05-03-2012, 11:59 AM

Hi All,
I'm new here and I'm not really a Mac user I just support them so im looking for some advice.

Basically our research department so a load of video editing via 2 old G4 macs on 10.4 with Imovie HD (5). when they make a project they save it onto a Mac server so its all backed up ,then any exported video is also stored there.

So today they has an issue and I had to use a Mac from another department which happened to have Imovie 8 randomly on it, I noticed that it doesn't allow you to save your project as it seems to create a small file which basically says what events were used where, instead of the more simplistic Imovie HD style. also the interface was very different.

Anyway back to the point. Basically I would like to replace at least 1 of their macs with a newer machine and get the latest Imovie on it, I am wondering how much of a jump it will be from HD to 11 and if there is the ability to back work up ( as they literally go through TB's of data?

thanks in advance

05-03-2012, 02:16 PM

Anyway back to the point. Basically I would like to replace at least 1 of their macs with a newer machine and get the latest Imovie on it, I am wondering how much of a jump it will be from HD to 11 and if there is the ability to back work up ( as they literally go through TB's of data?

That's a leap in time when you're referring to an older G4 and a very old version of iMovie. So yes, it will be quite different. As far as the ability to back up work, that's easy with the built in Time Machine application and a large external hard drive. You didn't mention backing up to a network drive. Time Machine will need some "adjusting" in order to backup over a network.

05-03-2012, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by chscag

That's a leap in time when you're referring to an older G4 and a very old version of iMovie. So yes, it will be quite different. As far as the ability to back up work, that's easy with the built in Time Machine application and a large external hard drive. You didn't mention backing up to a network drive. Time Machine will need some "adjusting" in order to backup over a network.

hi again. yea the current process is backup work every week or on completion to the mac server, then we archive it off there on a backup tape probably every 3 months. I take it saving is like in 8 still then? if there's a file or set of files that can be moved easily like in HD, then that's good enough for me

05-03-2012, 03:19 PM

Yes, that should work. Also, refer to this article: LINK In my opinion, using Time Machine will be easier. Give it a try.

05-03-2012, 05:19 PM

if there's a file or set of files that can be moved easily like in HD, then that's good enough for me

When you import into iMovie11, the footage is saved as an Event. Events are stored, by default, in Home Folder>Movies>iMovie Events. When importing you also get the option to save to an external drive.

As you've noticed, iMovie11 is a big change from iMovieHD. I strongly advise that you work through the iMovie Help tutorials and maybe vist the Service and Support website(from the Help Menu) to watch the video tutorials.

05-04-2012, 04:23 AM

Thanks guys! good to know! so what they could do in theory is save the event with a similar/same name as the "project" e.g. clientXvideoYdateZ then copy those files to a server! shame there is no save as though! I personally consider that quiet a useful feature!!