Convert .mpg or .wmv file for Final Cut Express or iMovieHD?

[bbop16]

I have a non copyrighted .mpg file (which was edited/developed on a PC) that I would like to import into either iMovieHD or Final Cut Express to edit. After looking through several web sites it seems that I need to install and run ffmpegX however I have been unable to properly install it. I continually get an error that says it can't find Library/ApplicationSupport/ffmpegX. I followed instructions on another help site that instructed to do the following in Terminal.app:

sudo mkdir /usr/local && sudo mkdir /usr/local/share && sudo mkdir /usr/local/lib && sudo mkdir '/Library/Application Support/ffmpegX'

This instruction came from "majorr" whom I think is the souce of ffmpegX.

First question, is this the correct software to use to convert a .mpg or .wmv file to .mov so that I can import into iMovieHD or Final Cut Express for editing?

Second question, is there something better to capture and convert files in order to edit said files?

I have also explored using MacTheRipper. Third question, will MacTheRipper capture/convert files for editing in iMovieHD or Final Cut Express.

Thank you for any and all information you can provide.

Oh, I am using a G4 Powerbook w/ 10.4.2 OS.

[terryj]

1. You may want to post your install portion/problem
in the ffmpegx General Use forum a few click down
on the main Wideohelp.com/forum page.
Major usually gets back to that page faster than this one.

2. Yes this is the correct software to demux mpg files
and convert (SOME) wmv files over into Quicktime .mov
files or .DV files for editing in iMovie or FCE/FCP.
(I say SOME, because depending on the flavor of
WMV used, you may or may not get a successful convert)

3. Is there something better...?Better than say
capturing directly in to the computer to DV via FW?
That is your best
if you can do that...otherwise with the file formats
you have, these are the best tools you can get.

4. Mac The Ripper is for ripping DVDs, period.
It does not have post production video capabilities.

[bbop16]

Thanks, will transfer the question there.....brian

[ps2daddy]

does your mpeg play in quicktime
You can convert directly if it plays and you have quicktime pro just slect DV and split it up in to 10min chuncks (I think the latest imove will handle 30min chunks but I am not for sure)

[gspanos@comcast.net]

iMovieHD handles 30 minutes and more of dv files. No need to chunk it anymore.

[bbop16]

No, the .mpg will not play in Quicktime. That is why I am trying to convert to a .mov file and import into iMovieHD or FCE. I found the ffmpegX forum a few subjects down and there is an answer there. I will see if it works.

[ps2daddy]

Do you have toast 6

if it will play in that you might also be able to convert it to dvd with that you can go the the video creation option and drag the file over to that and see if it works and you can also convert to dv with toast now if I am not mistaken

ffmpeg will deifinitely work though

[bbop16]

Thanks....I will check Toast 6 out as well....hope to re-install ffmpegX this weekend.