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.

[bbop16]

Was finally able to get ffmpegX installed propery w/ the help of this forum. It works great to convert video files.