I use a mac. What software do I need to take multiple dvds and create a short highlight reel from them?

Question

These dvds were made from a DV tape I presume. I need to get the content onto a video editor so that I can cut out areas a create a highlight reel from them. The file on the dvd won't load directly into a video editing program. What else will I need to convert it to a file that idvd or something similar will accept? Please help.

Answer 1

Ideally, you would get the original DV tape and a method to import that to your Mac. Normally, MiniDV tape and a miniDV camcorder connect to your Mac using a firewire cable... the DV port of the camcorder to the firewire port of your Mac. So, a 4-pin to 6-pin firewire cable to import to iMovie or FionalCut.

If you cannot get the original source video and can only use the video on the DVD, you need to rip the video with a DVD ripper like HandBrake.

http://handbrake.fr/

I presume the DVD you are using is a normal, full sized DVD and not a miniDVD used by some low-end camcorders. If yes, download and install HandBrake and rip the DVD videos to high quality QuickTime mov, MPEG4 or DV files. Then it will import to iMovie or iMovieHD and you can edit what you want. When editing is complete, save, and launch iDVD and burn the modified video to DVD.

Answer 2

If you have a mac it should come with IMovie.

Very useful software.

This is VERY expensive but it is the best in the business for home movies and editing.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  

Final Cut Studio 2

:)

Oh and these two programs either or will extract your video content from the external device (camera, dvd etc.) and load it onto its platform so you can edit it, add effect, or publish it to a DVD after. You will not need anything else. It will convert it to DVD format for you if you choose that option when you publish it at the end.