File types for use with iMovie

Hi All,

I have just today began using iMovie for the first time to try and help a colleague with a small bit of video editing.

The file type which she has saved on her camera is .MPG. Being a newbie I didn't realise that this file type was not supported (according to research on the internet) so I used Handbrake to convert the file type. I used the preset function in Handbrake to convert to 'Apple Universal' which turned out to be .MP4.

So when I copied the files back to my Mac (converted on Dell as Mac has no internet access at work) they still appeared greyed out. I reconverted the file to .MKV and still appeared greyed out when I copied back...

Am I missing something with the conversion, file types to be used or am I just being a complete numpty??

Many Thanks

iMovie should have accepted the MP4 file type. MKV is a container not a file type, and iMovie doesn't accept it anyway.

You can use MPEG Streamclip to convert MPG files to DV, which is the way you want to go for maximum preservation of quality (be aware that DV files are HUGE so lots of free space on the HD is a must). You may need to buy the $30 QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback component first.

Thanks chas_m, that's what I thought as well...

Might try and re-encoding them using a different application or try it on my Mac this time, maybe something to do with a PC, unlikely but who knows!

Any other suggestions welcome and I'll keep this post updated!

Prism worked like a treat......

Cheers again!