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Editing Videos from DVD Camcorders

Abolfazl Sadeghian
(6 Dec 06)

 

 

As I was reading through the forums I noticed that people who use DVD camcorders have trouble trying to transfer the videos from the mini DVD into their computer. They usually end up having to purchase additional hardware and/or software. However I managed to do it for free - no any additional hardware required, just a couple of freeware that can easily be found on the Net.

What you need:

  • Handbrake
  • MPEG Streamclip
  • DVD camcorder
  • Mini DVD (with some recorded footage, of course)
  • USB cable that came with the camcorder
  • Your Mac

 

  1. Download and install Handbrake and MPEG Streamclip on your Mac.

  2. Finalise the mini DVD within the camcorder by pressing the Finalise button and following the instructions on the screen. Avoid any vibrations to your camcorder while it is finalising.

  3. Select the review mode (where you view the videos that you have recorded).

  4. Connect the camcorder to your Mac using the USB cable.

  5. You should be able to see the mini DVD on your Desktop. Double-click to open it.

  6. You should see several files. The file that contains your video is the one with the .vob extension.

  7. Launch Handbrake and start ripping the DVD file. You should select the following settings:

    Format: MP4 File
    Sound: AVC/H.264 Video /ACC Audio

  8. After you have finished ripping the DVD, launch MPEG Streamclip and open the ripped file.

  9. Go to the File menu and select Export to DV and then select DV NTSC.

  10. Once the exporting is completed, you now have a file which can be edited in iMovie HD.

 
     
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