Here we go again...
Have you checked out the *iMovie 08 Camcorder Support* page, I did not see the Panasonic SDR-H40 listed.
Link to the *Camcorder Support*:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1014
Perhaps, sticking with a compatible device which is listed, may not be a bad idea after all.
*IN ANY CASE, HERE'S HOW TO CONNECT A _COMPATIBLE TAPELESS CAMCORDER_ TO YOUR MAC.*
*THERE IS NO NEED TO USE 3RD PARTY UTILITIES, SIMPLY USE IMOVIE 08 & YOUR CAMCORDER*
Here is how I do it:
If your Mac meets the minimum requirements for your camcorder type, follow these steps:
01- Run the latest SOFTWARE UPDATES: iMovie, QuickTime & OS (10.5.3).
. . . . . . Restart your system after the updates.
02- Remove any 3rd Party plugins that may be interfering with QuickTime.
. . . . . . Here are the only 2 files in MY QUICKTIME FOLDER:
. . . . . . / Library / QuickTime / AppleIntermediateCodec.component
. . . . . . / Library / QuickTime / AppleMPEG2Codec.component
. . . . . . If you do have more than the 2 files listed above, then temporarily
. . . . . . move the "NON APPLE" components outside of the QuickTime folder.
03- Using your camcorder, record at least 30 seconds of video.
. . . . . . Just to make sure that the camera has some video content.
04- Turn your camcorder OFF.
05- Make sure to Quit all running applications on your Mac.
06- Launch iMovie 08.
07- Connect a USB cable from the camcorder to your Mac.
08- Open the LCD viewer on your camcorder
09- Turn your camcorder ON.
. . . . . . . Some camcorders require you to select a mode - Video, PC or Computer mode.
10- Wait about 20 seconds for the camcorder to mount to desktop & be detected by iMovie 08.
11- The Imovie 08 "IMPORT WINDOW" will open.
12- From the Import Window, choose "MANUAL" or "AUTOMATIC"
13- Begin to import your video by clicking the Import button.
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CREDITS GO TO:
The various posts that I've read & the Apple Video Tutorial:
http://www.apple.com/ilife/tutorials/#imovie-oneplace-15