Mac Newbie Lessons Learned So Far

[stonesrock]

Okay, I've had my iMac for about a month now and I'm making some headway on all my videos. Thought I would share what I've learned from this forum as well as other sites I've found via Google. After using a PC for years, I'm loving it by the way!!!

Here is what I've learned so far, but any feedback or advice would be great.

1. Mac the Ripper: I've used this program to rip DVD's. I've also used it to rip videos from my Sony Mini-DVD, since it worked okay with the PC (and the crap Sony software). Sure, not using firewire, but when I get my next video camera.

2. Handbrake: Used this to compress DVD. I've even compressed my DVD's to use on IPOD.

3. SteamClip. Found this since the Sony videos were all convered to MPEG-2 and wanted in a format that I could edit with in iMovie or even burn on iDVD. I had to purchase the QuickTime MPEG-2 upgrade, but this program does a great job of converting a ton of MPEG-2 movies I had on a hardrive and was unable to access and edit before.

4. Still haven't tried ffmpegX since I havent' had the time to read through the documentation. Was looking for something quick and easy at this point.

5. After looking through this forum and others, still trying to determine if Toast or Popcorn, or other burns are better than iDVD. Haven't had any issues yet, but if there are benefits of either, not sure how they compare.

That is all I have to say at this point. I've probably missed something along the way and I'm still trying to get a better handle on video aspects, the best formats, compression, etc.

 

[CrossBones]

Sounds like you are really doing well. Not missing the PC I presume!

 

[Carol247]

You're doing great! I've had mine since mid December and I've done a few things, but not even close to what you've accomplished. I could spend all day, day after day on my new imac. But then I have another life too that needs attention;>) Glad you're enjoying your new machine.

 

[RichP]

I've only had mine for 1-2 weeks, and am amazed at what Apple gives you with the iLife package. iMovie is WORLDS better than the stuff I was using on my PC. I love how fast it is as well.

I need a LOT more SFX, though. I'm going to see if I can find one of those "1,000,000 SFX for $30" packages.

 

[stonesrock]

Believe me, I wish I had more time, just going with little sleep. I work in systems at work and just wanted to get aclaimated to the Mac. I know once we get warmer weather here in the Midwest, I'll be out on my Hog and not playing as much on the Mac.

Note: I'm finding that Steamclip is more usefull than I originally thought. I'm ripping my mini-DVD movies into DV format so I can edit in iMovie.