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Convert VOB files to edit in iMovie?

netdog

netdog

macrumors 603
Original poster
Feb 6, 2006
5,760
38
London
Anyone know a free app that I could use to convert my VOB files ripped from a DVD (of material that I created btw) to a format that iMovie can accept?

Any suggestions about how to retain maximum quality in that? Ultimately, I just want to join the different VOBs, edit them, and burn several different DVD from the various content.

Help!
 
netdog said:
Anyone know a free app that I could use to convert my VOB files ripped from a DVD (of material that I created btw) to a format that iMovie can accept?

Any suggestions about how to retain maximum quality in that? Ultimately, I just want to join the different VOBs, edit them, and burn several different DVD from the various content.

Help!
Click to expand...

iSquint, maybe? worked great for my on some flvs
 
I really like MPEG Streamclip: http://www.squared5.com

You'll need Apple's MPEG-2 Playback component ($20) to get it to convert VOB, but that's only $5 more than ffmpegX. MPEG Streamclip has many options, including uncompressed video. I like ffmpegX, but I find that too often it's "picky" and won't convert properly. It's a guessing game, sometimes, trying to figure out what will work with it and what won't. (But don't get me wrong—I still like ffmpegX.)

A good thing about MPEG Streamclip is that you can find just the part of the VOB file you want to convert, and get that part only. With ffmpegX, you have to convert the whole thing.
 
I use handbrake to rip my movies to AVI or MP4, then Quicktime to roughlty cut out the scene I want and export to DV. Then import to iMovie and do whatever with.
 
Oh YES! How could I forget DVDxDV? I have that too. Wonderful app.

The thing I've found is that while a lot of these different apps will convert VOBs for iMovie, some of the converted files are not top quality. Editing them in iMovie loses even more picture quality. The finished movie made in iMovie then has a picture which is not very sharp.

DVDxDV, however, makes excellent quality DV/MOV files, which retain the sharp picture. MPEG Streamclip will too, but it's best to use DV format (or even uncompressed). Handbrake is a little tougher—I know of one person who made 3000 bitrate H.264 MP4s from Handbrake, then imported them to iMovie, and the picture quality was stellar.
 
Drop2DV

This is a freeware app that worked very nicely for me. I had already made a backup copy of a DVD using Mac the Ripper, and then was able to convert the VOB file of interest into a DV file (don't be alarmed, it uses a terminal window to work its magic). Google Drop2DV and you can find it too. You might need another app to convert from DV to your file of choice. Cheers! -Chris
 
thanks

yeah thanks for all the reccomendations...i've recently switched to mac from windows and I'm finding it a nightmare finding any conversion software that isn't designed to create ipod movies
 
Dvd2dv

I just used this program to do just what you're wanting to. I was having a devil of a time of it: tried FFMPEGX (kept on messing with the aspect ratio), and I couldn't seem to find help anywhere (there's a few threads here and there where I'm asking without much of a reply). I tried DVD2DV, and Presto!, it worked! Quality ain't so bad, either. If you don't mind posting what you finally do, I'd appreciate it - stilll curious as to why I had such a time of it.
 
same question

Hi i am definitely computer savvy and am looking for the same process. I have a Sony Handycam that uses DVDs. I have a P.C. at home but i use iMovie at my local Film Center. How can I convert my DVDs at home on my P.C so they are ready for iMovie at the Film Center. please help!!!
thank you
 
Indianpearl677 said:
Hi i am definitely computer savvy and am looking for the same process. I have a Sony Handycam that uses DVDs. I have a P.C. at home but i use iMovie at my local Film Center. How can I convert my DVDs at home on my P.C so they are ready for iMovie at the Film Center. please help!!!
thank you
Click to expand...
If the Macs have iMovie'08, there's a chance that your Sony DVD camcorder is supported. iMovie'08 would convert the MPEG-2 footage to something else, probably DV.

Otherwise, you might want to look into MPEGStreamclip. There's a Windows version.

ft
 
Old thread I know, but just curious as to what you ended up using Netdog. Got a wedding DVD from my new father in law that was done at Walmart. The files are VOB's. Right now, I am converting them with DropDV. Obviously no idea at this moment what the quality is like. Curious as to what will really give the best results for editing video in iMovie 09.
 
No audio in openshiiva

levyuri said:
Sorry to disturb you Im new to mac , I use OPENSHIVA but for some risen i gut the movie with no audio , any idea? thanks.
Click to expand...

Click on the audio tab and check encode audio. I did the same thing first time I used it. Also be aware that under the Video tab, if you leave it selected with XviD, Quicktime will not play your movie but it will import fine into iMovie.
 
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