How can I import and edit Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC-S MP4 files in iMovie?


How can I import Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC-S files into iMovie? If you are having issues loading XAVC S footage shot on a Sony HDR-CX900 camera to iMovie, you may wish to read this post. It displays a way of converting Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC-S files to Apple’s InterMediate Codec for use in iMovie natively and smoothly.
import Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC-S files into iMovie
Having difficulty uploading Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC-S footage into iMovie
“Hi all, I hope someone can help. I just acquired a Sony HDR-CX900 camera and have difficulty uploading its XAVC-S HD footage in MP4 container to iMovie for editing. I can work with its AVCHD footage, but there’s a no-go for XAVC-S HD format. Has anyone encountered this problem? What should I do to go about this? Please suggest. Thanks a lot.”

The HDR-CX900 records HD movies in the XAVC S format, which uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 for video compression and linear PCM for audio compression, while saving files in a MP4 wrapper. The highly compressed files allow extensive record times. The camcorder also records in AVCHD, ideal for quality video for HDTV and Blu-ray disc burning. Additionally, the camcorder can shoot MP4 HD video, which is ideal for sharing over the internet at up to 28Mbps. Having the ability to switch between all three of three formats makes this camcorder an ideal tool that is versatile for creating content to live in a number of different environments.

As of now the XAVC S format is not compatible with iMovie, that’s why you have issues importing Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC-S footage into iMovie for editing. In such as case, we suggest converting the CX900 XAVC-S files into one format that is recognized by iMovie, such as Apple’s InterMediate Codec encoded MOV format, which iMovie will recognize and handle well. You will need third party solutions to process file conversion, and HD Video Converter for Mac will do the trick.
loading XAVC S footage shot on a Sony HDR-CX900 to iMovie

[Guide] How to transcode Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC-S video for editing in iMovie?

follow these steps:
Step 1: Open up HD Video Converter for Mac as a Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC to iMovie Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load your source media.
converting Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC-S files to Apple’s InterMediate Codec

Step 2: Select output format for iMovie
To convert Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC-S video for iMovie, from ‘Profile’ list, choose ‘Apple InterMediate Codec (AIC) (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘iMovie and Final Cut Express’ column. This output format is also suitable for editing in Final Cut Express.
uploading Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC-S footage into iMovie
Important: If you’ve loaded a number of video clips to do batch conversion, please do remember ticking off ‘Apply to All’ option before you start.

Step 3: Custom video and audio settings (optional)
If necessary, you can click ‘Settings’ button and go to ‘Profiles Settings’ panel to modify video and audio settings like video encoder, resolution, video bit rate, frame rate, aspect ratio, audio encoder, sample rate, audio bit rate, and audio channels. 3D settings are also available.

Step 4: Begin Sony HDR-CX900 XAVC-S movies to AIC MOV Conversion on Mac
When ready, click ‘Convert’ to start format conversion. Once the conversion process is complete, you can click ‘Open Folder’ button to get the generated AIC MOV files for editing in iMovie with optimum performance.

Tips:
If you don’t want to wait for the entire conversion process, you can tick off ‘Showdown computer when conversion completed’ and go away to do other things.

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