If you are one of the Mac users that have a difficult time figuring out how to import JVC TOD files to FCE (Final Cut Express), you will get the answer and some valuable info here.

Got a Problem

So if you bought FCE to use with your JVC Hard Drive High Definition Camcorder (GZ-HD7) or any other models like JVC Everio that record to .TOD files when they are copied directly off the camera. The basic problem you probably encounter could be that you want to import TOD files into FCE to chop and change this footage in FCE, but it just won't recognize and can't load the TOD files. For some cases, TOD files are even not allowed to import to iMovie and QuickTime.

Background Knowledge

Basically, all Apple NLE apps like iMovie, FCE and FCP are all based around DV stream files. The latest FCE (Final Cut Express 4) supports to edit footage captured in such popular video formats as DV, HDV, and AVCHD, any other way around like import TOD files into FCE will give you headaches.

Three simple rules to keep in mind:

• 1. DV Stream is what Quicktime likes.
• 2. FCE (and iMovie and FCP) are based on Quicktime.
• 3. 90% of regular video files you intend to edit in FCE will have to be converted to DV Stream before you can do anything.

The 90% on that last part, because within the last few years more people are mashing up and creating projects based around clips of video acquired, rather than the old methods of ingesting SD mini DV Tape footage, which most of Apple's NLE's were made for.

Suggestion and Solution

The only way so far at this point to import TOD files into FCE would be to find a program that takes those files and converts them to DV, MPEG-4 or MOV format for editing in FCE. One of the ways seems to work to import TOD file to Final Cut: Steve Mullen of Digital Video Consulting claims that he has find out a way to streamline TOD one it brought to timeline. However, that requires buying his book, an e-book (PDF-file) for $ 30, to get the answer.

As an alternative, video converter for Mac should be an ideal choice to manage the TOD files. It is simple to use and suitable for both novice and pro alike Mac users, just with few mouse clicks, all the TOD files can be converted to DV, MPEG-4 or MOV that compatible with FCE, then it will be an easier for you to import TOD into FCE.

Why do you need video converter for Mac to import TOD to FCE?

All video graphers and movie makers, whether they are amateurs or pros, they are worry about and hate quality loss during video editing, while with years of experienced professional program video converter for Mac will mostly guarantee a satisfying result. The program has been upgraded four times since the initial publication. Many functions have either been gradually enhanced or added. There should no such easier then to use Mac video converter to import TOD to FCE (Final Cut Express)

Features at a glance:

• Manage all video/audio files
  
• bath mode conversion
  
• minimum time to convert between video files while keep original video quality
  
• Video editing capacity that allows you to crop/trim/rotate/merge/apply effect.