iMovie will not import DV from HDV using Sony HDR FX1 iLink converter

You're - unfortunately - right, and I don't know a "mystery secret" ..at least not for iMovie!

The problem seems to be that when the camcorder and iMovie check with each other to see what format's being used for the video, either the cam doesn't correctly send the information that it's exporting as DV, or iMovie can't recognise that, and just reads the cam's HDV setting - as you've mentioned. This seems to require some extra exchange of info between Apple and Sony so that they can get their act together..

HOWEVER, if my memory's still working (..I'll check this later today..) you can import using the downloadable program BTV Pro, and you might be able to import using QuickTime Pro (..click on the QuckTime tab at the top of this page for upgrade details).

So iMovie won't do it (shame - send Feedback to Apple), but other programs can..

Oh, by the way; welcome to iMovie Discussions..

Create a dummy title in your DV project and save. That way you have some "footage" already in the project and iMovie can no longer change the project from DV to HDV.

Brilliant, Lennart.

[..My mind's going. I always used to write "Make a 'template' with a bit of spare footage already in it, so that iMovie is "kick-started" into the right mode" etc, but since I've been away for a week or so my mind's gone blank! ..Must be all that football which has addled my brain ..or the heat..]

Brilliant, Lennart.

Aw-shucks.

My mind's going.

It can be either the football or the heat: Neither is good for you. ;-)

PROBLEM SOLVED! OK here is what you do.

1. DO NOT PLUG IN YOUR CAMERA
2. On the menu in the FX1 (HC1 too) turn the VCR HDV/DV to AUTO
3. On the meny " " turn the iLink conv HDV to DV ON
4. Open iMovie and choose DV Widescreen
5. Import away.

The issue was that we shouldn't plug the camera in then make the settings in the menu or iMovie won't recognize the change. COOL!

Great tip, but it didn't work for my HC1E (PAL). Here's what I did...

1. DO NOT PLUG IN YOUR CAMERA
2. On the menu in HC1 turn the VCR HDV/DV to DV
3. On the menu turn the iLink conv HDV to DV ON
4. Open iMovie and choose DV Widescreen project
5. Connect camera to Mac, turn on and iMovie should recognize it as DV format
6. Now go back to the menu and turn the VCR HDV/DV to AUTO
7. Now the movie should import as DV

Brilliant! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I was pounding my head on the desk before reading this.

I did require the last one (with the forced DV output followed by switching it to AUTO) to make it work.

PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

HI there...I just got this Sony that requires the ILink firewire and I was thinking I'd take the camera back but as I read on folks are using it but I am not clear on a few things. WOuld you be so kind to share with me your experience:

A. I DO need to get the I Link cable correct? (I have tried regular firewire to no avail)

B. The Mac and I Movie will recognize from the I link without buying another convertor on the Mac end? Or not?

C. I am assuming the convertor you are speaking of is one you select in Prefrences or whatever right? Or not?

Thanks for you input.
Shaz

A. I DO need to get the I Link cable correct? (I
have tried regular firewire to no avail)

Firewire is iLink. No difference

B. The Mac and I Movie will recognize from the I
link without buying another convertor on the Mac end?
Or not?

No converter needed.

C. I am assuming the convertor you are speaking of
is one you select in Prefrences or whatever right?

It's the in-camera converter.

What Sony camera did you get - this will help us help you.

Sony HDR-HC3...but I am wondering if it is blue screen because I just upgraded my Imovie and other apps when loading Ilife.

It is Imovie HD now....maybe I have to change something in settings?

I DO need to get the I Link cable correct? (I have tried regular firewire to no avail

Shaz, you need the 6 pin to 4 pin Firewire cable.

OK I got now after playing around with settings
Thanks much
Shaz

Great tip, but it didn't work for my HC1E (PAL).
Here's what I did...

1. DO NOT PLUG IN YOUR CAMERA
2. On the menu in HC1 turn the VCR HDV/DV to DV
3. On the menu turn the iLink conv HDV to DV ON
4. Open iMovie and choose DV Widescreen project
5. Connect camera to Mac, turn on and iMovie should
recognize it as DV format
6. Now go back to the menu and turn the VCR HDV/DV to
AUTO
7. Now the movie should import as DV

iLink down conversion wasn't working with my Sony HC3 until I came across this solution.

Thanks for the tip!