Tech help needed please

[Nob3y]

I am trying to convert from mini dv onto computer and then convert into somthing that a apple mac will be able to view.

What I have been doing so far is to connect my mini dv cam to my dvd recorder.
then burn to a dvd-r disc, then put the dvd-r disc into my computer.
When I copy onto my computer the folder contains to sub folders,
VIDEO_RM and VIDEO_TS.
But the sound wont work on an apple mac so I am being told.

Does anybody know of a program or software which will convert into somthing which all computers can view?

p.s
my dvd recorder wont recognise a memory stick as I tried that.
I am also thinking of getting another type of lead so I can connect straight to my computer and see what format it will upload as.

[lob on]

"mini dv" I take it you mean mini dv tape?

Lets just get this right then.

1. You want to upload a file from a mini dv tape on to your windows pc.

2. Then burn on to a disk that will play in an Apple computer.

If that is the case:

First do this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siJSFzNY1RY

then do this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj_xv1fyQjY

[Nob3y]

Ops yes from mini dv tape to computer.

Then put it in a formet an apple and any compter can view

[Peter]

To view on a mac, best to use .mp4/.m4v

One you have a movie file on your PC, use either handbrake (www.handbrake.fr)

or mpeg streamclip to convert to that format.

[sparky]

Provided you have a IEEE1394 / Firewire / DV port on your Windows computer there are several freeware programs for the PC that will record the video and audio in a variety of formats. Of course best to get the right format first time but worst case Super will convert virtually any format to any other.

I know nothing about Mac's but I'm surprised they can't play MPEG-2, which is what DVD is just spilt into 1GB chunks with VOB extensions, with a program that has the same functionality as PowerDVD etc for Windows.

For PC editing I do as you have record the raw content to DVD via DVlink ( at either the 1 hour rate or the rate that will make the finished DVD around 4.2GB ), convert to a single MPEG-2 file, edit title etc then create the finished DVD. Apart from fades, effects and audio volume adjustment the MPEG-2 is not processed so no reduction in quality.

[Nob3y]

I did try converting the VOB files into a .MOV which plays fine on my comp with windows 7 but on the MAC... no sound ?!?

I will see if my comp has a firewire socket.

Update to follow.................

[Peter]

If the file is on a disk, you can use handbrake to rip straight from the disk to an mp4.

[Nob3y]

My new computer doesnt have a firewire connection but my old one has.
I am trying it out on my old computer with software called cyberlink.
Its an old program which I forgot I had and used to use it with my old VHS-C camera!
Will try and record from mini-dv to mpeg-2 and see how that goes.

Thanks for help so far.
Any other suggestions welcome!!

[lob on]

You can use usb to upload mini dv to a PC or better ask them to play the disk you have already done through VLC on their MAC, I can't see why if works on your windows PC why it won't play through VLC on a mac,

[Nob3y]

I didnt think I could use USB as the camera uses firewire.
Also its not a disc but the computer file that wont play.