Preferred input format with VHS via Canpous 55 to iMovie/Final Cut Express

Question

I am using VHS deck to Canpus 55 to iMovie 08/MacBook Pro.
I do the input to iMovie 08 as it is less problematic for input than Final Cut Express and also I can share these with family for their video making in iMovie.
However I import the video files from iMovie events to FCE for editing.
1. I notice the VHS-to Canopus-to iMovie are .dv files with frame size 720x480 and compressor file says DV/DVCPRO - NTSC, not Apple Intermediate Codec.
2. I also import AVCHD files and those are frame size 960x540 and compressor is Apple Intermediate Codec.
When I bring the .dv files in from iMovie 08 to FCE, I sometimes get the warning about the files not in the standard settings and the drop down list of settings include Apple Intmediate Codec in various choices and the NTSC in various choices.
Should these be somehow standardized or will the eventual output be ok? I had one VHS 15 min segment look great on the computer in iMovie, then FCE but was very digitized after output to iDVD.
Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

misterdmmc wrote:
... and I also don't have Imovie.
you do.
on the Installer Disks, your Mac came with, there's 'Installed software', which allows to install the iLife Package only.
for most of your needs, esp. being no professional editor , iM offers all you need:
https://sites.google.com/site/karstenschluter/how-to-make-a-vidcast
shows you how to use pic-in-pic, green-sceen, integration of 'charts' and other 'effects' of iM, to produce a vidcast.
-Subtitles
'Subtitles' is for me a switchable feature on DVD ... if you mean 'titles in lower third' - any editor offers this. what iM does NOT offer, is a free-locatable title (or e.g. logo-bug), but there's a simple workaround working with transparent pngs, see my site too ....-
-Split screen video. Half/Half or Full screen for one video source, and a tiny screen say on the top left of another source...
side-by-side? iM no, FC yes.
-Export video in ipod compatible format
afaik, any Apple video-app allows that ..
general advice:
• iM is meant for consumers - convenient, but limited.
• FC/e or /p is meant for (semi)professionals - what iM offers as a 'one click done'-solution, is a many-steps-process with some background-knowledge and understanding needed.
• for sure, FC offers MUCH more options .. any option, you'll soon get lost
• the learning curve for FC is steep! buy a book of master-mind TOM WOLSKY, who generously participates here at this board ...-
• I don't see a need for you in spending 1.000$ more for the FC/pro suite ... Motion? Color? Compressor? Highly complex tools for even more complex processing ...
I would 'play' with iM to get familiar with your project - what do you need, how should it look? if you reach the limits, have a look at FC/e at any Apple-store ... if it doesn't scare you, get the app and the book, and spend some months studying ...
and Welcome misterdmmc to the  boards ...