New Mac , Old Video at DVinfo.net

Marty Hamrick · August 27th, 2014, 10:35 AM

Just got a new iMac. Planning to get Final Cut Pro, but for now I'm playing with iMovie, which reminds me of my old laptop that had Windows Movie Maker. Kind of like comparing a Moviscop viewer and rewinds to a Steenbeck. I just had some mini DV tapes converted to DVD which play fine on the separate disc reader-burner, but I can't import them to iMovie. In the past I downloaded the free version of Any Video Converter and did just fine. I'm a little leery of downloading something free off the net, my old laptop got nailed with some malware from a free audio mixing software a few years ago. Is there a free converter for Macs that is safe? Also, I want to convert my old VHS, Betacam (all formats including SX) to a video file. I understand there is a cheap way using a camcorder as a pass through to the new version of firewire, which I'll need an adaptor for. I'm using a Canon GL-1. What do I need and how much does it cost?

Tim Lewis · August 27th, 2014, 03:32 PM

Hi Marty

I think you need to download VLC player (for the codecs) and Handbrake and rip the DVD's to an editable file type like .mov.

Cheers

Tim

Les Wilson · August 27th, 2014, 03:55 PM

Well as the old expression goes, "There's no such thing as a free lunch". Free software .... can't expect much.

Why not pay a little and support someone providing the capability needed? DVDxDVPro is a long time Mac utility for ripping DVDs into video files for the various Mac editing packages ... including iMovie.

If GL-1 supports pass through, you will need a 4-pin to 9-pin firewire cable assuming your iMac has Firewire 800.

Marty Hamrick · August 27th, 2014, 07:38 PM

Thanks guys. I've used Handbrake before.

Kevin McRoberts · August 27th, 2014, 08:42 PM

Some combination of Handbrake/MPEG Streamclip/VLC should do you well. Heck, been using those freebies as a pro for years.

August 27th, 2014, 10:35 AM	#1
Marty Hamrick Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Windsor, Ontario Posts: 42	New Mac , Old Video Just got a new iMac. Planning to get Final Cut Pro, but for now I'm playing with iMovie, which reminds me of my old laptop that had Windows Movie Maker. Kind of like comparing a Moviscop viewer and rewinds to a Steenbeck. I just had some mini DV tapes converted to DVD which play fine on the separate disc reader-burner, but I can't import them to iMovie. In the past I downloaded the free version of Any Video Converter and did just fine. I'm a little leery of downloading something free off the net, my old laptop got nailed with some malware from a free audio mixing software a few years ago. Is there a free converter for Macs that is safe? Also, I want to convert my old VHS, Betacam (all formats including SX) to a video file. I understand there is a cheap way using a camcorder as a pass through to the new version of firewire, which I'll need an adaptor for. I'm using a Canon GL-1. What do I need and how much does it cost?

August 27th, 2014, 03:32 PM	#2
Tim Lewis Major Player Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Perth, Western Australia. Posts: 591	Re: New Mac , Old Video Hi Marty I think you need to download VLC player (for the codecs) and Handbrake and rip the DVD's to an editable file type like .mov. Cheers Tim __________________ Cheers Tim

August 27th, 2014, 03:55 PM	#3
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Re: New Mac , Old Video Well as the old expression goes, "There's no such thing as a free lunch". Free software .... can't expect much. Why not pay a little and support someone providing the capability needed? DVDxDVPro is a long time Mac utility for ripping DVDs into video files for the various Mac editing packages ... including iMovie. If GL-1 supports pass through, you will need a 4-pin to 9-pin firewire cable assuming your iMac has Firewire 800.

August 27th, 2014, 07:38 PM	#4
Marty Hamrick Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Windsor, Ontario Posts: 42	Re: New Mac , Old Video Thanks guys. I've used Handbrake before.

August 27th, 2014, 08:42 PM	#5
Kevin McRoberts Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 700	Re: New Mac , Old Video Some combination of Handbrake/MPEG Streamclip/VLC should do you well. Heck, been using those freebies as a pro for years. __________________ Freelance pudgy bearded lighting camera operator www.mcbob.tv