Edit modern HD video on PowerPC G4

[jordanfc21]

Hi everyone! I'd like to know if anyone has used a PPC G4 recently to edit modern HD video shot on an iPhone? I filmed some shots in 1080p HD on my phone, but when I transfer these to my iBook G4, Final Cut can't read the file. I know this is due to the age of the encoders on OS X 10.4.11, but I was wondering if anyone has had luck with this, and what their method was? Thanks!

 

[Dronecatcher]

Hi everyone! I'd like to know if anyone has used a PPC G4 recently to edit modern HD video shot on an iPhone? I filmed some shots in 1080p HD on my phone, but when I transfer these to my iBook G4, Final Cut can't read the file. I know this is due to the age of the encoders on OS X 10.4.11, but I was wondering if anyone has had luck with this, and what their method was? Thanks!

It can be done but is incredibly slow and hard on your iBook:

 

[flatjuba]

It can be done but is incredibly slow and hard on your iBook:

Then, what about doing it in imac G5 or Powermac G4 MDD 2x1Ghz? Will it have the same suffering?

 

[Dronecatcher]

Then, what about doing it in imac G5 or Powermac G4 MDD 2x1Ghz? Will it have the same suffering?

Same suffering - marginally quicker

Bottom line is, PowerPC can't edit h264 - there has to be a conversion into a format it can handle first.

The exception would be some rudimentary editing in QuickTime and then saving as .mov - when I've done this though the file will only playback correctly in QuickTime and nothing else.

 

[PowerHarryG4]

Hi everyone! I'd like to know if anyone has used a PPC G4 recently to edit modern HD video shot on an iPhone? I filmed some shots in 1080p HD on my phone, but when I transfer these to my iBook G4, Final Cut can't read the file. I know this is due to the age of the encoders on OS X 10.4.11, but I was wondering if anyone has had luck with this, and what their method was? Thanks!

I wouldn't bother with 1080p, however i've had luck with 720p and 1080i. I used compressor to convert it to ProRes and then that footage works really smooth on final cut; you could give it a go with the 1080p footage, it should run smoother.

 

[flatjuba]

I wouldn't bother with 1080p, however i've had luck with 720p and 1080i. I used compressor to convert it to ProRes and then that footage works really smooth on final cut; you could give it a go with the 1080p footage, it should run smoother.

What converter do you use? Will machine like Powerbook G4 1.5 ghz suffice?

 

[Dronecatcher]

What converter do you use? Will machine like Powerbook G4 1.5 ghz suffice?

I'd recommend MPEG Streamclip though you can use QuickTime or just drag into iMovie (which will convert the slowest.)

 

[flatjuba]

I'd recommend MPEG Streamclip though you can use QuickTime or just drag into iMovie (which will convert the slowest.)

ProRes able to run on the PowerPC? I heard it won't

 

[Dronecatcher]

ProRes able to run on the PowerPC? I heard it won't

I never tried - I always opted for Apple Intermediate Codec - any uncompressed format is ideal.

 

[PowerHarryG4]

What converter do you use? Will machine like Powerbook G4 1.5 ghz suffice?

I used compressor 3 with Final Cut Studio 2. I have to admit I did use a Powermac 2.0 DP so I had quite a bit more power. But I think the best way to know would be to try and see if it runs smoothly. But I think others in this thread have more experience with ppc and video formats than I do.

 

[PowerHarryG4]

ProRes able to run on the PowerPC? I heard it won't

Yeah it was with Final Cut Studio 2 and then converted the 720p h264 footage to prores 422, it wasn’t perfect but miles better than the h264 footage.

 

[jordanfc21]

@flatjuba @PowerHarryG4 @Dronecatcher Thanks for your input everyone! I do also have a PowerMac G5 1.8ghz DP so I might try with that machine too