[Chuck Reti]

Since most digital video files, even “full resolution” files, are to a large degree already compressed, data compression like zip generally does not do much to reduce file size, and in many instances will increase it (try zipping a large JPEG image and see what happens). Zipping can be very useful to create an archive of multiple files, for example, a folder full of photos, music or video clips for download, but not necessarily at a saving of file size. It is also available across platforms so as you note, it is a good way to package files.

[Chuck Reti]

The “free” version of Flip4Mac QT plugin only allows about 30sec of WMV export.
You’ll need Flip4Mac WMV Studio or above.
https://www.telestream.net/flip4mac-wmv/overview.htm

[Chuck Reti]

Data DVDs should be completely compatible. Could your client not mount the DVD or just not read possibly incpmpatible files contained on it?

[Chuck Reti]

Live time-slice or “bullet time” was used by CBS (named “EyeVision”) in the 2001 Super Bowl. Search wikipedia and everybody’s friend, Google, for time slice or bullet time for many links. Achieved using a multi-camera array.

[Chuck Reti]

While most if not all 8mm and Hi8 camcorders did not have Firewire I/O, later Sony camcorders of the “Digital8” format (DV video on Hi8 tape stock) had “iLink” (Sony’s implementation of IEEE-1394) and could play back, but not record, Hi8 analog tapes. I’m quite sure I used such a setup to capture both Digital8 and Hi8 material. This was some time ago, I think using FCP 4 or 4.5 and maybe also iMovie, but it did work, using regular DV NTSC setup in FCP.

[Chuck Reti]

[Jennifer Bennett] “I was assuming the yellow RCA was the sound.”

Yellow is the usual code for composite video. You have not told us what model/make the camcorder is, which may help troubleshoot your audio issue.
Assuming the other end of the yellow/black RCA cable is a 1/8″ plug that goes into a mating “a/v” jack on the camcorder?

[Chuck Reti]

I have an old Sony CCD-TR81 Hi8 camcorder. I have used it to copy old material into my Mac and use FCP to edit it. I happened to have access to a piece of broadcast gear, a Leitch DPS 475 unit to do the convert to Firewire, but the principle is the same. My camcorder has both S-Video and composite video connectors. S-video carries video signals only, no audio. Audio, on my unit, is at the two RCA jacks, red and white (R and L audio respectively). I also have a small slide switch near the RCA connectors labeled “output” and “input.” If your unit has this, make sure the switch is set to “output”(the “Input” position allows you to use the Hi8 camcorder to record from external video sources, not what you want here).
Use FCP’s “NTSC DV” Easy Setup, as that’s what the Canopus box squirts down the Firewire hose. Run an RCA cable pair from the camcorder R and L audio Outs to the Canopus R and L audio Ins; S-video from Hi-8 to Canopus S-Video in and Firewire cable to the Mac. Since the ADVC is not a VCR/VTR, FCP will not recognize it as such, and you must use “uncontrolled device’ setting.
Play the tape, hit Capture Now. You should be seeing and hearing your Hi8 material.
If you google “advc-55 manual” you will find many links to tutorials and videos on this process.

[Chuck Reti]

Many apps and plug-ins (and more every day) will not run on PPC machines. It is always necessary to read the System Requirements before buying or installing.
Performance of Motion is more dependent on the GPU rather than CPU(s). What graphics card is in the G5 you’re looking at and will it meet performance specs for the version of Motion you would plan to install on it?

[Chuck Reti]

[Martin Del Rio] “The client gave me this URL:

ftp3.fabriclabs.com

I enter that URL and all that I get after a long wait is this error message:

Safari can’t open the page “https://ftp3.fabriclabs.com/” because the server where this page is located isn’t responding.”

You are trying to enter the FTP site using HTTP protocol.
the full URL should be “ftp://ftp3.fabriclabs.com/”

The site appears to require entry of user/password information, which should also have been provided to you by your client.

You may also want to consider using a dedicated FTP client application, such as CyberDuck, Fetch, Transmit, Captain FTP and many others. A search at VersionTracker or MacUpdate will serve up a long list of shareware, freeware and commercial solutions.

[Chuck Reti]

If you’re looking to give this look to stills, check the “Poladroid” project.
https://www.poladroid.net
If you’re doing to video, viewing images processed through Poladroid can give you a good basis for what color correction tweaks you should try.