How can I import video from a VCD or AVSEQ01.DAT file into an event in FCPX?

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Level 1

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How can I import video from a VCD or AVSEQ01.DAT file into an event in FCPX?

Hello to all. I have with me some footage which is precious to me. The original footage was captured on a VCR from a live TV show. I had got the Video cassette converted into a VCD and of it I have copied a AVSEQ01.DAT file on my windows computer. Now, I am minded to 'edit' this VCD...only cutting out unnecessary bits and keeping what is precious to me. I know that if I can import it into an FCPX event, I would be able to do the necessary edits on the timeline. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5), garage band, FCPX:10.0.8 version

Posted on Sep 20, 2013 8:44 PM

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Answer 1

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Sep 20, 2013 8:58 PM in response to somanna

Why did you copy that file off the disc? You can probably convert directly from the disc using MPEG Streamclip, but it probably would not work with just the .dat file.

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Answer 2

somanna Author

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Sep 20, 2013 9:07 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Thanks Tom for your reply. I do have the VCD but do not remember where it has been stored! I do not have MPEG streamclip. Is there some other way to get around this road block after I do find the VCD?

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Answer 3

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Sep 20, 2013 9:10 PM in response to somanna

Download MPEG Streamclip.

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Answer 4

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Sep 20, 2013 9:14 PM in response to somanna

I don't think there's anything you can do with a .dat file on a Mac. It may not be the complete video component if the VCD anyway. There rest of the data is probably necessary to convert the file, which is very likely in a small format MPEG-1 file.

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Answer 5

somanna Author

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Sep 20, 2013 10:54 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Have downloaded MPEG streamclip. But upon trying to export, I get this error report:

What should I do?

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Answer 6

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Sep 21, 2013 1:42 AM in response to somanna

You'll need the disc.

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Answer 7

Sep 23, 2013 4:34 AM in response to somanna

you should rename the file on your hard disk... change AVSEQ01.DAT to AVSEQ01.mpg and sellect use .mpg.

now you can do any thing you want with your footage.

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Answer 8

somanna Author

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Sep 23, 2013 5:21 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Tom, I have located the disk and when I tried to export as quicktime movie, I got this error:

?

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Answer 9

somanna Author

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133 points

Sep 23, 2013 5:22 AM in response to roozi.roke

Your suggestion is not working. Thanks anyway for trying to be helpful.😀

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Answer 10

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,780 points

Sep 23, 2013 6:01 AM in response to somanna

I don't know what would cause that. What exactly does Streamclip say about the media? What are you doing? I assume Streamclip can play the video.

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Answer 11

Sep 23, 2013 6:40 AM in response to somanna

#1) create a new folder on your hard drive

#2) drag and drop the VCDs content into that the folder; eject VCD; work only with the material in that folder ....

#3) you replied to roozi-roke suggestion "not working" - what? not working to rename the file? or not working to open/convert it with Streamclip?

#4) you showed Tom that error screen - did you open the disk itself with Streamclip, or from a copy on hard-drive?

#5) another tool claiming to convert .dat files, is iSquint http://isquint.en.softonic.com/mac/download

you can give that a try .....

(follow advice in numbered sequence, please)

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Answer 12

somanna Author

Level 1

133 points

Sep 23, 2013 6:58 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Yes it can play the video. At the lower margin, the following data is seen: Video track: 224, Audio track: 192 MP2 stereo, Audio mode: high.

In the >file drop down menu, I had clicked export as quicktime. Now, while writing to you I realize my error, I should have chosen for convert to! Right now the conversion is going on...have asked conversion to MPEG. The progress bar shows75% of conversion and there are nearly 100000 data breaks already! Wonder what is going to happen!

Yes Tom, streamclip has made a quicktime movie of the disk which I have saved to the desktop. Now I know that I can import it into an event in FCPX and do the necessary editing.

Thanks a lot.

Message was edited by: somanna

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Answer 13

somanna Author

Level 1

133 points

Sep 23, 2013 6:54 AM in response to Karsten Schlüter

Thanks for joining this thread and for your helpful guidance.

When trying out roozi-roke's suggestion, I was able to rename the file, but the further manner in which I dealt with the matter is now foggy to me. [You see, this is my first encounter with streamclip]. I do not remember whether I had asked for an export or 'convert' action of streamclip.

I had opened the disk itself with streamclip...even here it did not read straightaway. I did something which finally allowed it to read the disk and even play it.

I am bookmarking this thread for future use...your information is valuable...related to the iSquint.

Thanks once again and have a great day in your son's football field. May the Lord abundantly bless you and your family.

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Answer 14

somanna Author

Level 1

133 points

Sep 23, 2013 7:42 AM in response to somanna

Hello Tom, am afraid that I have shouted hip-hip-hooray too soon!

The converted file is being played by quicktime player, but is not being read by FCPX.

Do I need to anything further?

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Answer 15

somanna Author

Level 1

133 points

Sep 23, 2013 8:27 AM in response to somanna

Hello Tom! Got it finally! I first converted it into MPEG and then exported the same as MPEG-4 and this is being read by FCPX! Don't know exactly what I have done, but, it is done. Thanks for the help extended throughout this thread.

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