video_ts conversion to import to imovie8

[Lu-min Chew]

I have some family video clips which were recorded on an old handycam which only records as video-ts files. Since buying my new mac i needed to convert these video_ts files to files which i can use on imovie8. Im new to this whole conversion thing but i successfully managed to convert them to .avi files using ffmpegX. Unfortunately i cant seem to import these .avi files into imovie8. i tried converting them to mpeg-4 or .mov files but had no success. Does anyone know how to convert video-ts files to a format which imovie will allow me to import?

[terryj]

iMovie 8, like all versions before and after, will accept DV Stream files.
Use MpegStreamclip, with the QT Mpeg-2 plugin ($20, from store.apple.com)
to open the VideoTS files, fix the Time Code BReaks, and export them to
DV Stream for import into iMovie.

[Frobozz]

I wonder why you didn't have success after converting to MPEG 4. Certainly terrj's suggestion of converting to DV will work. Be sure to use MPEG Streamclip's Fix timecode breaks command before exporting those videos from a VIDEO_TS folder created with a camcorder (or with a standalone DVD recorder).

[Lu-min Chew]

Thanks for the help guys - still having issues though. When i used MPEG Streamclip to open the file, i had to "check" the "open all files" in the dialog box to allow me to select the entire contents of the video_ts folder (should i be selecting video files only? but i did not seem to be allowed to select video files only anyway). Then when i opened the file, i fixed the time code breaks as prompted and did not check the box for "do not skip frame". When i tried exporting as DV stream it came back with error message "cant prepare the movie" Also, im not sure how to use the QT plug in WITH the MPEG streamclip as suggested by Terry. i have downloaded the program but i did not use it to open the Video_TS file. could this be the problem?

[terryj]

yes and yes.

First, Install the QT Mpeg-2 Codec properly on the system.
You profile says you have an Intel based mac.
Be sure to use the Installer for Intel Based Mac,
as the one for PPC will not work.
You only have to simply run the installer
( you did purchase this directly from Apple, right?)
and it will install it for you in the proper place.
You'll be prompted to restart, in which it will write the proper
receipt file, and your set.

Next, when you Open the the Video_TS folder in MpegStreamclip,
I always do "File-->Open DVD" and then select the video_ts folder.
(I don't think it matters, but this has always worked for me.)

Third, Fix Time Code Breaks, with the Do Not Skip Frame box checked.

Once you've properly installed the codec, the "can't prepare movie"
problem should be fixed, and export should begin.

[Lu-min Chew]

Oh my gosh!! it finally works!!! Thanks so much Terry, for having the patience to help a novice like me! its been a steep learning curve but im glad it worked! Thanks also to Frobozz!