Can I upload to iMovie from a dvd?

Question

Can I upload to iMovie from a dvd?

I have numerous home movies in VHS-C format, spanning 1989 to 2000.
Using a Panasonic DVD Recorder (model # DMR-ES30V), I plan to transfer from VHS-C cassette to DVD. Can I then upload from the newly burned DVD to iMovie for editing and storage?

I have previously converted videos from VHS-C to mini-DV using my camcorder as a converter, then uploaded to iMovie from the newly created mini-DV. I would like to save a step, if possible.

MacBookPro, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Jul 7, 2006 1:17 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 7, 2006 1:22 PM in response to rangersdaughter

Using a DVD will cost you quality, since the footage is highly compressed. It also requires hands-on and a lot of time to "unpack".

Going via miniDV is your best option.

From VHS to DVD
Give New Life to Old Movies
http://www.macworld.com/2004/05/features/fromvhstodvd/

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Answer 2

Jul 7, 2006 1:29 PM in response to rangersdaughter

rangersdaughter,

What miniDV camera do you have?

Some cameras have an analog to digital pass through mode. If yours does you may be able to hook you VCR up to the camera, connect the camera to the computer and import directly to iMovie without first recording to tape.

Matt

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Answer 3

Jul 7, 2006 3:06 PM in response to Matthew Morgan

i have a canon ZR70 digital video camcorder

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Answer 4

Jul 7, 2006 3:13 PM in response to Lennart Thelander

thanks for the rapid and concise reply. looks like i'll stay with the original method. thanks!

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Answer 5

Jul 7, 2006 5:16 PM in response to rangersdaughter

It appears that your camera does have a pass through mode.

Check out page 92 of your manual.

So, you could omit the intermediate step of recording to tape and go right to the computer.

Matt

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