An editor-friend of mine asked the best way to extract content from DVD media for use in Final Cut Pro. I didn’t have a full solution at the time but now I do. The required software is readily available (read: free):

1. Mac the Ripper
2. MPEG Streamclip

Use Mac the Ripper (MTR) to decrypt the DVD and create native VOB and related files to your scratch disk. Next, use MPEG Streamclip to convert the VOB files into your desired format for Final Cut Pro. I used Apple DV/DVCPRO which creates a standard-def QuickTime MOV file; browse the conversion settings to ensure 100% quality, frame size, etc.

Unless you have substantial disk space don’t convert complete VOB files because the DV/DVCPRO output setting runs at 25 Mbps. Instead, find your edit points in the source VOB files and send them to MPEG Streamclip’s batch list. The conversion process runs quickly on my MacBook Pro 2.4 GHz.

Some additional tips and suggestions can be found at Kino-Eye and DigitalMediaNet.

Various people have suggested DVDxDV and Cinematize for better features or output quality, however you’ll spend $80 and $130 respectively. Neither product will decrypt a DVD so keep a copy of MTR handy.

The tedium of a Windows user account without Administrator privilege is almost unbearable. Installing software and other updates would require logout/in as Administrator and, while not difficult, is a hassle.

Microsoft introduced the RunAs command from the Command Prompt and the graphical user interface to overcome this. Right-click a program, choose Run As…, and enter your Administrator details. The application will install within your limited user account.

The trouble arises when you want to install an MSI file because they aren’t executables like SETUP.EXE. You’ll find that right-clicking an MSI from Windows Explorer only provides an Install option, not Run As. This makes it almost impossible to install the MSI from a limited user account.

I found ways to hack your Registry to enable RunAs for MSI files but there’s an easier way if you don’t mind some typing. In short, you’ll be using the command line to execute MSIEXEC using runas and referencing the MSI file. Example:

runas /u:[domain]\[user] "msiexec.exe /i [path-to-file]\[file.MSI]"

Substitute the bracketed fields as needed. If you are not connected to a Windows Server Domain you can ignore the [domain]\ text. Make sure the MSIEXEC command is enclosed in double-quotes. You may have trouble if there are space characters in your folder path or filename; try enclosing them in double-quotes or copy the MSI file to a location such as C:\TEMP to keep the path simple.

Hit Enter and you’ll be prompted to type a password (assuming Administrator) and the MSI will install as if you chose Run As… from Windows Explorer.

Before taking the Final Cut Pro 6 Level 1 exam last week, I searched the web for some tips on taking the test. There wasn’t much to be found either because of the non-disclosure you acknowledge before the test or because not many editors bother with the exam.

If, like me, you’re new to editing, read the book from Peachpit Press and follow along in Final Cut Pro. Read the book again and explore the interface, knowing what icons do what and the common shortcut keys. The level one exam is about “basic editing” as my course proctor offered.

Experienced Final Cut Pro editors can probably fly through the exam but as with any certification exam, the training course or book might cover less familiar topics or procedures.

It’s a challenging (but not impossible) test and if you’re committed to reading the book, reviewing, and exploring Final Cut Pro, you’ll do fine.