Converting .avi files to edit in Final Cut Express HD

[intrepidcaptain]

Hello all! First time posting...

I've got Final Cut Express HD 3.5.1 (yes, from 2006, but it serves me very well and I can't afford the new stuff), and I've been tasked with editing down some files that are in .avi format. I've tried converting them with MPEG Streamclip (just downloaded this month) but that software doesn't see the file. I just get a white block with no sound that doesn't respond to the play button. The .avi files play perfectly well in VLC, and I can't open them in Quicktime.

Anybody have a suggestion? Time isn't an issue for me, though I can't buy any new software... hoping for a freeware solution.

Thanks so much!

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Download Perian, install it and try again to open the .avi file in MPEG Streamclip.

Then apply the following steps (excluding the OPEN DVD part and replacing them with OPEN FILE) like shown in the guides (one written tutorial and one video tutorial) to get acceptable videos using an editing codec.

• Get footage from a video DVD into an editing application
• Video DVD to iMovie - how to transcode it properly - YouTube

And depending on your will to learn more about those pesky codecs and such:

Video Compression
Why It Matters & How To Make The Most Of It

which includes the following sections:

• GOPs, Macroblocks & Wavelets
• Acquisition Formats
• Editing & Post Formats
• Final Cut Pro
• Avid Media Composer
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Which Codec Should I Edit With?
• Conclusion
• Camera Codec Summary
• Apple ProRes Variations
• Avid DNxHD Codecs