Black Screen and No Video

[Watership]

I Just bought a JVC Everio G Series and am trying to edit the footage using the ffmpeg converter. Having problems converting to a .mov file. I get the audio and a black screen, when I play the file in imovie or Final Cut. Most likely its a stupid problem but I can't figure it out.

[Case]

As far as I can tell, the JVC Everio G stores video in an MPEG-2/AC3 program stream, but also features a DV-out link through 'the dock' (GZ-MG555, GZ-MG255, GZ-MG155; not GZ-MG130). So, iMovie or Final Cut should be able to import directly from the camera using a FireWire DV cable.

If you want to convert .mpg (MPEG-2/AC3) to .mov, then the ".MOV mpeg-4" preset in ffmpegX should be able to do so.

[Watership]

It only has USB on my camera (the GZ-MG130 I think) and when I convert the file I only get the sound. Am I missing a setting prefix? I can import the file but as a .mod file. Am I using the best way to convert to something compatible with those programs and why am I not getting Video? Sorry about all the questions.

[Case]

Try renaming your .mod file to .mpg, then opening it in ffmpegX. Is it recognized on the left side of the Summary tab? What parameters does it give?


I think the .mod files are slightly modified from the .mpg standard, but it is close enough for many converter apps to work correctly.