How to import highest res AVI files into iMovie for later export in mp4?

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Level 1

5 points

How to import highest res AVI files into iMovie for later export in mp4?

Macbook Air, M1 with latest iMovie.

I have a lot of older avi video files that I would like to bring into iMovie for editing and then sharing. These videos were shot on a Sony digital tape cam-corder from about 20 years ago.

I already tried converting with Handbrake (that seems to be set to 1080p 30 frames). It seemed to go well. But I did notice the converted mp4 file was about 1/5th the size of the original avi file.

After editing in iMovie, I tried to export but the highest res option I was offered was 720p. Not ideal.

Is there a way I can get higher res output from iMovie by using a different Handbrake settings or a different converter entirely?

Or, if I must I would consider going from AVI to a non-mac solution if that would help retain the higher res.

Thanks for any suggestions!!

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Posted on Feb 11, 2024 3:29 AM

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Answer 1

Rich839

Level 8

48,582 points

Feb 11, 2024 9:19 AM in response to jackbootthug

iMovie sets the resolution as that of the first video clip inserted into an newly created project. So if you set the resolution by inserting a known 1080 clip as the first clip into a newly created project that will make it a 1080 project. You can then delete the inserted clip, if you want, and import your converted clip. That should get you a 1080 export option.

-- Rich

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Answer 2

Rich839

Level 8

48,582 points

Feb 12, 2024 8:43 AM in response to jackbootthug

Yes, that's probably what happened. When you imported your old 720 clip into the project, that set the project at 720 resolution. Usually you will still get a 1080 export option, but not always.

To set the project resolution at 1080 you would need to insert a different clip with a known 1080 resolution as the first clip in a newly created project. Then you can delete that clip and insert your 720 clip. That should give you a 1080 resolution export option.

However, upscaling from 720 to 1080 may not yield satisfactory results. You would need to evaluate that for yourself.

-- Rich

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Answer 3

jackbootthug Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 11, 2024 4:31 PM in response to Rich839

Thanks Rich! I'll give it a go.

But after I wrote the question it occurred to me that maybe the technology of the day means that the original files were done in 720p-not 1080p. The Sony digital tape camcorder I was using was state of the art consumer tech of the day. But that day was a long time ago.

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