here’s a post someone posted to convert minidvd to final cut….
If you have a macbook you cannot load a minidvd into the dvdrom slot. I’m going to try the hardware method, but if that doesn’t work it seems a surefire way is to rip the dvd into a final cut pro compatiable format using handbrake for windows then transferring the converted files to your macbook via an external process. I’d rather not rip on pc then transfer to mac because I hate the conversion process, so I’m going to try the hardware method where you connect your mindvd camcorder to a mini dvd camcorder then capture directly to final cut pro. I haven’t tested this process yet, but I am tomorrow so I’ll try to remember to repost and tell you how it goes. But converting a finalized dvd to a pc that plays mini dvds. then transfer the file using an external hard drive is a surefire way
You cannot capture from a DVD camcorder as you would a tape based camcorder. But you do have two options; software or hardware.
SOFTWARE METHOD: Finalize the disc in-camera then load it into a DVD drive connected to your Mac (NEVER load a miniDVD into a slot-loading drive!). Use MPEG Streamclip (freeware) to convert the DVD’s VOB files into an editable format that matches your FCP Sequence settings, then import the newly converted file into your FCP project.
HARDWARE METHOD: Connect the camcorder’s analog outputs to a qualified DV device (camcorder, VTR or converter) then connect the DV device’s Firewire port to your Mac. In FCP, set Device Control to “Non-Controllable Device” and use Capture Now.