Importing from JVC Everio - .MOD & .MOI files!

Hi,

If you have a standard definition Everio and iMovie '08 it's very easy and automatic. Just connect USB and import from the camcorder. All of the default settings will work well for you and you should be happy with the quality.

If you have a high definition Everio, of course the quality is better. Please see my previous post which explains two different methods for using JVC, depending on which generation you have.

I hope this helps.

Chris

Hi, here is an article showing how to deal with MOD files from JVC.
U can follow:
http://imovie.maccreate.com/2009/12/29/convert-jvc-mod-files-to-imovie

Again converting these particular files is not necessary with iMovie 08 or 09!

Converting your precious files if not necessary is silly, you are destroying the data...

Hi Chris,

Add me to your list of "some people" and give me any suggestions you may have for recovering the files I simply moved from my camera to my Mac without capturing them using iMovie. I needed to make space on the camera's hard drive quickly, while I was just getting started with my new Mac and iMovie, and so just did a bulk transfer and then erased the camera's hard drive.

Can I just copy the files back to the camera and then import them?

I don't want to just start trying things and dig myself into a deeper hole than I've already got myself into!

Thanks.

JEff

This procedure will get your archived (saved) files, stored on a drive, into a state that iMovie will import them.

1) Create a root folder called Mp_Root on an external drive, USB stick, SD card... (probably works with a disk image as well, though I haven't tried it)

2) Inside this folder create another folder called 101PNV01

3) Copy your .mod files inside the 101PNV01 folder and change the extensions to .mpg

4) Restart iMovie. It will now detect the external drive as a camera and allow to import all the clips using the date created/modified info as timestamps for perfect cataloging.

iMovie does NOT re-encode the movie files, you retain full quality. It simply puts them in a .mov container and creates the thumbnails.

iyacyas,

I'll give it a try, thank you.

iyacyas,

Thanks again, this worked for me. But I've got to find something that takes less work than changing the extension of every clip. I won't live long enough to do them all!

Thanks again,
JEff

You could use a re-namer program such as Renamer4Mac works great. This will allow you to change mass amounts of file names at one time.

Thanks, I'll look for that and give it a try.

Regards, JEff

This solution isn't working for me. I have iMovie '09 and some .MOD files I'm trying to import. I've tried all the steps that iyacyas laid out but so far, the files are still grayed out or the program says there is nothing to import. It is not recognizing the memory stick as a camera either.

Thanks for your help.

Hi,

The suggestions from iyacyas are all good. I have done them myself with success. Both the flash drive solution, and using the file renamer program for large batches of files.

One time, I thought I was doing everything correct with the flash drive process, and it did not work. I went back and realized I had not changed the file extensions from .mod to .mpg. That solved the problem. Please double check that you are following the instructions exactly.

Also, remember that changing from .mod to .mpg is only necessary when you are doing the flash drive process with files that were copied off of the camcorder without properly importing them to iMovie. If you use iMovie and "Import from Camera", you won't have a problem.

Chris

Hi Chris@JVC,

I have the JVC Everio GZ-MG155 and have been able to import my .mod files into iMovie 09. However, I've noticed a decrease in picture quality after the import. I can play the original files in VLC media player and the quality is much higher than the import.

Do you know of any reports on a decrease in quality when importing via iMovie 09? If not, any tips or advance on maintaining the original quality would be appreciated.

Thanks,

John

Hi John,

Are you importing via USB or Firewire? Your model supports both (firewire is on the dock). You might want to see if one looks better than the other. My understanding would lead me to believe that USB is the best choice on your model.

There are no other standard def picture quality settings for importing in iMovie '09 that I am aware of.

Chris

I'm importing into iMovie via USB. I haven't tried a fireware transfer though. Like I said, I can connect my Everio and view the files via VLC, which look fine for standard definition. So I'm assuming the issue is when iMovie converts the files upon import. I tried other converting apps but they too cut the video quality almost in half. I'm going to stir clear of this approach.

Maybe I need to contact Apple support again. I called once already and the blame was placed on JVC. Go figure.

Thanks,


John

Hi John,

I think that with USB, you are using the best connection. iMovie does automatically convert the files on import, but it's a relatively transparent process, and I have never noticed any drop in quality personally.

Chris