by 5 people |
Introduction
The goal of this lens is to help YOU through editing MPEG-2 video on a Mac. There's a lot of programs out there but only the best - and most reasonably priced - solutions here.
This is what my favorite solution looks like: (it's cheap and works like a charm)
1) MPEG-2 Playback by Apple Computer - 20$
2) MPEG Streamclip by squared5 - FREE
3. a) iMovie by Apple - FREE
3. b) Final Cut Express by Apple - 165$
So if iMovie is good enough for you, then you can start editing MPEG-2 movieclips on your Mac, only spending 20$. Let's get started.
This is what my favorite solution looks like: (it's cheap and works like a charm)
1) MPEG-2 Playback by Apple Computer - 20$
2) MPEG Streamclip by squared5 - FREE
3. a) iMovie by Apple - FREE
3. b) Final Cut Express by Apple - 165$
So if iMovie is good enough for you, then you can start editing MPEG-2 movieclips on your Mac, only spending 20$. Let's get started.
Here's how it's going to work!
How the programs will work together
MPEG Streamclip is going to help you convert your MPEG-2 movieclips to another - more editable - format.
However, in order for MPEG Streamclip to export your MPEG-2 movieclips to another format, you need MPEG-2 Playback.
Once you've converted your MPEG-2 movieclips to a different format you can begin editing them in iMovie or Final Cut Express.
A quick recap:
MPEG-2 Playback allows you to export your MPEG-2 movieclips through MPEG Streamclip, and then you edit the exported movieclips in iMovie or Final Cut Express.
However, in order for MPEG Streamclip to export your MPEG-2 movieclips to another format, you need MPEG-2 Playback.
Once you've converted your MPEG-2 movieclips to a different format you can begin editing them in iMovie or Final Cut Express.
A quick recap:
MPEG-2 Playback allows you to export your MPEG-2 movieclips through MPEG Streamclip, and then you edit the exported movieclips in iMovie or Final Cut Express.
1) MPEG-2 Playback - 20$
a QuickTime component by Apple
The MPEG-2 Playback component was originally made for consumers wanting to be able to open MPEG-2 movieclips in QuickTime.It's a good component that enables you to watch a wide range of MPEG-2 movieclips - the only problem is that the sound-side of the program is not as great as the video-side. Often you can open and watch your MPEG-2 movieclips but the sound is missing.
The good news is, that there's a free workaround for this. When you buy and install this MPEG-2 Playback component other programs can use it as well. This allow for MPEG Streamclip (explained below) to export your MPEG-2 movieclips with sound (more on this later).
Why do I need this?
When installed, it allows you to open, edit and watch MPEG-2 movieclips in several different programs.
Read more about (and buy) it here!
2) MPEG Streamclip - FREE
a program by squared5
MPEG Streamclip is a free program. The nice thing about MPEG Streamclip is that it can export your MPEG-2 movieclips to a wide range of other formats that your editing programs will accept, and as a bonus: it has a great sound-side.When you install the MPEG-2 Playback (as explained earlier), MPEG Streamclip takes advantage of this component and you will be able to export all of your MPEG-2 movieclips (with sound, obviously) to a range of different formats.
Why do I need this?
It allows you to export your movieclips with sound instead of without. (You can NOT do this without MPEG-2 Playback component).
Learn more and download here for free!
3. a) iMovie - FREE
an application that's preinstalled on every new Mac, by Apple
iMovie is a wonderful little application that allows you to create wounderful little homemovies.I should say at this moment, that if you want something a bit more film-like instead of homemovie-like you really should consider investing in Final Cut Express (200$).
The thing I love about iMovie is how easy it is to use, just like all the other standard Mac OS X programs. While being simple and intuitive, thus making it super easy to use, it's actually quite powerful and is capable of a lot more than most people think. There's also a bunch of components and plugins for this iMovie - and lots of them are free.
Why do I need this?
If you already have a video-editing program for your Mac, you don't - however, if don't have one and aren't up for spending at least $200 bucks, iMovie is your best choice; it's powerful enough for making homemovies and it's free (it's part of the iLife package that follows with every Mac).
3. b) Final Cut Express - 165$
a video-editing program for your beloved Mac, by Apple
The beauty of Final Cut Express is that it includes 3 quite powerful applications:1. Final Cut Express HD for video-editing
2. Soundtrack for sound-editing
3. LiveType for adding titles and such to your video
All the stuff you need in order to create a great looking film. One of the really great features is the (huge) number of both video and audio-tracks that you're able to add (iMove only allows 1 video- and 2 audio-tracks). Also, you have waaaay better options in terms of color-correction and such, compared to iMovie.
Why do I need this?
You need this program if you're a bit more serious with your video-editing. It's for the semi-pro / pro and hobbyist.
Final Cut Express
at Amazon
Final Cut Express 4
For the more serious ones (hint: hobbyist, semi-pros and pros).
Amazon Price: $164.99 (as of 12/18/2009) 
A full link list
of the programs explained above
- MPEG-2 Playback - 20$
- The component that allows you to open, edit and watch MPEG-2 movieclips on your Mac. Not to mention, it's a program that many other applications can take advantage of - among those MPEG Streamclip and QuickTime.
- MPEG Streamclip - FREE
- This sweet - free - application allows you to export your MPEG-2 movieclips to other and more editable video-formats (requires the MPEG-2 Playback component).
- iMovie - FREE
- For the homemovie-makers. This is a part of the iLife package that comes preinstalled on every new Mac.
My advice
it's free!
The way I look at it, you should go out and buy MPEG-2 Playback right now and then download MPEG Streamclip. Now, depending on your needs you should go with either iMovie - if you're looking to create a homemovie - or Final Cut Express - if you're looking to take on more serious projects.
Feedback
If you have a question or any kind of feedback / comments, please leave them here. Thanks!
submit
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Reply
- Scott Scott Aug 13, 2009 @ 10:37 am
- I can play back MPEG 2 using the open source video player VLC. I need to edit the mpegs in imovie.
- Reply
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Reply
- John John Jan 29, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
- iSquint will do this for free - however, it's no longer offered from the creator for free. You can get it for $2.99 here - http://isquint.en.softonic.com/mac
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Reply
- Latrice Latrice Aug 26, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
- Help still needed- My VOB file is viewable, however when I try to export to Quicktime or DV etc. only a small portion (approx 10secs) is saved (the DVD is about 23min). Am I missing a piece of the puzzle?
I have purchased MPEG-2, also downloaded MPEG Streamclip.
What next?
Thanks
love4latrice@mac.com
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Reply
- mynameiskate mynameiskate Jun 19, 2008 @ 8:30 pm
- Thank you for the recco on MPEG Streamclip. I had no idea that iMovie didn't take mpgs and was delighted to find your lens to solve my problem! Many thanks for the great tips.
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- fernando fernando Jun 19, 2008 @ 11:27 am
- I have the imove'08 and with this software is inpossible to use with mpeg and mwn movies. I try to put on the program with the mouse and also try inport the videos but no work. And with the second option the function don't be able the moves to import.
Please HELP ME.
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Reply
- Alex Alex Jun 7, 2008 @ 11:58 am
- Planning to buy a "bigger" Mac (got a baby Powerbook G4) in order to edit HD movie (got a Sony HD-Mini HD tape). Any suggestion which Mac and which program will be the best option?
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