Can't import .MPG file into iDVD

thendis · #1 September 27th, 2004, 02:35 AM

I have encoded a video file to a DVD compliant MPEG-2 NTSC .mpg file (using AVS Video Converter for the PC). I would like to use iDVD 4 on my mac to create the menu, but it won't allow me to import the file. Says "invalid video".

Can you only import QuickTime MOV files into iDVD? I would have thought standard MPEG2 files would easily be dragged into a DVD application.

I am looking for an MPEG-2 codec, in case that's the problem (thought one would have been included with iDVD?), but am having trouble finding one.

I feel sure it is possible - any ideas much appreciated

**Jason** · #2 September 27th, 2004, 07:47 AM

AFAIK you have to convert it to a DV file, use quicktime pro for that

thendis · #3 September 27th, 2004, 08:28 AM

unfortunately QT doesn't wanna know about it. Says it is not a file that QT understands.

besides, all this re-encoding is getting a bit silly. It's like you have to encode it with X so that it can be read by Y to be encoded by Z so that it can be read by... and so on.

By the time I finally get to encoding and burning it to a DVD disc, wouldn't the video be really horrible? It's been from DV --> Xvid --> DivX --> MPG already, now I have to continue this string from MPG --> DV again --> DVD.

this file is becoming like Paris Hilton... it gets around! :P

ElDiabloConCaca · #4 September 27th, 2004, 12:53 PM

Sounds like you used a codec on your PC that isn't available on your Macintosh.

Why not backtrack a little bit, and just use the DV with iDVD? If iDVD does "understand" DV, then there's no reason to go to Xvid, then to DivX, then to MPG.

thendis · #5 September 27th, 2004, 09:50 PM

well, i was just kinda assuming it began as a DV as it was ripped from TV, then compressed with Xvid.

Believe me - if i had ripped it to begin with, the stupid thing would never touch an Xvid codec!!

yeah, it does sound like it simply is not a codec that is supported by the mac, but isn't that strange? because DVD standard MPEG-2 is a pretty....well...standard codec. That would be the equivvalent of the Mac not supporting a JPEG file or an MP3.

I re-encoded it from Xvid to MPEG on the PC because the mac couldn't open the Xvid in the first place. seems Mr. Mac is quite unwelcome to non-QuickTime movies! WHAT A SNOB! lol