Importing MPEG's in Fianl Cut 5

[whiff79]

I am trying to import some MPEG4 video files I downloaded off the net into Final Cut Pro. When I drag them to the timeline it says they need to be rendered. I have tried different Presets, and I've even tried to make my own custom Preset based on the format of the video file, but I still get the red "render" line. There must be something I'm overlooking. Some help please.

[willrob]

You're overlooking the fact that FCP can't edit MPEGs.

[terryj]

Take the mpeg-4s into ffmpegx first, then render them
to DV stream. Import those into FCP, it should then be
able to handle them.
I haven't tried the new MPEGStreamclip 1.5,
but I'm sure somebody will chime in whether or not it
could do the same also.

[whiff79]

I tried to convert my mpeg2 to a DV format using the program you suggested, and I still have to render in FCP. Any help?

[whiff79]

I can view the video now without rendering, but I still have to render the audio. ???

[terryj]

What type of audio did set it to?
It should have been AIFF or PCM.
if it is MPEG-4 audio, yes, you will need to try again.

[whiff79]

How do I set it to AIFF or the other one you mentioned using the program???

[whiff79]

Nevermind, I found the option in QT Pro. Thanks

[terryj]

How do I set it to AIFF or the other one you mentioned using the program???

for the record:
in ffmpegx,
click the audio tab
from the pop-up menu
select either PCM(dv) or .mp2
for audio.