How do I import MPEG to iMovie?

I responded to your question in another thread and have copied and pasted it as follows:

See this User Tip by AppleMan1958. Although it's principally about importing DVDs to iMovie, it contains valuable information about MPEG Streamclip and the MPEG-2 Playback Component.

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3951

John

NOTE: In future it will be best to import directly to iMovie from your connected camera (or memory stick if applicable). iMovie may offer to optimize the clips. This process will convert the MPEG clips to Apple Intermediate Codec, iMovie's preferred editing format. In iMovie choose File > Import from Camera then import as Full.

If you do successfully convert the existing clips using MPEG Streamclip, import them to iMovie using File > Import > Movies (again, choose Full).

You mentioned you have a Sony camera. What type of camera is it? Is it one of the earlier models that use mini DVD discs (not tape, memory stick or hard drive)?

John

Also, see this Apple article about importing DVD camcorder movies to iMovie:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2361

John

OK - it appears that you may have used the VR mode for recording. See the article I just linked to in my last post (our posts crossed).

John

See this other topic regarding this issue:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3434813?answerId=22565689022#22565689022

John

I have a Sony DCR-IP55 MicroMV camcorder (bought in 2003) and Firewire cable that WILL NOT be recognized by iMovie 10.1 on my 2015 iMac running OS X Yosemite with 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7.

But - the good news - the camera works just fine with iMovie '09 version 8.0.6 (I kept an old copy thankfully - it works fine side-by-side the latest version of iMovie).

Apple: Really? It would not have been hard to copy over the old import formats. Yes I know Sony is difficult with formats.

Good luck all!