Importing VSH C tapes

Welcome to the discussions Dori!

Actually you did nothing wrong. VHS C is an analog format. It does not contain the timecode that iMovie relies on to identify a new scene. This would be a problem with any analog tape not just the VHS C. Digital recorders imprint the timecode so iMovie can identify each new segment.

Drag the one clip to the timeline. To edit analog video you will need to identify where you want the video to break, which might not even be a scene break. Once there, select "split video at playhead" or Command-T on the keyboard.

For your needs, stay away from DVDs. It is a whole other can of worms. DVDs won't import directly into iMovie.

To edit your project you first need to play your tapes through some sort of digitizer - either a DV camera with playthrough or a dedicated digitizer. This happens in real time. Just play the tape while importing to iMovie. Once it is on the shelf as one clip drag down to the timeline.

You can either play the video in iMovie and watch the movie again, or you can click on the location indicator and drag it right or left to find you edit point.

When you find a piece you want to cut out stop at the biginning. You can fine tune the location by using the arrow keys to move 1 frame at a time. Split video clip at playhead or use cmd-T. This cuts the clip. Use the same technique to find and split at the end of the piece you want to cut. Click on the piece you want to cut. Make sure it is the only thing highlighted. Either do Edit:Cut or press the delete key and that portion of the clip is removed and the video slides to fill the gap.

Digitizing simply means converting the analog signal on the tape to a digital signal your computer can understand. It is digitized when you put it in the computer no matter what setup you use. Most of us have to use the camera because it is the only thing we have. You are lucky to have a dedicated converter. That setup is fine!