How can I import and edit a .tivo file in iMovie?


How can I get a .tivo file into iMovie for editing? If you are looking for a way to import TiVo recordings into iMovie, you may wish to read this post. It introduces the best/easiest workaround to transcode TiVo shows to AIC .MOV format use in iMovie flawlessly.
get a .tivo file into iMovie
TiVo DVRs have been powering binge-watching since they first hit the market, but if you intend to import TiVo recordings into iMovie for further editing, you may run into incompatibility issues. That’s because iMovie doesn’t have native support for TiVo video files. To be able to bring TiVo videos into iMovie to create your own video, you will need to transocde TiVo material to a format that is best suitable for use in iMovie, such as Apple’s Intermediate Codec, iMovie’s favorite editing codec, which iMovie will recognize and handle well.

To process format conversion, third party converter software is required. Considering the ease of use and excellent video quality, we would recommend HD Video Converter, a universal video transcoder that has powerful ability to handle TiVo recordings. Read on to find a tutorial on how to encode TiVo shows to ProRes 422 for editing in iMovie with optimum performance.

[Guide] How to convert TiVo recordings to QuickTime movie format for iMovie?

First of all, download and install HD Video Converter
import TiVo recordings into iMovie

Then follow these steps:
Step 1: Transfer recorded TV shows from your TiVo box to your Mac so you can use them in HD Video Converter for Mac to perform TiVo to ProRes conversion. There are programs like TiVoDecode Manager that can help you transfer TiVo shows to computer, a quick googling will get that for you.

Step2: Start up HD Video Converter for Mac as the best Mac TiVo shows Converter for Mac. When its main interface appears, click ‘Add Video’ to load your TiVo files.
transcode TiVo shows to AIC .MOV

Step 3: Enter Media Access Key
If you are the first time using this program to transcode TiVo shows, a message will pop up asking ‘If you’d like to import *.tivo file(s), please enter the correct Media Access key and import the file(s) again.’ Click ‘OK’, and enter your Media Access Key as required.
convert TiVo recordings to QuickTime movie format for iMovie

Click ‘OK’ when you’ve entered your Media Access Key and go back to the main interface to click ‘Add Video’ again to import your TiVo shows to the program.

Step 4: Select AIC .MOV as output format
From ‘Format’ menu, choose ‘Apple InterMediate Codec (AIC)(*.mov)’ as output format under ‘iMovie and Final Cut Express’ column.
best Mac TiVo shows Converter for Mac

Step 5: Begin TiVo shows to AIC .MOV Conversion
When ready, click ‘Convert’ to start converting TiVo recording to your required file format.

As soon as the conversion is complete, click ‘Open’ button to get the generated files for use in iMovie fluidly.

Useful Tips:
1. You can click ‘Settings’ button to custom video and audio settings like resolution, bit rate, frame rate, sample rate, audio channels, etc.
2. By ticking off ‘Merge into one file’ option, you are able to join the imported TiVo clips into a single file.
3. By using trim function, you are allowed to strip out commercials.

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