Video to the Macs
Earlier iMac models (Rev. A-D) were not ideally suited work with digital video. But they're not hopeless either.
None of Apple's iMac models support analog video capture as a standard feature, and only the mid-range "DV" and high-end "DV Special Edition" models released since Oct. 1999 (including the enhanced DV and DV Plus models released in Summer 2000) support digital video I/O via FireWire. However, early iMacs include a DB-15 monitor port hidden inside the machine, that can be used with a third-party adapter, to output iMac analog video to an external monitor or, with an appropriate adapter, to a TV or other video unit. This DB-15 connector is buried inside the iMac, as pictured on page 44 of the iMac Developer Technote PDF. As well, there are third-party video-capture solutions for Rev. A and B iMacs such as the Formac iProRaidTV.
Fortunately, the mid-range and high-end Rev. E/Rev. F iMacs include an external DB15 monitor jack as standard equipment. See our separate review for details on these newer models, and their support for DVD, AirPort, FireWire and the easy-to-use iMovie software. On any model, according to www.nobeige.com, it is possible to remove the back cover of the iMac and connect an external display, providing that the external display supports the resolutions and display rates the iMac's Rage II (or, on the Summer 2000 models, Rage 128 Pro), video chip (capable of 1600x1200 on a suitable monitor) outputs. Note, however, on the Rev. A-D models, that connecting an external monitor disables the built-in display.
It is also possible to use some USB-based video capture devices with any iMac. The US$99 Interview USB, for example, allows you to connect a camcorder. Note, however, that this is a video IN port only. To get video out, you'll need a separate device, such as the Aver USBPresenter or Power R iPresenter -- another US$100 or so. Then, to convert the analog video to a TV, you'll need a scan converter such as the US$189 PowerScan II, or one of the AverKey models from Aver. It all adds up -- and USB, it should be said, is not really fast enough for full-frame, high-quality video capture or playback. If video is your bag, you should go for one of the newer "slot loading" DVD-and-FireWire-equipped DV iMacs, or, even better, go for a more expandable G3 or G4 model.
There are, however, a few caveats. Most notably, the Apple imovie discussion group at www.info.apple.com is ablaze with heated discussions of alleged problems with Apple's FireWire drivers. Users note that certain camcorders, including several popular JVC camcorders, do not work properly with the systems and, more bizarrely, certain tapes do not work with the Apple Firewire drivers while exporting to Sony camcorders -- even those listed as "compatible" in Apple's supported hardware list. Apparently, ME tapes do not work, but MP tapes do.
There's also the issue of iMovie's "nine minute limit." Some users report that iMovie has problems compiling long movies, with iMovie efforts typically hitting the wall after about nine minutes.
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