.avi->mpeg4 (anything iMovie compatible)

[spikespike]

I'm searching for a guide for converting .avi to anything iMovie compatible. I've tried ffmpegx, but can't figure out how to make it work. In the past I've simply used handbrake to rip VOB files into mpeg, however this time I have a data dvd with a 1.3gb avi file that I need to edit in iMovie (which won't even take the file because of the size, it says I need to cut it up by using Quicktime Pro, of course the .avi won't even open in Quicktime). Can anyone help me with this? I did do a forum search but didn't see anything (perhaps I didn't go far enough back). I'd really appreciate it if someone could explain the ins and outs of ffmpegx for me. Thanks!

[live4ever]

MPEG Streamclip and choose File>Export to DV... this file will be imported by iMovie.

http://www.squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-mac.html

You will also need Perian to open the .avi in QuickTime-based video programs.

http://perian.org/

[unSOUND]

Actually Perian creates more problems than it solves...

Best way is still to manually collect all the different codecs that are out there.

[rumplestiltskin]

Perian is fine but be sure to update to v1.0 if you've updated your QuickTime to v7.2.

MPEG Streamclip is wonderful. I wouldn't be without it.

[terryj]

umm, I'd like to hear what Problems Perian causes unSOUND?
It does replace a lot of codecs, could you perhaps be having
a codec conflict in your system with DIVX, ogg, or somesuch?

Perian v. 1.0 is pretty stable for me, and aside from
an occasional hiccup, Perian v1.0 is handling 99% of
my playback/conversion work ( Flip4Mac gets the other 1%).

And yes, something really went astray with QT 7.2,
I went back to 7.16 at home.

[SERBIAN]

If you install Perian component you should be able to open .avi in question with QuickTime...If that works fine, then just launch iMovie and import your .avi...It will be converted during importing in the format you have been chosen for your project /MP4 or DV/.