What format do I need to convert .mpg to for iMovie?

[davidg4781]

I'm finally getting around to editing some old home movies that I recorded years ago with EyeTV. They're saved on my Mac as a .mpg file but iMovie is not recognizing that.

I'm guessing I have to use Handbrake to convert it to something that iMovie can use. What's the best format for this? Looking under More Info, it's a MPEG-2 Video, 1:16:37 long, 3.82 GB... if that helps for anything.

Also, if anyone can answer in this without having to start a new thread, what's a good import device? I was planning on getting the ADVC 55 or 110, but those use Firewire 400. If I ever upgrade my Mac I'm going to be left with Thunderbolt or USB, or maybe even USB-C. Should I go with Elgato's USB for a more future proof device? Once I import the home movies I really won't have a need for it anymore.

Right now I would need a FW400-FW800 adaptor.

 

[Dave Braine]

I recorded years ago with EyeTV.

Can you not use EyeTV's Export function? MP4 will do for the conversion.

The only advice I can give about your video capture, is that you can get a Firewire to Thunderbolt adaptor to work with future Macs.

 

[davidg4781]

Can you not use EyeTV's Export function? MP4 will do for the conversion.

The only advice I can give about your video capture, is that you can get a Firewire to Thunderbolt adaptor to work with future Macs.

I don't have the EyeTV anymore. I was able to dig the video out of the EyeTV package.

And I wasn't aware of that adaptor. Thanks!

 

[davidg4781]

Another quick question...

I purchased the Canopos ADVC 110 that I'm going to use to import video into my Mac. I have an iMac G4 (in my signature). Would there be any issues with using this to import the video if all iMovie is doing is recording it? Then later transfer it to my MBP?

I'm not sure what benefit I'd get, maybe I can free up my MBP while I let this record or something, but I'm just wondering if I'd be better off just using the MBP.

 

[Dave Braine]

Would there be any issues with using this to import the video if all iMovie is doing is recording it?

I shouldn't think so, apart from the fact that the G4 will be rather slow.