ShanAnd113

Q: iMovie won't let me import video files

I have been trying to import MPEG video files from a disc into iMovie and every time I try to do this the Optimizing Video box pops up and nothing happens (I then have to force iMovie to shut down). What can I do to get my video files imported into iMovie?  Thanks for the help!

iMovie '11

Posted on Sep 15, 2013 1:20 PM

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Q: iMovie won't let me import video files

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  • by Klaus1,

    Klaus1 Klaus1 Sep 15, 2013 2:47 PM in response to ShanAnd113
    Level 8 (48,878 points)
    Sep 15, 2013 2:47 PM in response to ShanAnd113

    iMovie cannot handle mpeg files.

     

    You need to convert thoe files back to DV which iMovie is designed to handle. For that you need mpegStreamclip:

     

    http://www.squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-mac.html

     

    which is free, but you must also have the  Apple mpeg2 plugin :

     

    http://store.apple.com/us/product/D2187Z/A/quicktime-mpeg-2-playback-component-f or-mac-os-x

     

    (unless you are running Lion in which case see below))

    which is a mere $20.

     

    Another possibility is to use DVDxDV:

     

    http://www.dvdxdv.com/NewFolderLookSite/Products/DVDxDV.overview.htm

     

    which costs $25.

     

    For the benefit of others who may read this thread:

     

    Obviously the foregoing only applies to DVDs you have made yourself, or other home-made DVDs that have been given to you. It will NOT work on copy-protected commercial DVDs, which in any case would be illegal.

     

    And from the TOU of these forums:

     

    Keep within the Law

    1. No material may be submitted that is intended to promote or commit an illegal act.
    2. Do not submit software or descriptions of processes that break or otherwise ‘work around’ digital rights management software or hardware. This includes conversations about ‘ripping’ DVDs or working around FairPlay software used on the iTunes Store.

     

    If you are running Lion:

     

    From the MPEG Streamclip homepage

     

    The installer of the MPEG-2 Playback Component may refuse to install the component in Lion. Apple states the component is unnecessary in Lion onwards, however MPEG Streamclip still needs it. See this:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3381

     

    To install the component in Lion, please download MPEG Streamclip 1.9.3b7 beta above; inside the disk image you will find the Utility MPEG2 Component Lion: use it to install the MPEG-2 Playback Component in Lion. The original installer's disk image (QuickTimeMPEG2.dmg) is required.

     

    The current versions of MPEG Streamclip cannot take advantage of the built-in MPEG-2 functionality of Lion. For MPEG-2 files you still need to install the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component, which is not preinstalled in Lion. You don't have to install QuickTime 7.