Thread: anyone using iMovie for editing?

I have an older eMac(OS 10.4) and i have been cussing at iMovie. i can't figure out how to get it to upload my Dvd. i tried to import it directly--no. I saved it to the hard drive --and it says that the files are unusable. i know they make it not so easy so we don't rip off commercial Dvds---but these are my own shows!! i want to edit so i can put smaller pieces on you tube. should i go to the Mac store?

Let me know what you find out - I'm in the same boat!

iMovie will not rip from DVDs. You need to get some other software to do that, then you assemble and edit in iMovie.

A free one I have used is called Handbrake I think.

Do it this way:

How to Import DVDs into iMovie ‘08 | Apple Otaku

It has the links for Handbrake and another program as well, but I didnt need either last time I used it. I just followed the steps at the top and used Disk Utility to do it and it worked great :-)

(Hopefully you can use those instructions for your version.)

i have iMovie 6 so the instructions won't work for me. I would rather buy Toast than get freeware for the Dvd uploading---any opinions? or do i still need to buy something else?

I'm also on an older Mac (2002 G4 mirror door tower) running 10.4. I've used imovie for years. I've never had any trouble but here's a checklist that might help:
1. Are all your media files under one folder? When you start a new project for imovie AND iDVD, make sure ALL files (audio, video, images, imovie files and iDVD files) are under the same root folder (ie. 2010 Hafla or whatever your event is called). Otherwise, the programs lose track of your files because they constantly have to reach into different pots to find and work with them.
2. What is the source of your video? camera? Did you import this video already through imovie or through image capture? Did you import them (or copy them) into your project root folder?
3. What format is your video in? Some file formats don't work in imovie so you may need to convert them. I upgraded to Quicktime Pro ($30) that lets you "save as" video files into other formats - so worth the cheap investment. Under the imovie help menu you can check which file formats are compatible.
That's a start, anyway. If you're still stuck, you can email me directly at hala@silverpixels.ca or better yet, you are welcome to call me 1-403-688-4252 and I can try to walk you through it. I'll keep checking this post for your progress. Good luck!

Hala, I think she is trying to rip directly from DVD format. iMovie won't do that.

Handbrake. There is a codex or some other side file that you will need to put in another folder. Read the instructions on their site. It will pull the video from the DVD and turn it into various format files. (Probably need high-quality QT for iMovie.)

I use Handbrake to turn my dance DVDs into iPod movies. Therefore, I can take 'Killer Ziller' where ever I go. (I'm not sure if that's considered sadistic or masochistic. I guess it depends what end of the zills you are on.)

MacTheRipper will also rip DVDs
Download MacTheRipper for Mac - DVD ripper. MacUpdate Mac Software Downloads

I use DVDxDV for ripping content from DVDs in my mac. It works well for me, and was reasonably priced.

(Insert the usual copyright warning here.)

Any of you Mac people have an opinion on buying a laptop or desk top as my new computer? My boyfriend says i'll get more computer for my money buying the desk top. it will easily move around the house and i don't think i'll take it to class. I'll probably buy DVDxDV for movie conversion.

You might be able to cheat and rename the vob file to mpg.