MPEG into IMovie

Hi
I've transferred my super 8 movies into DVD and from there into mpeg but imovie doesn't recognise them. I've got quicktime pro with the Mpeg 2 plug in but when I ask QT to export as QT movie it fails everytime. Does anyone know what I should do in order that Ican edit via Imovie? ( BTW there's no audio track with the file)
Thanks in advance for your help
Mark Huggett
www.jazzdirect.co.uk
G5 Imac Mac OS X (10.4.4) Logic Pro 7

Hi Mark,
welcome to the wonderful world of compressors and codecs....
promo/TV stations: how do you deliver such material? iM supports dv and some HD content (but if the raw footage wasn't HD, a "conversion" into HD makes no sense....)
so, if you come from miniDV, max. quality is DV (miniDV=cassette type, DV=compressor type); if the broadcaster asks for (Digi)Beta (cassette type/compressor type), you need some company to transfer your stuff (you cannot connect a beta-recorder to a standard Mac) ; but, miniDV doesn't fullfill any standard broadcasting standards, besides some broadcaster still use it.... export your project on tape - best quality.
(and, NO!, a dvd done with iDVD isn't better, it is even worse....)
in case, you handle HD content, tape is your only choice for delivering/exporting in HD quality.
web: ......... loooooooong story, because, you run into trouble with "compatibility"; many windows users (and there are many....) are afraid to install for free "QTplayer for windows".... so, if you export your project for web usage, it will be inside a socalled ".mov container"=> no double-click convenience for Windows user without QT installed.
second hurdle to go: compressor. inside that .mov file you can use many flavors for compression, as sorenson, h.263, mpeg4, the fantastic h.264 (which, as an example, I can not watch, still using QT6 on my old hardware)....
third hurdle: bandwidth. you can export 3min of iM project and it is 200MB "fat"; you can choose a smaller resolution, less framerate, an excellent compressor as mpeg4 and everything mono22KHz - boom, project less then 6MB.....!!
you can give the "presets" in iM a try (export to web); if it fullfills your demands - you're just a click away, very convenient; if not.... ask again ;-)))

Similar Messages

Importing mpegs into imovie

Trying to figure out how to import movie clips from my sony cybershot digital camera into iMovie. The files are mpeg's. When I try to import them into iMovie it won't allow it, although when I imported AVI files from my Cannon digital camera it worked fine.
Is mpeg streamclip going to help me here?
Thanks

Hi Tim:
Yes, Streamclip will help you.
BTW-the latest version is now available. look at what Matti has to say about it!
Sue

I have iMovie '11, and I am unable to access mpeg HD video files that I want to edit. The files are fine (I can open and watch them using VLC), but I cannot seem to import the files into iMovie. File Import does not work. Any suggestions??

More detail: I have a bunch of mpeg HD video files that were shot on a SONY HDR-HC3 Handycam camcorder. I would like to edit these into a single video production. I can access and view the mpeg files using VLC (Quicktime does not work with them). However, I seem to be unable to get the mpeg files to interface with iMovie '11 -- I cannot use the File --> Import command, nor can I drag-and-drop them into iMovie.
Is there something anyone might suggest to get this to work? Or are these files incompatible with iMovie? If so, I assume I must purchase a different video editing software program (e.g. Adobe Premeir Pro). Suggestions???
Many thanks in advance for your time and consideration

Yes, I tried that.   The files were ordered by their original numbers as imported from the camera, but I batched them through Phocoshop to downsize all of them into a more manageable file size.   I opened that destination folder from quick time from where it said select image sequence.   I clicked on the first one and opened it.   The result was a large image with an arrow indicating a movie was ready to go.   When I pressed the arrow, though, I realized it had only imported that one frame so there was no movie.   The files are Jpgs and are about 450 KB each.
    To your knowledge are there any links to iMovie tutorials or quick time tutorials that may address this situation? Maybe there will be one I haven't looked at yet.
    Thanks

Imported MPEG-4 file into Imovie 09 no picture only sound

Imported a MPEG-4 file taken from a Samsung HD video, into IMovie (5.0.2), sound plays but no picture

Problem is worsening, I think. Now, just about any clip I try to import has no sound. I just tried an MP4 video, and it actually seemed to have work, until I realized the sync is miles away from being correct. I must have some major problems with my system; I seem to be the only one struggling with this.

NO SOUND WHEN MOVING VIDEOS INTO iMOVIE!! something about Mpeg muxed?!?!

I recorded my videos with my sony cybershot camera - no problems. I can rip them onto my Macbook Pro and watch them in quicktime and hear the sound just fine - no problems. But, when I pull the videos into iMovie HD to edit and try to watch the play back, I see video but no sound!! I looked in the help tab and it said that if my videos are Mpeg 1 "muxed" (or something like that) then I won't be able to hear any sound. Well how do I convert my videos to something that will allow me to hear the sound when I'm editing them in iMovie HD???
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!
Thanks!
Macbook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Welcome to discussions, designerman.
iMovie can't import MPEG1 or MPEG 2 files, and that's waht you are trying to do.
Read this:
Can not hear audio in iMovie when I import an MPEG clip
http://www.danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6030.shtml
:)Sue

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.

How to import Sony DCR-SX85 video into iMovie. Doesn't do it automatically and using Mpeg stream lip didn't help. I have iMovie HD 6.0.3

Can't import Sony DCR-SX85 video into iMovie HD 6.0.3. MPEG stream clip didn't work. This has been discussed before, but I haven't found a solution yet.

Can't import Sony DCR-SX85 video into iMovie HD 6.0.3. MPEG stream clip didn't work. This has been discussed before, but I haven't found a solution yet.

Import MPEG 2 files into imovie 08

I have a Sony Handycam (Model: DCR SR 65E) which records movies on its HDD in MPEG2 format. When I tried to import my clips into imovie 08 (Macbook) I realized that these two are not compatible. imovie does not recognize this movie file format.
On reading the associated manual with imovie08, it clearly mentions that it can recognize MPEG2 format and will import files using USB ports.
I currently have multiple video files on my handycam but cant do much with them. I have used 3rd party converters to covert to other format (MPEG 4 etc) but it invariably degrades the quality and I dont want to consider thsi approach. Is there any way my Macbook/imovie 08 can work with the Sony Handycam?

This is nuts. As a Windows refugee I can't believe I have to leave my 24" iMac sitting on my desk and use Movie Factory on my wife's little HP notebook because iMovie won't read my mpeg-2 files.
And I find it hard to believe that there are still people out there who think that that all forms of video are the same. This is like saying a Chrysler, a Mac truck, and a jet plane should all use the same fuel since they are all vehicles. If you buy a camcorder that stores files in a compression format specifically designed as a means for distribution and delivery, then it should not come as a surprise that it may need to be converted to a compression format designed specifically for editing to do a "proper" job of editing in a video editor specifically designed to edit at the intraframe level as most professional, prosumer, and consumer video editors do.
The only way I can open them on the iMac is through VLC (a freebie program I highly recommend). QuickTime is useless unless I pay $20 or whatever for a plugin. How can this be so difficult?
QT has never fully supported any of the multiplexed compression formats like MPEG-1, MPEG-2, VOB, or Flash. While some are QT "playback" only and others are playback only with the proper QT component installed, none are conversion and/or edit compatible with QT processes which are based on the temporal synchronization of up to 99 tracks of different data types and not designed for the conversion/editing of spatially synchronized audio and video stored as interspersed blocks of data in a single data stream. Just as you need the proper engine to run on a specific type of fuel, you need the proper type of video engine to play, convert and/or edit different types of video. Simply put, QT is not a "muxed" MPEG engine.
Why is Apple making it so difficult to transfer videos over from Windows to MacOS. I thought they wanted us to switch.
Apple has no say as to what types of videos you may chose to transfer. It cannot legally provide support for any proprietary codecs that may have been used to produce your original Windows content. Neither would I expect Apple to go out of its way to perform research and development in support of compression formats which are in the process of being replaced and can already be handled satisfactorily by other means currently available.
Has anyone successfully got around this roadblock?
You have three basic options here:
1) You can manually convert the files to any of the compression formats currently capable of being edited in iMovie '08 using a third-party, MPEG-based engine designed to bridge the gap between Multiplexed MPEG video/AC3 audio files and the QT structure now embedded in the Mac OS. I prefer this work flow since it gives the user the greatest control and maximizes editing options.
2) You can "image" your MPEG-2 based content in order to fool iMovie '08 into performing the the conversion for you. Your success here will likely depend on the method you employ and which version of iMovie '08 you are trying it on.
3) You can purchase a MPEG-2/GOP based editor specifically designed to edit your MPEG-2 content "natively." I don't know of any good ones for the Mac and my only experience with such programs in the past have all be unqualified disasters.

Mpeg movies won't drop into imovie 4 or idvd

When I try to drop a movie clip from my sony camera that has been imported onto my powerbook into imovie 4 or idvd it says it "can't open file. It opens and plays in quick time, it drops into a friends imovie 4 on his powerbook, but not on mine.

Hi bp66 - welcome to the forum!
I know you say it works on your friend's iMovie 4, but here are some links to discussions and articles about this problem of importing MPEG:
Using MPEG camera Clips or DVD Footage:
http://danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6018.shtml
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=232703&tstart=0
http://danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6010.shtml
http://www.moviecodec.com/topics/5155p2.html
but especially:
http://www.sjoki.uta.fi/%7Eshmhav/SVCDon_a_Macintosh.html#edit_convertMPEG
MPEG StreamClip:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/mpegstreamclip.html
Apple MPEG2 PlayBack:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/mpeg2/
A bit of light reading for you!

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 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

How to transfer DVD RAM (MPeg 2) videos into imovie?

I just bought an IMAC with OS X and Tiger to transfer all my DVD RAM discs into imovie, only to find out imac doesn't recognize the camera (Hitachi DZ-MV100A). Does anyone know of a drive I can buy to connect to the IMAC that would allow me to transfer, or the most straitforward way through software to transfer?
imac Mac OS X (10.4)
Thanks, Clay

using a DVDcamcoder you stumble into the following hurdles to go:
* DVDcamcorders don't support the firewire protocol
* slot-in drives can get damaged, inserting non-standard-shaped disks (does your camera use normal or miniDVDs?)
* your disks have to be finalized in your camera - read camera's manual how to accomplish that...
after that, you can handle these DVDs as normal ones (selfmade have no copyprotection, so no need of usage of any Ripper/Handbrake..)
you will realize a loss of quality, due to the nature of DVDs, which use a deivery-format, not meant for further processing, but we do read reports here, some people are still satisfied...
your options are, in recommended order:
* DVDxDV (free trial, 25$)
* Apple mpeg2 plugin (20$) + Streamclip (free)
* Cinematize >60$
* Mpeg2Works >25$ + Apple plug-in
* Toast6/7 allows converting to dv/import dvd, hit apple-k
* connect a miniDV Camera with anlogue-in to DVD-player and copy to tape/use as converter

No sound after importing mpeg from imovie

Hello, i'm new to IMovie and i have the problem that all my video files made with my photocamera loose the sound when i import them into Imovie. the FAQ's tell me it is because they are in mpef-muxed structure. Can anybody help me with the solution on HOW to get my movies with sound into Imovie ???

I have exactly the same problem and took your advice, downloading MPEG stream clip. But it is not clear to me how to do this.
Previously I dragged the MPEG clips from iPhoto ( which played fine in QT with sound) into my iMovie and there was no sound ( as the OP describes).
So if you could spell out the exact procedure, I would be most grateful

I have just had all my video converted to DVDs and now I would like to edit them...how do I import them into imovie?

Can somebody help me figure out how to import my home videos from a DVD into imovie?

That means 'reverse engineering them'!
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.squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-mac.html
which is free, but you must also have the Apple mpeg2 plugin :
http://store.apple.com/us/product/D2187Z/A/quicktime-mpeg-2-playback-component-f or-mac-os-x
(unless you are running Lion in which case see below))
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.
And from the TOU of these forums:
Keep within the Law
No material may be submitted that is intended to promote or commit an illegal act.
Do not submit software or descriptions of processes that break or otherwise ‘work around’ digital rights management software or hardware. This includes conversations about ‘ripping’ DVDs or working around FairPlay software used on the iTunes Store.
If you are running Lion:
From the MPEG Streamclip homepage
The installer of the MPEG-2 Playback Component may refuse to install the component in Lion. Apple states the component is unnecessary in Lion, however MPEG Streamclip still needs it. See this:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3381
To install the component in Lion, please download MPEG Streamclip 1.9.3b7 beta above; inside the disk image you will find the Utility MPEG2 Component Lion: use it to install the MPEG-2 Playback Component in Lion. The original installer's disk image (QuickTimeMPEG2.dmg) is required.
The current versions of MPEG Streamclip cannot take advantage of the built-in MPEG-2 functionality of Lion. For MPEG-2 files you still need to install the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component, which is not preinstalled in Lion. You don't have to install QuickTime 7.

How do I move a project from an external drive back into Imovie

I recently bought an Iomega external hard drive to store documentary movies so that I wouldn't jam up my Imac's free space. However, after I moved an imovie/idvd project to it, and wanted to make changes, I could not move the project back into the Imac's drive. (It also would not burn from the external, giving me a multiplex error) When I tried to move the movie back into Imovie on the Imac it said Quicktime couldn't parse it. I saw various posts about parsing, but not about specifically about moving a project from an external drive. Can anyone offer any suggestions? It seems to me that I should be able to move a project back and forth without that much trouble.

Sounds like you have a DVD format (MPEG-2) and not an iMovie Project file.
The key phrases are "multiplex" and "parse". Both suggest MPEG-2 format when opened in QuickTime. It would also throw an error -2048 message if MPEG-2.
But another issue could be the file format of the external drive. Most ship pre-formatted for the Windows OS's but a Mac user should format using HFS+ (and others). If you didn't format the drive before moving the large iMovie Project onto it it may have become severely fragmented if the external used FAT 16 or FAT 32 (very common) formats. They have a 2 or 4 GB file size limit, respectively and would have made your Project unreadable when moved back and forth.
Use the Disk Utility app to find out the format of your external drive.

MPEG into IMovie

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