iMovie3 driver updates...

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casperbloke

Registered
Hi OSX fans, I have a new Samsung DV camcorder but iMovie 3 won't see it. I was assured by the salesman AND Samsung tech support that it was Mac compatible, but the supplied software cds are PC only and now I'm stuck with footage I can't edit. Can I update my iMovie preferences or drivers or something so I can get the footage onto my 400mhz G4 iMac 40GB? Please don't tell me to by a PC! All advice is greatly appreciated.
 
Whoa ~ don't get a PC.
I have just been there, seen it, got the T-Shirt.
A couple of questions first :
~ how is the film data being transferred? ie via the i.link/1394 cables
~ do you need a capture device?
I was given a film on a SONY Digital 8, which is an almost digital camera (in that it records analogue but converts on the fly when exporting.)
You have a DV cam so it should be 100% digital.
BUT you will probably need to obtain some sort of converter. I chose a FORMAC Firewire and as soon as I plug in the camera iMovie 'sees' it and is ready to 'record'.
As with most things on computers, they are not always simple.
It's well worth trawling around the www for all those answers and knowledge.
You'll soon be up and running with your movies.
 
Hi Synewave, thanks for the reply.
The camcorder is supplied with a USB cable (which doesn't register in iMovie), so I picked up a dv to firewire cable (1394) and now iMovie tells me "No Device Control" - is this what you mean by needing a capture device?
The iMac has 400Mb/s Firewire and the 'corder manual says I need a IEEE 1394 add on or built in card. I assume (wrongly perhaps) that a 1394 card is already installed as I have Firewire. Is the FORMAC a 1394 card? Forgive my relative ignorance, I'm new to this tech stuff! Many thanks for all your help.
 
Hello Casperbloke.
First I have to say today is keep the optimism up, you'll get there in the end.

I found this info which will be of help to you at Apple's site:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=43000

Then the converter I use is a FORMAC StudioDV (check out www.formac.co.uk) Although it's aimed at converting Analogue to Digital, it does have an IEEE1394 IN/OUT (Firewire) and iMovie recognises it! It's not the cheapest or the most expensive, but I consider it a good option for money vs quality.

Finally, ALWAYS use high quality cables. Ones which have RF & EMI shielding. I chose Profigold, check here to find out why: http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/dynamic/profigold.html
 
G'day Synewave, the otimism is high thanks to your advice!
Give me a couple of days to absorb all this info (I am a bear of very little brain) and I'll post a progress report.
Massive thanks and respect for taking the time to help me out.
cheers
Casperbloke
 
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