MPG's in iDVD

[The Monkees]

I can't add an MPEG file to my iDVD. Is it because there are also avi files on the same DVD? Or is there something wrong with that specific file?

If it is because of the avi files, is there a way to convert the file so I can include it?

[terryj]

Mpeg files cannot be added to iDVD.
They must first be demuxed, IIRC, or
they must be imported in ( sent to)
from iMovie to iDVD.

[The Monkees]

I'm not sure what demuxed or IIRC is. Is that a way of converting the files?

[terryj]

demuxed=split back into its seperate components.
in the case of Mpeg video, this means seperating it back down
into the video (.m2v)and audio ( .aiff) streams that make up
a muxed file like an mpeg.

MpegStreamclip can do this.

[terryj]

and IIRC=If I Recall Correctly.

[KMJvet]

Or MpegStreamclip can convert them to DV format and then into iMovie and then to iDVD. If you go from mpeg to DV, you don't have to do any demuxing.

[terryj]

but why waste time transcoding and taking a bit of a quality hit?
It would be faster to demux the asset ( since no editing is required)
and just drag/drop it into iDVD.

With transcoding from Mpeg to DV Stream, you eat up more HD space
as well as time to transcode it to DV. A simple 1-2 minute demux of the
assets, drag and drop into iDVD, your done.

[RealaT]

i've just tried the advice here demuxing an mpeg2 file into .m2v and .aiff files

the movie now appears in the media browser under videos, but it still won't let me drag the movie into my project

does anyone hav any solutions to this problem?

[Frobozz]

iDVD does not accept MPEG2 video files. Convert the video to DV or full quality QuickTime movie and then add it to iDVD.

Why are you using iDVD for this? Most people working with existing MPEG 2 video use Toast to author and burn their DVDs.

[terryj]

yes,here you go

Unfortunately, it looks like Apple took it out of IDVD08 with the .0.1 update to IDVD 7.
Most have either rolled back this to IDVD 7.0.0, or downgraded
to IDVD 6, which would allow you to just import the Video_TS folders
( from a ripped DVD, containing the Mpeg-2 files).

your best and easiest bet, although you take a quality hit, is to do as KMJvet suggested,
and convert the files with MpegStreamclip to
DV Stream.These will easily import into iDVD * (any version)

.....another reason to upgrade to DVDSP....

[RealaT]

thanks for the tips, i have just ended up making a quick disc using toast. only think is a really like the cool animated menus in iDVD.

if i end up getting into this hobby enough i may consider investing in DVDSP.... that's assuming it imports mpeg2 files of course

[sjk]

if i end up getting into this hobby enough i may consider investing in DVDSP.... that's assuming it imports mpeg2 files of course

If you don't want to invest in DVDSP there's the relatively affordable (and infrequently mentioned nowadays) Capty DVD. I've never used it, only noticed its occasional reference on video-related forums.

[Frobozz]

if i end up getting into this hobby enough i may consider investing in DVDSP.... that's assuming it imports mpeg2 files of course

If you don't want to invest in DVDSP there's the relatively affordable (and infrequently mentioned nowadays) Capty DVD. I've never used it, only noticed its occasional reference on video-related forums.

CaptyDVD2 (available only at the pixela-1 Web site) is quite nice once you figure it out. It accepts MPEG files, encodes Dolby audio (which iDVD doesn't do), has a variety of customizable motion menus and allows placing chapter markers in specific locations. I like that I can create a chapter menu with text descriptions such as the song titles for live concert DVDs. I don't usually require that much customizing so I typically use Toast. But since I don't have DVD SP there is nothing else that can do what CaptyDVD does for the money.

If anyone considers buying it I also suggest they consider getting the package of Pixela apps that includes Capty MPEGEdit EX. I don't like MPEG audio tracks so it will convert MPEG audio to Dolby AC-3. And it can join MPEGs and has a frame-accurate MPEG cutter. It also is picky about what kinds of files it accepts but once you understand its quirks (a kind word for any of Pixela's applications) you can be glad you have it when the need arises.