Section 32.1. Two Golden Rules

32.1. Two Golden Rules

If there's any common wisdom at all about iMovie, here it is: a pair of golden rules that will stave off a huge number of problems down the road.

• Use the latest version . Each ".01" or ".02" upgrade zaps a whole host of bugs and glitches. These updates are free, so when your Software Update program advises you that one is available, jump at the chance to install it.

• Set your camcorder to 16-bit audio . The typical digital camcorder can record its audio track using either 12-bit or 16-bit audio. The factory setting is 12-bit, which gives noncomputer owners a chance to overlay a second audio track without erasing the original camera sound. Trouble is, 12-bit audio may slowly drift out of sync with the video when you burn the finished project to a DVD.

Use your camera's menu system to switch to 16-bit audio. You, an iMovie aficionado, can easily overlay additional audio using your computer, so you give up nothingexcept a lot of frustration. (Make this change now , before you record anything important.)