importing via iMovie?

I want to take parts from DVD's made by recording from television, edit them and write them to a new DVD. The DVD's I want to take parts from for editing in iDVD are in 'TS' format, i.e. opening the DVD in Finder shows one folder called 'VIDEO_TS' and the files in this folder are 'VIDEO_TS.BUP', 'VIDEO_TS.IFO' and 'VIDEO_TS.VOB'. I tried importing them into iMovie, thinking I could cut out the parts I wanted there and them export those parts into iDVD to burn them to a new DVD. How do I do this?

You need to convert the VOB files in the TS-Folder of the DVD back to DV which iMovie is designed to handle. For that you need mpegStreamclip:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/mpegstreamclip.html
which is free, but you must also have the Apple mpeg2 plugin :
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/mpeg2/
(unless you are running Lion which includes it))
which is a mere $20.
Another possibility is to use DVDxDV:
http://www.dvdxdv.com/NewFolderLookSite/Products/DVDxDV.overview.htm
which costs $25.
For the benefit of others who may read this thread:
Obviously the foregoing only applies to DVDs you have made yourself, or other home-made DVDs that have been given to you. It will NOT work on copy-protected commercial DVDs, which in any case would be illegal.

Similar Messages

AVCHD file Import via iMovie then ?possible FCE can import these files?

I am new to Apple. I want to Upgrade from iMovie 08, to FCE HD.
I believe that FCE DOES NOT import AVCHD files / format., however, iMovie 08
DOES! Before I Buy FCE, Has anyone with FCE successfully tried using iMovie 08 to import AVCHD video, then , with FCE running, import the iMovies 08 / AVCHD
files ( which I believe are uncompressed ' *.mov (movie) files ), into
Final Cut Express HD?

iMovie 08 converts the files to Apple Intermediate Codec when it ingests the material. That's the same format used by FCE.

My macbook pro recognizes my sd card on the desktop, but when i go to the imovie importer it goes straight to isight camera. Ive imported via this method before but now i dont know whats going on.

My macbook pro recognizes my sd card on the desktop, but when i go to the imovie importer it goes straight to isight camera. Ive imported via this method before but now i dont know whats going on.

Use iMovie > Help on your Mac or here -> http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2153
Treat the "sd card on the desktop" as a connected hard disk.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.7.4

MPG files will not import into iMovie

I have some video I shot with a Sony Handycam that I want to import it into iMovie. When In iMovie I can see the MPV files but they are grayed out. I moved them from my work PC. They play fine on the PC. Have they been recoded in some way? When I try and open them in quicktime on the mac I get a message that says they are "not a movie file". I did transfer the files via a thumb drive, but I can't see that causing any problems. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance

I have some video I shot with a Sony Handycam that I want to import it into iMovie. When In iMovie I can see the MPV files but they are grayed out.
Finder level (i.e. "Import Movies...") files are not converted as part of the import process. Only files imported via the "Import from Camera..." are converted to iMovie '08 edit compatible compression formats. As "muxed" compression formats are not edit compatible in iMovie '08, they cannot be imported at the "Finder level" and so remain "grayed out." ("Muxed" formats contain blocks of audio and video data interspersed in a single stream to provide spatial synchronization while the QT engine is based on temporal synchronization of audio and video contained in separate, parallel "tracks" of data.) Your solution here is to either convert your files to DV, AIC, M-JPEG, Photo-JPEG, MPEG-4, or H.264 files for "Finder" importation or "image" your files so they appear as if they are on a camcorder and let iMovie '08 import/convert the files for edit processing.
I moved them from my work PC. They play fine on the PC. Have they been recoded in some way?
MPEG-2 is a "playback" only format a far as QT is concerned and even then it requires the QT MPEG-2 Playback component ($20) be installed to work. AC3 audio is also not supported by the QT embedded structure and also requires an additional third-party component be installed.

IDVD won't import any iMovie project

Hi,
For the last 2 days I've been trying to import ANY type of video file from iMovie into iDVD 7.0.3 but again and again, I get the error: "Unsupported File Type : Unknown format"
I tried:
- Using iMovie to Share my project with iDVD but after coding etc, iDVD gives the error: "Not a movie"
- Using the Share -> "Media browser..." but every time iDVD gives the above error.
- Reinstalling iMovie and iDVD with Appcleaner.
The thing is that I can still import mp4 movies but not if I make them with iMovie. And when I for ex. try to drag a iMovie project that I Shared via iMovie, I don't get a green plus when put it in the menu of the DVD...
I really need to burn this DVD,
Please help me!

Hi
*Not knowing the origin to Your problem - General approach when in trouble is as follows:*
• Free space on internal (start-up) hard disk if it is less than 10Gb should rather have 25Gb
• Hard disk is untidy: Repair Permissions, Repair Hard disk (Apple Disc Util tool)
• Delete iDVD pref file - *or rather start a new user/account* - log into this and re-try
iDVD pref file resides: Mac Hard Disk (start-up HD)/Users/"Your account"/Library/Preferences and is named:
com.apple.iDVD.plist
While iDVD is NOT RUNNING - move this file out to desk-top.
Now restart iDVD.
• Program miss-match: iDVD 5.0.2, Mac OS X.4.11 AND QuickTime 7.5.5 - is OK - DON’T work under Leopard
• Program miss-match: iDVD 6.0.4, Mac OS X.4.11 AND QuickTime 7.5.5 - is OK (might work under Leopard)
• Program miss-match: iDVD’08 v. 7.0.1, Mac OS X.4.11 AND QuickTime 7.5.5 - is OK (might work under Leopard)
• iDVD (08) v7 Locate theme folder. Move out iDVD1, iDVD 2 and eventually iDVD4 folders to desktop - re-try
• Try a Cleaning CD/DVD that cleans the laser lens on the DVD burner/player
iDVD 6.0.4 and iDVD 7.0.1 are compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
Last resort: from Craig: Solved the problem!! Finally!!
I deleted every iDVD application and folder from my boot drive,
emptied the trash and then installed iDVD 08 using the customize option
and I am up and running.
Yours Bengt W

Importing into iMovie

I was wondering what type of files are you able to import into iMovie? Thanks!!

I was wondering what type of files are you able to import into iMovie?
DV for all versions. HDV and DV for HD and later versions. Any "conversion" compatible compression format for which you have the appropriate codecs for versions prior to iMovie '08. "Edit" compatible compression formats for Finder level imports to iMovie '08 (to include DV, AIC, M-JPEG, Photo-JPEG, "standard" MPEG-4, "standard" H.264 with DV, Linear PCM (Big Endian, Little Endian, Unsigned Integer, etc.), AAC, etc.); Apple Animation and Apple Video will import and edit but cannot currently be exported properly. Additional compression formats via iMovie '08 "Camera Import" option -- AVCHD (Intel Machines only) and "muxed" MPEG2/AC3 from HDD/DVD camcorders or images thereof. Any file you can convert manually to an iMovie '08 "edit" compatible format in QT or third-party applications (e.g., Voltaic for import of AVCHD to PPC machines).

Saving files from Photoshop to Import into iMovie 09

1. What is the best file format for saving images from Photoshop to bring into iMovie 09?
2. What should the image size of the file be set to from Photoshop? I would like the best quality while working in iMovie prior to exporting and compressing after I am done editing.
Thank you in advance.

kat.hayes wrote:
1. What is the best file format for saving images from Photoshop to bring into iMovie 09?
I see you have not marked your topic "Answered", so you may be hoping for some other suggestions. If your item 1 is intended to ask about file "type" (.psd, .jpg, .png, .tif, etc.), here is my suggestion.
Because of the large file size of PhotoShop (PS) .psd image files, *unless you need to keep the PS version with Layers, Adjustments, etc*., _and unless you do NOT keep a separate folder of PS images_, I suggest that you NOT save the PS .psd file "format" (type) into iPhoto (or iMovie.)
I keep all PS (.psd) image files that I want to retain in separate folders outside iPhoto. I also save the finished (PS) image as a .jpg or .png version which I import into iPhoto for easy import into iMovie via the media browser. Whether to use jpeg or png depends on the image quality I need.
If you are capturing the snapshots that you are editing with PS from an iSight, other webcam, or a Flip camcorder, the jpg version will probably give you all the quality you need. However, to make your decision easier, you can save multiple file type (and compression settings) versions of the edited file when you are finished in PS. Then import all the various jpgs, pngs, tiffs, etc, into a test movie, lable (title) them for easy identification, save the movie, and see if you can tell any difference in quality or each image when you replay your test movie. If you can tell a difference, you can decide how much quality you need and match that need with the file type and size that gives the necessary quality level. If you cannot see a difference in the move regardless of which file type or compression level, you can save space by using the smallest image file.
+re: your item 2:+ I have nothing to add to Karsten's expert comments on resolution and file size.
EZ Jim
G5 DP 1.8GHz w/Mac OS X (10.5.8) PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

Best Output Settings for movies via iMovie and Quicktime

So here's what I don't understand. I can download a 1080 movie trailer, such as Get Smart, and convert it to Apple TV standards via iTunes and have it look amazing.
However:
When I digitize my own content, such as TV shows (broadcast TV) from my DVR, or old VHS tapes, why can't I get the EXACT same quality I get as if I were sending these videos to iDVD?
I capture in DV format using iMovie 6 (don't get me started on 08) and, in the past, when that footage is rendered onto a DVD, it's been fantastic.
However, when I take that same DV footage and convert it to Apple TV format, it does not look good at all.
I know the culprit is the FPS rate (24 vs 30), however, I am not understanding how I can take an HD trailer and still have it look great in 720p, but I can't get the same quality from digital video I capture in DV format. That just doesn't make sense to me.
I read that 24 fps will give that "movie" look, but I want a VIDEO look as an option.
I've rendered short clips using iMovie, Final Cut Express, MPEG Streamclip and Quicktime directly and none of the Apple TV output is worth it.
Now a nice, cuddly little software update that would allow Apple TV to play full .mov files would be nice, but I suspect that isn't happening.
Is there anyone who has any suggestions on taking SD DV footage and making a file that will play on my Apple TV AND still look as good as the original source video?
I have Apple Cares on the Apple TV but every time I call them for tech support, I am kept on hold upwards of 1/2 hour each time and I get frustrated and hang up.
PLEASE HELP!
So ready to put my Apple TV on ebay and run a DVI to HDMI cable from my iMac to my LCD TV....................................

I have a couple of thoughts about your issue.
Firstly while you capture to DV, the broadcast tv shows are more likely to be in mpeg2, this itself isn't much of a problem, indeed I do exactly the same if I'm converting a movie that has interludes within it which I wish to remove (import into imovie and export the reference file to AVC in streamclip). This could however explain a little why you find your conversions to DVD (mpeg2) a little better. You also need to remember mpeg2 is lower quality than mpeg4 and even lower quality than AVC. If you watch a clip in mpeg2 it can look better than AVC because AVC is sharper and clearer and shows all the defects mpeg2 simply blurs.
I also note you might be converting the frame rate to 24 fps, don't do this it will result in jerky video. If you are doing this to retain 720p, you would be much better dropping the resolution to no more than 960 x 540 and keeping your original frame rate, never alter your frame rate. Of note here, if your frame rate is 25 fps it may be accepted by the tv at 720p.
Finally, you might need to consider what is happening to the resolution of these shows as they go through your workflow process. Your source is likely to be 720 x 480 anamorphic and your workflow is likely changing this to 640 x 480, 853 x 480 or even 1280 x 720 fixed ratio pixels, sometimes this conversion can lead to less than perfect results (another reason your DVD's might look better). Unfortunately imovie will drop these anamorphic flags and you may get better results using another application.
My results are quite acceptable and I suppose the question is why when yours aren't, but it may simply be a matter of source since I'm in a PAL region.

Trouble opening mpeg movie files and importing into iMovie 08

Hi, I'd be most grateful if anyone could provide any solutions to the following problem...
A friend has emailed me two .mpeg movie files which are parts 1&2 of a home movie which I want to edit in iMovie and burn to DVD. The footage was shot on a miniHDV camcorder (not sure which brand).
Opening in QT 7.6 gives the following warning dialogue: "The movie could not be opened. The file is not a movie file."
The files will however play fine in VLC Media Player, but not in mpeg Streamclip (the file appears to play but the viewer is blank with no audio/video). Trying to import into iMovie is unsuccessful. The iMovie browser won't let me choose the files or drag/drop.
Any ideas. I read somewhere that iMovie 08 can't import mpeg-1 files. Do I need to convert the files, and if so how?
Thanks in advance, and apologies - this is my first experience of video editing.

I have QT Player but it hasn't "kicked in" when I try to import my videos.
Something called PIXE VRF Browser is supposed to help in the conversion. The QT MPEG-2 thingy won't install until I buy QT Pro, according to what I get on the screen.
Sounds like you have too many applications trying to do the same thing. Either use the Pixela Pixe VRF Browser or use the Mac applications (Mac OS Finder, Apple QT MPEG-2 Playback Component w/MPEG Streamclip) but not both to do the same job. The Apple Finder should be able to copy multiplexed VOB/MPEG-2 files from either your PC burned DVD or directly from your camcorder DVD to your MAC hard drive where MPEG Streamclip/QT MPEG-2 component can convert them for use in iMovie '08. Frankly, I don't understand your work work flow or why you want to import your files to a GOP editor in the first place if your goal is to do frame level editing in iMovie '08.
As for Jon's suggestion, I am on dial-up and cannot download big files at 3-4 Kbps snail pace.
What does this have to do with importing your camcorder files to your PC and re-burning them to DVD for use on your Mac? If I were to make a recommendation here, it would have been to use an external hard drive here rather than DVDs for transporting files between platforms and then only if you want the files available to both. If your goal is only to edit them in iMovie '08 or iMovie HD on your Mac, then why not cut out the "middleman" platform?
I wish I could purchase these updates on DVDs but the genies couldn't even tell me if there's such a service.
Totally confused here. Are you saying your DVR-D300 files were commercial produced or that you are dealing with torrent downloads of copy-written material? These are two separate issues with facets beyond the scope of this forum.
As for "platform", I have iMovie08. iMac does not read the mini RAM disks when I connect the camera to a USB port.
Are you saying the Finder doesn't read them or that iMovie '08 doesn't read them? Do you "finalize" your DVDs before trying to read them via USB as the manual states may be necessary as indicated on page 150 of your manual?
How can I find out that iMovie09 will let me import and edit my Panasonic videos?
You could try going to the Apple site and checking the the tapeless camcorder compatibility chart. The Panasonic DVR-D300 is specifically listed along with a hot link for additional information. However, this still won't help you you don't finalize the content.

Movie too large via imovie and no sound via idvd.

Help! I have a movie on a minidv tape that is one hour and 21 minutes long.
This is a very important tape and I dont want to delete any of it.
I don't understand why I can't create a dvd (which can hold a 2 hour movie).
If I use idvd it captures the video but there is no sound.
If I download it via imovie, then try to create a dvd, it tells me that the movie
is too large. How can it be too large if the movie is less than 2 hours and should be able to fit on the dvd.
Can anyone help this beginner. (I just bought this g5 yesterday).

Hi
iDVD 6 should be able to make a DVD disk with 60 min or 120 min movie +
menu.
Can it be so that Your menu are to complex (or when added together results
in more than 120 min)
Sounds can be tricky and iDVD can count in sounds that You thought be out-
side Your movie (stretching out after the video ended). If So re do the sound
part of Your movie and be carefull that no audio cont after the movie is ended.
In iDVD: (strang but it is like this)
Best Quality is for movies + menus more than 60 min and less than 120
Best Performances for movies + menu less than 60 min.
Yours Bengt W

Why doesn't my .AVi file import into iMovies

I cannot get iMovies to recognise my .AVI files (from my Samsung ST50).
I can download the files from my camera to my hard drive (so the computer recognises them), and I can play them via Quicktime, so I know they work. But I can't import the .AVI files into iMovies. It seems to process the video when I go to 'Import'>'Movies'...- then nothing appears. I just get a 'No Matching Video' message in the event folder.
However my previous camera (an old Pentax Optio S40) produced .AVI's which I can import into iMovies. Are all AVI's not the same? Or is it a setting in my new camera (I'm not too tech savvy!).

Hi Rocco,
Looks like we missed this post when you first asked. Sorry about that.
What message are you receiving when you try to print? What version of Windows do you have installed? If you're running Win7, you may be facing this issue: http://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat-com/kb/createpdf-desktop-printer-windows-7.html
-David

Movie file won't import into iMovie

I have a digital camera that records video (Nikon Coolpix L4). It saves videos as .mov files. When I try to import them into iMovie, it gives me an unknown error. I have tried converting the .mov files into another format using MPEG Streamclip, but that also reports an error.
Any suggestions? Is this fixable or does it have something to do with my camera, not my software?

Hi
iMovie 1 to 6 is for miniDV Cameras and connects only via FireWire.
All other material has to be concerted.
.mov - is no specific file type - just a container.
Has to be converted to streamingDV to be imported into iMovie 1 - 6.
If You try iMovie'08 it might be able to import.
Or use MPEG Streamclip. Why this doesn't work I can't figure.
May be You need to buy and install: Apple mpeg2 component - BUT NOT SURE at all.
Yours Bengt W

Why is DVD fuzzy made via iMovie,Media browser, iDVD at professional quality. Original photos very sharp, DVD fuzzy.

I made an iMovie from very sharp photos, moved it to iDVD via Media Browser, Made "Professional Quality" DVD in iDVD. When I play the DVD back on eiher my iMac oxs 10.7.5 "DVDPlayer" or my DVD player hooked to my Sony TV set, the resulting movie from the DVD is unsharp, very fuzzy and very disappointing. I am using Memorex DVD-R discs. The playback colors of the made DVD are also changed from the original photos I used from i Photo.
Is this normal to loose so much sharpness and clarity in going from iPhoto to iMovie to iDVD?

Hi
OR the long long answer is something like this:
DVD quality
1. iDVD 08, 09 & 11 has three levels of qualities. (version 7.0.1, 7,0.4 & 7.1.1) and iDVD 6 has the two last ones
Professional Quality
(movies + menus up to 120 min.) - BEST (but not always for short movies e.g. up to 45 minutes in total)
Best Performances
(movies + menus less than 60 min.) - High quality on final DVD (Can be best for short movies)
High Quality (in iDVD08 or 09) / Best Quality (in iDVD6)
(movies + menus up to 120 min.) - slightly lower quality than above
Menu can take 15 minutes or even more - I use a very simple one with no audio or animation like ”Brushed Metal” in old Themes.
About double on DL DVDs.
2. Video from
FCE/P - Export out as full quality QuickTime.mov (not self-containing, no conversion)
iMovie x-6 - Don't use ”Share/Export to iDVD” = destructive even to movie project and especially so
when the movie includes photos and the Ken Burns effect NOT is used. Instead just drop or import the iMovie movie project icon (with a Star on it) into iDVD theme window.
iMovie’08 or 09 or 11 are not meant to go to iDVD.
They drop every second line in the picture.
Go via Media Browser (and then use MEDIUM - as HD does get a BAD Scale down quality) or rather use iMovie HD 6 from start.
3. I use Roxio Toast™ to make an as slow burn as possibly e.g. x4 or x1 (in iDVD’08 or 09 this can also be set)
This can also be done with Apple’s Disk Utilities application when burning from a DiskImage.
- iDVD - set Burn Speed in iDVD Pref. / Advance - BEST IS NOT BEST - x2 or max x4
- Roxio™ - set in burn process
- Disk Util tool - set in burn process
BEST IS NOT BEST
4. There has to be about or more than 25Gb free space on internal (start-up) hard disk. iDVD can't
use an external one as scratch disk (if it is not start-up disc). For SD-Video - if HD-material is used I guess that 4 to 5 times more would do.
5. I use Verbatim ( also recommended by many - Taiyo Yuden DVDs - I can’t get hold of it to test )
6. I use DVD-R (no +R or +/-RW) - DVD-R play’s on more and older DVD-Players
7. Keep NTSC to NTSC - or - PAL to PAL when going from iMovie to iDVD
(I use JES_Deinterlacer to keep frame per sec. same from editing to the Video-DVD result.)
8. Don’t burn more than three DVDs at a time - but let the laser cool off for a while before next batch.
iDVD quality also depends on.
DVD is a standard in it self. It is Standard Definition Quality = Same as on old CRT-TV sets and can not
deliver anything better that this.
HD-DVD was a short-lived standard and it was only a few Toshiba DVD-players that could playback.
These DVDs could be made in DVD-Studio Pro. But they don’t playback on any other standard DVD-Player.
Blu-Ray / BD can be coded onto DVDs but limited in time to - about 20-30 minutes and then need
_ Roxio Toast™ 10 Pro incl. BD-component
_ BD disks and burner if full length movies are to be stored
_ BD-Player or PlayStation3 - to be able to playback
The BD-encoded DVDs can be play-backed IF Mac also have Roxio DVD-player tool. Not on any standard Mac or DVD-player
Full BD-disks needs a BD-player (in Mac) as they need blue-laser to be read. No red-laser can do this.
HOW much free space is there on Your internal (start-up) hard disk. Go for approx. 25Gb.
less than 5Gb and Your result will most probably not play.
How it was recorded - Tripod vs Handheld Camera. A stable picture will give a much higher quality
Audio is most often more critical than picture. Bad audio and with dropouts usually results in a non-viewed movie.
Use of Video-editor. iMovie’08 or 09 or 11 are not the tools for DVD-production. They discard every second line resulting in a close to VHS-tape quality.
iMovie 1 to HD6 and FinalCut any version delivers same quality as Camera record in = 100% to iDVD
What kind of movie project You drop into it. MPEG4 seems to be a bad choice.
other strange formats are .avi, .wmv, .flash etc. Convert to streamingDV first
Also audio formats matters. I use only .aiff or from miniDV tape Camera 16-bit
strange formats often problematic are .avi, .wmv, audio from iTunes, .mp3 etc
Convert to .aiff first and use this in movie project
What kind of standard - NTSC movie and NTSC DVD or PAL to PAL - no mix.
(If You need to change to do a NTSC DVD from PAL material let JES_Deinterlacer_3.2.2 do the conversion)
(Dropping a PAL movie into a NTSC iDVD project
(US) NTSC DVDs most often are playable in EU
(EU) PAL DVDs most often needs to be converted to play in US
UNLESS. They are play-backed by a Mac - then You need not to care
What kind of DVDs You are using. I use Verbatim DVD-R (this brand AND no +R or +/-RW)
How You encode and burn it. Two settings prior iDVD’08 or 09
Pro Quality (only in iDVD 08 & 09)
Best / High Quality (not always - most often not)
Best / High Performances (most often my choice before Pro Quality)
1. go to iDVD pref. menu and select tab far right and set burn speed to x1 (less errors = plays better) - only in iDVD 08 & 09
(x4 by some and may be even better)
2. Project info. Select Professional Encoding - only in iDVD 08 & 09.
Region codes.
iDVD - only burn Region = 0 - meaning - DVDs are playable everywhere
DVD Studio pro can set Region codes.
1 = US
2 = EU
unclemano wrote
What it turned out to be was the "quality" settings in iDVD. The total clip time was NOT over 2 hours or 4.7GB, yet iDVD created massive visual artifacts on the "professional quality" setting.
I switched the settings to "high quality" which solved the problem. According iDVD help, "high quality" determines the best bit rate for the clips you have.
I have NEVER seen iDVD do this before, especially when I was under the 2 hour and 4.7GB limits.
For anyone else, there seem to be 2 places in iDVD to set quality settings, the first is under "preferences" and the second under "project info." They do NOT seem to be linked (i.e. if you change one, the other is NOT changed). take care, Mario
to get this to work I
Secure a minimum of 25Gb free space on Start-Up (Mac OS) hard disk
Use Verbatim DVD-R (absolutely no +/-RW)
Set down burn speed to x4 - less burn errors = plays on more devices
No other process running in background as - ScreenSaver, EnergySaver OR TIMEMACHINE etc
and I'm very careful on what kind of video-codecs, audio file format and photo file formats I use
and I consider the iDVD Bug - never go back to video-editor to change/up-date - if so Start a brand new iDVD project
Chapters set as they should - NO one at very beginning and no one in any transition or within 2 sec from it
Lay-out - Turn on TV-Safe area and keep everything buttons, titles etc WELL INSIDE not even touching it !
Try to break the process up into two stages
Save as a DiskImage (calculating part)
Burn from this .img file (burning stage)
To isolate where the problem starts.
Another thing is - Playing it onto a Blu-Ray Player. My PlayStation3 can play BD-disks but not all of my home made DVDs so to get this to work I
Secure a minimum of 25Gb free space on Start-Up (Mac OS) hard disk
Use Verbatim DVD-R (absolutely no +/-RW)
Set down burn speed to x4 - less burn errors = plays on more devices
No other process running in background as - ScreenSaver, EnergySaver OR TIMEMACHINE etc
and I'm very careful on what kind of video-codecs, audio file format and photo file formats I use
and I consider the iDVD Bug - never go back to video-editor to change/up-date - if so Start a brand new iDVD project
Chapters set as they should - NO one at very beginning and no one in any transition or within 2 sec from it
Lay-out - Turn on TV-Safe area and keep everything buttons, titles etc WELL INSIDE not even touching it !
TO GET IT TO WORK SLIGHTLY FASTER
Minimum of 25Gb free space on Start-Up hard disk for SD-Video Quality and about 4 - 5 times more - if it is a HD-Project.
No other programs running in BackGround e.g. Energy-Saver
Don’t let HD spin down or be turned off (in Energy-Save)
Do not have more external devices connected as is of urgent need. Move hard disks that are not to be used to Trash - Or to be disconnected/turned off
Goto Spotlight and set the rest of them under Integrity (not to be scanned)
Set screen-saver to a folder without any photo
First - then make an active corner (up right for me) and set pointer to this
Secondly - turns on screen saver
Then - to show that it has nothing to show
No File Vault on - Important
NO - TimeMachine - during iMovie/iDVD work either ! IMPORTANT
Lot's of icons on DeskTop/Finder also slows down the Mac noticeably
if a project is in a real hurry
First - Then Start a new User-Account and
Then - log into this and iMovie get's faster too
And let Mac run on Mains - not just on battery
Yours Bengt W

AVCHD - slow to import to iMovie

I have a Panasonic HDC-SX5. The lovely high quality HD video can be imported via USB2 – no Firewire port on cam – directly into iMovie 08, BUT it takes ages to import. In fact it's about the same speed as it was with "old fashioned" MiniDV.
Is there any way to speed up this process? eg. would it be quicker to get Toast 9 and use that to grab the file from the camera – and if so, would the material still be available for iMovie?
Thanks!

this is the funny piece, when I drag the movie from my desktop into the event I created, I get the beachball, but it imports in half the time. When I let it work for 6-8 hours, then I can preview w/o the beachball
Erm Sounds like you need to import your footage using the File menu>>>>Import>>>>Movie to your event browser
Then LET it generate the thumbnails and go from there.

Cannot import into iMovie from iDVD

I have started to save my movies from my Sony Camera onto DVD using iDVD OneStep. But now I have discovered that I cannot use these DVD's to import the into iMovie.
Am I doing something wrong?
Thanks
John

John... wrote:
.. Am I doing something wrong?
probably you misunderstand the concept and workflow of the diff. iLife apps:
iDVD is the Disk Maker of iLife. no editor, no Movie Maker (allthough you're allowed to do basic things as slideshows etc...)
for editing, you have to import from camera via iMovie..
when editing is done, you share to iDVD, which finally produces the disks.. end of the road.
have you seen the tutorials?
http://www.apple.com/findouthow/movies/

Importing via iMovie?

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