Converting MPEG2 Files to edit in iMovie

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Level 1

126 points

Converting MPEG2 Files to edit in iMovie

I am a teacher. For one of my class assignments, kids made movies about historical events. Two kids' movies were submitted in MPEG2 format. They will play with Quicktime player, but when I import them into iMovie HD, all I get is the video with no sound. I want to "clean up" the projects and post them on my class website as Quicktime movies.

I understand that iMovie HD won't import the MPEG2 files with audio. I don't want to put the kids' work on my class website until I "polish" up a little so the kids aren't embarrassed.

I am working on a very tight budget. What is the most cost effective way to convert MPEG2 files into DV I can edit with iMovie?

iBook G4 / iMacG4 / iMacG5 / eMac, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Mar 13, 2007 6:50 PM

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Answer 1

mishmumken

Level 5

4,000 points

Mar 13, 2007 7:15 PM in response to Joeswell

Hello Joeswell,

you will need to convert the files in question to DV - that way you can edit them in iMovie. Find some more info in Dan Slagle's Unofficial iMovie FAQ:

• Can't hear audio in iMovie when I import an MPEG clip
http://www.danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6030.shtml
• Using Mpeg (DVD) footage
http://danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6010.shtml

and also Matti Haveri's website: How can I edit MPEG or convert DVD or MPEG to DV
http://www.sjoki.uta.fi/%7Eshmhav/SVCDon_a_Macintosh.html#edit_convertMPEG

Tools:

MPEG StreamClip:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/mpegstreamclip.html
Apple MPEG2 PlayBack:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/mpeg2/
DVDxDV
http://www.dvdxdv.com/

hope this helps

mish

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