Importing Analog Video via iMovie

Question

Level 1

4 points

Importing Analog Video via iMovie

I need to import content from old VHS and 3/4" tapes. Up to a year ago, iMovie worked just fine for that. Now, the import stops randomly after 15-30 seconds. The screen says "recording" but when the file is done, there are only the first few seconds, not the 30 or 60 minutes I need.

I tried using QuickTime; it works fine on the video but there are are no settings to adjust the audio to 29.97 FPS which means the audio will be out of sync within a few minutes

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.7

Posted on Oct 20, 2024 10:22 AM

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Answer 1

Rich839

Level 8

47,730 points

Oct 20, 2024 10:54 AM in response to IW_Austin

Hi,

Importing VHS into iMovie can be hit or miss.

Put your QuickTimePlayer video into iMovie. Detach the audio (Modify/Detach Audio). Then adjust the sync. Split the audio into segments as necessary and adjust each segment.

The way I have adjusted sync is to first expand the timeline all the way out with the slider next to the Settings button above and to the right of the timeline. Then select the video clip and do a Modify/Detach Clip. Control-click on the detached audio clip. In the menu that pops up, select Show Speed Editor. That will cause a speed adjustment handle to appear in the upper right hand corner of the clip. Slide it back and forth slightly to adjust the speed that you need to make the audio sync with the video. The speed adjustment is so small that you shouldn't even notice any change in pitch.

-- Rich

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Answer 2

Rich839

Level 8

47,730 points

Oct 20, 2024 9:06 PM in response to IW_Austin

In addition to adjusting the speed of the detached audio clip, you can also adjust the speed of the video clip above it. So, you can toggle back and forth if you need to get it exactly precise, or you can just adjust the video clip alone or the audio clip alone.

-- Rich

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Answer 3

IW_Austin Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 21, 2024 5:10 AM in response to IW_Austin

It worked! After multiple trials, I found that setting the audio speed to 100.44% maintains almost perfect sync. At the end of 30 minutes, it was off by a one or two frames, so I call this a success.

Thanks again, Ingrid

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Answer 4

IW_Austin Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 20, 2024 11:22 AM in response to Rich839

Brilliant (if it works). I had not even thought of speed adjustment, which is very easy in Premier.

I'll try that; thanks.

Ingrid

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