AVCHD Conversion

I am currently shooting SD, but am researching moving to HD.
So far, my research has concentrated on HDV, since that seems to be PRE7's preferred HD format. But truth be told, I'd rather use flash or HDD storage than the miniDV tapes that HDV requires.
So let's say I went with AVCHD. Not being a masochist, I don't want to edit AVCHD directly, so I started investigating AVCHD conversion programs. Based on 2 options presented by Steve in a January post:
AVCHD Upshift. If I understand correctly, this will
Transfer my AVCHD footage from my camera to my computer
Optionally de-interlace 1080i footage
Create a MPEG .m2t file for editing
Voltaic HD. Again, it seems like it:
Doesn't actually do a transfer from camcorder to harddrive
(Optionally?) de-interlaces 1080i footage
Creates an AVI file for editing
Dang. As usual, I ended up with more questions that when I started. And here's where I need help...
Is MPEG .m2t the same thing as HDV?
If a converter (e.g. Voltaic) doesn't actually transfer the files from camcorder to hard drive, how would I do that? PRE?
What's the best way to split the AVCHD files by timecode? Would I use HDVSplit on the .m2t files created by AVCHD Upshift? What about the AVI files created by Voltaic HD... would I just run Scenealyzer against the huge AVI file?
Is de-interlacing required/desired? Is the conversion tool the best place to do this, or should I leave it interlaced and let PRE handle it upon output? I'm assuming my final output would be BluRay, but so far nobody in my family has BluRay so I might be forced to (temporarily) create SD DVDs somehow...
Given a choice between converting AVCHD to HDV(?) or AVI, which would PRE7 be happier with?
What about quality? It seems like HDV is king. Some people say AVCHD is equivalent (or close or better), but it seems like AVCHD quality can vary more widely than HDV based on what camcorder you're using. Also, would converting AVCHD to HDV (or AVI) result in quality issues?
I've also seen several interwebs posts saying AVCHD is more the consumer-targeted format, while HDV is more pro/prosumer-oriented. I don't care about that so much, but I would like to create the best videos I can with the least problems.
Whew! Sorry for so many questions, but they all seem related. Let me know if you think they should be separate posts???

Thanks, Paul.
I'm sorry if I'm being dense, but I still don't get what happens if I define the project as AVCHD > 1920x1080 and then try to add AVCHD assets that have been "Upshifted". An Upshifted video will be 1920x1080 m2t file (correct?), so...
It seems like an AVCHD PRE project would have the right pixel dimensions (1920x1080) but be expecting the wrong file format (m2ts AVCHD).
While a HDV PRE project would have the wrong pixel dimensions (1440x1080) but be expecting the right file type (m2t).
So... what would happen if I defined a AVCHD project and added a correct dimension / wrong format Upshift file?
And what would happen if I defined a HDV project and added an incorrect dimension / correct format Upshift file?
If I understand correctly, and HDV project would accept the file, but constantly have to render it (red line over clips) due to the incorrect dimensions? Would that rendered file end up "stretched" (or compressed, not sure), or would it be OK?
Still not sure what an AVCHD project would do. Would it constantly have to render due to the incorrect format?
And what would be a better rendering... the HDV converting the pixel dimensions, or the AVCHD project converting the file type?
Your trial idea is good, but the problem is that if I get an AVCHD camcorder, and can't find a suitable conversion/workflow, I'd be stuck trying to natively edit AVCHD - which would not be good! I'd have to return the camcorder. I know an HDV camcorder would work. But I like the idea of the AVCHD workflow, so I'm leaning that way but definitely nervous
Thanks so much for your patience!!

Similar Messages

Simple AVCHD conversion for PPC Mac

Hi,
I've got a Power PC Mac (dual 2.5) with Final Cut Studio (version 5.1.4) and want to do something really easy (at least easy in my mind this should be easy)--I want to purchase an HD camcorder, record a video and then edit that video in Final Cut Studio.
Here is the rub--for some unknown reason, apple does not have the technical ability to allow AVCHD to be edited in the older version of Final Cut and/or on a Power PC based Mac. So, what I need to do is convert the AVCHD to a format that my version of Final Cut can work with--any ideas on how to do this....as Quicktime can't seem to do it (and no, I refuse to spend $3,000 for a new computer and 500 for a software upgrade).
Right now, I'm being forced towards getting a JVC GZ-HD6 (instead of my favored Canon HF10) since it's file format can be converted in Quicktime for use in Final Cut. What gives...is AVCHD video conversion really that hard--if it is...why is AVCHD so popular when JVC puts out something that works--their version can be converted easily. And for that matter, why can't Final Cut simply just work with the JVC file version?
Another question I have...if someone can help me out.... why is there such a compelling drive to have final cut work with specific cameras? Why not just download the video to the hard drive and work from there?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Vic

Andy Mees wrote:
for some unknown reason, apple does not have the technical ability to allow AVCHD to be edited in the older version of Final Cut
Its not an unknown reason, Victor. Your older version of FCP was coded prior to the establishment of AVCHD as a mainstream consumer format that might reasonably be expected to be need to be supported. Just as my old 4:3 black and white TV can't display a color picture or an HD picture or a full frame 16:9 picture, because it was engineered prior to the establishment of such formats, I'd need to upgrade it (replace it with a newer set) to get support for such newfangled technology ... you need to upgrade your version of FCP if you want support for the latest video formats.
I would beg to differ here.....its not like we are changing from an analog signal to a digital one (fundamental hardware differences), we are talking just a data compression format--just a different way to visualize and store data--it shouldn't take a $500 upgrade to do that--and with the previous analogy, it would require an upgrade of my Macintosh...which it shouldn't require, because in the end, it is just 1's and 0's and how they are stored on a hard drive and manipulated by the CPU and video card. So I'm still having a difficult time understanding why AVCHD can't work on a Power PC based Mac other than someone just doesn't want to code it.
what I need to do is convert the AVCHD to a format that my version of Final Cut can work with--any ideas on how to do this
You can try VoltaicHD from ShedWorx, which can convert your source files to a format (Apple Intermediate Codec) which is supported by your hardware/software
http://www.shedworx.com/?q=volmac-home
Thanks!
What gives...is AVCHD video conversion really that hard
Yes actually it is very complicated. AVCHD is a highly compressed acquisition format and certainly not a post production format as the complexity of the compression algorithm does not lend itself to real time processing (at least not yet with the current state of technological advancement).
But doesn't the latest version of Final Cut (only on an Intel based Mac that is) work with AVCHD? If so, why can't it work on a Power PC?
why is there such a compelling drive to have final cut work with specific cameras?
As with any complex hardware/software setup. Some configurations will be known to be fully compatible and some less so. This is just the real world and the way it works. You can find a full list of directly and fully supported hardware on Apple's Final Cut Studio support site.
http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/resources/supportdevices.php
What I meant here is why is Final Cut wedded to specific camcorders rather than being an open system that is wedded to data formats--if it is tied to a data format, vice hardware, upgrades to different data formats should not be difficult--a SOA and open ended architecture should be standard in this day and age.
Again, thanks for all the help and information!
Vic

HDR-SR1 AVCHD conversion problem

I've just connected my Sony HDR-SR1 camera to Final Cut Pro v6.0.3 and opened Log & Transfer tool.
This all worked fine and the conversion process even though slow was easy enough. Now on my HD I have a ProRes 422 MOV file which plays back fine, however when I try previewing this footage on my video monitor, the footage appears very low res.
Am I doing something wrong or is there a preview setting i haven't turned on?
Could it be the ProRes 422 codec causing it?

No answer but a questions:
after the log and transfer with the file in your project,
under item properties, format
is the frame size 1920 x 1080?

Avchd Conversion to iMovie '11?

I am getting a Panasonic 700 camcorder, and it seems like I would have to convert the avchd files to use them in iMovie. There are many companies that advertise this, but which is the best, and are any free? I don't want to have two copies of the same footage taking up space either (the original and converted files) and,to spend lots of extra time on it. Any suggestions?

iMovie supports your camera selection and it can convert its AVCHD (not 60p) format. The camera can also record using iFrame which is supported by iMovie.

Re; AVCHD conversion

I just purchased Voltaic; it will convert video from MTS to a file Final Cut can use.
I am having trouble with the license key though. It keeps telling me to register.
Question:
Are there programs/applications that produce a better quality conversion?
Martini

I managed to get it working - I had to email the license key to my other email and then download it there. After dragging the license key over application it works - very easy to use. Right now I am onlu using the imovie conversion - still have to figure out how to get final cut conversion working - the picture was white.
Martini

VoltaicHD AVCHD conversion - best settings + keep clip information

Hi all,
I'm using VoltaicHD to convert some .mts files. I am converting to .mov but when I import the movies to iMovie 09 the date of the clip is [today's date] not the date when it was filmed.
Is there a way for me to convert to a format that KEEPS the clips data (date, format, etc.)?
Thanks.

Do you know the date and time that the clip was created? If so, you can name it as clip=yyyy=mm=dd hh;mm;ss.ext
where yyyy = year
mm = month
dd = day
hh = hour in 24 hour time
mm = minute
ss = second
ext = whatever extension Voltaic assigns, for example, it could be .mov
Other than that you can set the date and time of the clip in iMovie, but by naming as above, you will be able to skim with View/Playhead Info turned on and see the correct date and time.

Sony AVCHD conversion software for import to Premiere Elements

I am testing out a Sony HXR-NX3 camcorder. Planning to use it for wedding videos so I'm looking at the color and low light capabilities. When I copied the footage from the SD card to my PC then dragged the files into Adobe Premiere Elements v10 I noticed the sound did not come along. After some research, I found an article that stated: "In order to edit Sony HXR-NX3 60p MTS files smoothly, the easy workaround is to use 3rd-party to rewrap and convert 1080 60p footage a more "editable" format."
Here is the link to the article: http://www.brorsoft.com/how-to/import-sony-hxr-nx3-footage-to-adobe-premiere.html
I filmed in 1080/30p (not 60) but apparently it has the same issue. I also read that the Sony needs special software to combine files (>2g) that it split during recording and also if you are trying to combine files that crossed SD cards.
I found three possible pieces of software and wonder if anyone has a recommendation.
I am running W8. Adobe Premiere Elements 10. Footage shot at 1080/30p 17mps.
Sony Content Management Utility (which requires the physical camcorder to activate). I could only find v1 online. (Camcorder is a rental.)
Brorsoft MTS/M2TS Converter
Aunsoft MTS/M2TS Converter for Mac (not sure this will work on Windows OS)

VDRAVES
From a Premiere Elements perspective...
Please take a look at the blog post PE12: Seamless File Merging Before Import"
ATR Premiere Elements Troubleshooting: PE12: Seamless File Merging Before Import
It uses Command Prompt to get the job done.
It may be on the primitive side when it comes to the converter mentioned, but it might just take care of the audio issues and the files merging if those are the target concerns?
Please let us know if you decide to try the approach on a mini test run basis.
Thanks.
ATR

Is there a way to import clips from AVCHD folders I have copied from my camcorder to my hard disk? With FCE I could import these clips using log and transfer.

In FCP-X is there a way to import AVCHD clips from an AVCHD file folder I have copied from my Canon hard disk camcorder to my iMac hard disk? With FCE I used log and transfer with no problem; but, FCP-X doesn't import them. It will import AIC files that have been created in FCE from the original AVCHD files. If FCP-X will not import these files directly from the copied AVCHD folder, is there a workaround using other software to convert the files? For example, Compressor? (Canon does not provide any AVCHD conversion software for OSX).

Hi jphil and Tom
I have exactly the same problem but the answer you (Tom) provided did not help in my case. Trying to "Import ->From Camera" and pointing to the AVCHD folder yields the error message: "(Folder) contains unsupported files or has invalid directory structure."
Folder structure is
AVCHD
     BDMV
          CLIPINF
               .CPI files
          Index.bdm
          Movieobj.bdm
          PLAYLIST
               .MPL file
          STREAM
               .MTS files
AVF_INFO
     3 files (.bnp, .inp, .int)
DCIM
     101MSDCF
          empty
     MODELCFG.IND (file)
My question is: Is that not a "camera archive" of the type you talked about in the thread? Is it on principle not possible to import the files in that format/directory structure? If not, since the shots were not taken by myself, what should I ask the guy who shot the movies to give me to be able to work with them in FC?
I work with a brand new Final Cut Pro X 10.0.4 (still very clumsy with it) on an iMac 11,3 with MacOS 10.6.8.
I downloaded the latest version of codec updates from the Apple support site but no difference.
Thank you in advance
Giorgio
Freiburg, Germany

Undeleted MTS files not working

Hey everyone
I've been trying to resolve this issue for about 2 weeks now and I'm having a lot of difficulty. I have been checking out countless forums, blogs and the like, but still have not been able to solve my problem. I will try and be brief, but my situation is as follows:
My boss handed me an SD card with about 2-3 years video footage which was not backed up, asked me to grab the files off it and delete the rest on the card. Which I did, then accidentally deleted (as well as an empty trash) the files I had just transfered to my desktop, very foolish I know!
After much searching online for programs to recover the deleted files I came across several, I tried the free trials for Stellar Phoenix, Mac Keeper, Nice to Recover & Data Rescue 3. Mac Keeper couldn't recover MTS files at all, and I ended up purchasing Stellar Phoenix. I ran Stellar Phoenix on the SD card and YAY!! I was able to recover the files directly from the source... well so it seems.
Prior to deleting the files I was able to open and watch the MTS files on VLC media player with no problems, but since their recovery I can't seem to find a program that will recognise the files. I tried iMovie, Quicktime even downloaded AVCHD conversion software such as iSkysoft video converter, Doremisoft Mac AVCHD Converter, Clip Wrap and Tanbee AVCHD Video Converter but unfortunately none of the programs could even identify the file format "format not recognised" often being the problem.
At this point I then attempted to recover the MTS files directly from my Trash using Stellar Phoenix, but after several attempts, the files still don't seem to appear at all. This got me searching for more alternatives. I soon discovered Photorec, (http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec) despite the user interface, this proved promising, so far the best and fastest recovery program by a mile. Unfortunately though, it could only find about 5 of about 30 of my lost files and display only subliminal imagery when viewed in VLC.
Now I'm stuck!! has anyone out there gone through anything similar, and did you have any luck recovering your files????
Alex

astanuga wrote:
.... Photorec, (http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec) despite the user interface,.... has anyone out there gone through anything similar, and did you have any luck recovering your files????
Photorec's interface is a Mac User's nightmare, indeed, because it is a Terminal.app only ... but free.
I did use it once, I deleted a file in camera - after pushing 'yes - erase it', I realized I deleted a very nice smile on that track.
so, in my case, the original SDcard existed, I immediately got it out the cam and let Photorec directly from card did its job.
only advice from here: use the original SDcard, no copies, no trashbins, no ... whatever. then you have a high chance.
and Welcome astanuga to the  boards ...

IBE: Attachment Document Category -- Profile Option -- Update ???

We are doing a Proof of Concept for iStore Attachments and I need to update the "IBE: Attachment Document Category". The field is protected against update when attempting from System Administrator responsibility. Is there a certain responsibility/account required when modifying this profile option ??
Thanks in Advance

hsawwan wrote:
Hi,
Mark the Visible column at the Site level, and you should be able to mark the Updatable column then (at the same level). If you want to have this profile option updatable at the <A class=bodylinkwhite href="http://www.software-to-convert.com/avchd-conversion-software/avchd-to-iphone-software.html"><FONT face=tahoma,verdana,sans-serif color=#000 size=1>Application</FONT></A> level, just tick the box.
Regards,
HusseinCould you explain it more clearly? I'm a beginner.

PRE 7.0 Capture, Conforming & Editing Questions

I have a new Canon Vixia HFS100 (AVCHD) and have just installed Premiere Elements 7.0.   I previously used a Standard Definition mini-tape camcorder and edited the videos with either Windows Movie Maker or Cyberlink Power Director.
Capture Questions: The AVCHD media import option does not require a fire wire / nor does it provide device control. (I LIKE this feature since I purchased a camcorder with flash memory cards so that I could import the media through a card reader instead of having to hook up the camcorder.) I realize now, however that I may also want to import a small segment from a longer scene. Should the AVCHD capture feature have device control? If not, can I also use the HDV camcorder capture function instead?   Does this require any adjustments to my project settings?
Conforming Questions: After I import the .mts files, PRE 7.0 automatically goes through a process that says it is 'conforming' the files.   What does 'conforming' mean? Does this require any adjustments to my project settings?
Editing Questions: The .mts scenes cannot be played back without SEVERE stutter.   Audio is fine, but the scenes video looks like individual stills with 10-15 second delay until the next still picture. Although I plan to upgrade from my 1 GB RAM laptop to a much higher powered laptop within the next month, I am despearate to edit and publish my first set of videos since they are sales videos of horses I am trying to sell. Is there anything I can do to allow me to edit the .mts files with my current 1 GB RAM system? I would be happy to drop to a lower quality video setting just to get this batch of videos edited and produced.
Thanks in advance for your help.

1. Is there anything I can do NOW to get this first set of videos edited / produced on my current laptop?   I would be happy to import as lower quality if necessary.
There are several threads on AVCHD conversion. Unfortunately, I do not recall the conversion utilities recommended. Not shooting AVCHD, I have to admit that I am personally clueless to what programs work, and how well. Others can likely help you there.
2. What configuration wish list can you recommend for either a Dell laptop or desktop?   I will be editing ~40 horse sale videos per month and posting them to YouTube or producing DVDs to mail to prospective buyers.
I have just the ARTICLE for that "wishlist." Harm Millaard is the "Hardware Guru," on the PrPro forum. He gives a lot of great info. Now, it's pretty much geared for the "ultimate" NLE machine, but he does give the reasons, so one can "tone it down" to suit their budget and their needs.
Good luck,
Hunt
PS - if I find the threads on AVCHD conversion, I'll share those.

Panasonic HDC sd100 - any experience yet?

hello all, does anyone have experience importing video from this camera yet? the iMovie compatability list shows it as ok, and the FCE list shows the HS9, but we are seriously contemplating this camera for a lengthy overseas trip and don't want to get back and find a lot of footage we can't import!
please note, this will not be used with the Mac in my profile, but our MacBook 2.16ghz/2gbRAM/10.4.11/Intel machine. note: we are running Tiger on this machine. is it only the dvd cameras that need leopard?
any thoughts would be gratefully received.
all warmest
paul d

hi ian
thanks for the link and the info. the problem is i'm actually a sound engineer for a living so anything to do with audio, no problem whatsoever, but when it comes to mac and video - total novice! so the mac side doesn't scare me but i know how much manufs like putting the onus on Apple to sort their own house out. i'd got the impression Apple are getting there and increasing the compatability lists all the time, but i just wanted to check in case someone had actually done it!
the decision between miniDV, HDD and SD has taken us so long in itself. my gut says miniDV (established and stable), but means carrying lots of tapes and worries over moving parts. HDD, convenient, but if the HDD goes down, that's hours of footage lost. which sort of leaves us with SD - solid, yes quite new but robust, light, and smaller volumes if anything does happen.
i've had a long look at VoltaicHD and they reckon AVCHD conversion off the SD100 isn't a problem. still a bit confused over what we actually DO with the files though. as i understand it we are best off 1) taking the SD from the camera into a dedicated USB2 card reader
2) importing directly from there to iMovie or FCE
but you can't drag the AVCHD file to Finder (or desktop or wherever and then to app i understand?)
or:
1) going from SD card in reader and dumping to DVD backup in raw AVCHD file
2) converting with VoltaicHD and then import THAT file to iMove or FCE
have i got that right or have i missed a step or 6?
many thanks
paul d

Downloading video problem

I'm trying to download video from my Canon HG-10 HDD camera to my G5. Having trouble. Do I need to download AVCHD conversion software to get the video onto my machine.
Thanks so much in advance.
WFC

8str8 wrote:
.. Canon HG-10 HDD camera to my G5. Having trouble. Do I need to download AVCHD conversion software ..
yes, AVCHD and iM09 only with Intel-Macs. your profile lists G5 = NoGO..
you need Voltaic. http://www.shedworx.com/voltaichd
ah, and Welcome, 8str8, to the  iMovie boards ..

Problem with conversion AVCHD

I have the Sony SR-7 and I convert the AVCHD clips with Log & Transfer (Final Cut Express 4.0.1) but the converted clips are in fast motion (3X or 4X about): A clip about 10 sec is converted in a 3 second clip approximately. And the same thing with the rest of Clips. Also the clips are bad converted (with pixels, interferences...) Anybody have the same problem?
It happens the same when I convert the clips with IMovie instead of FCE.
Maybe I dont have any codec or plugin in the computer? But I have instaled the Apple Intermediate Codec and the Perian Codec is not installed (as it is said in some forums).
Thanks.

I have a Quad Core Intel Xeon and the format of Sony SR-7 is MTS.
Codec : AVC
Codec/Family : AVC
Codec/Info : MPEG-4 AVC
Codec profile : [email protected]
Codec settings, CABAC : Yes
Width : 1440 pixels
Height : 1080 pixels
Display Aspect ratio : 16/9
Frame rate : 25.000 fps
Chroma : 4:2:0
Interlacement : Top Field First
In FCE I have the same settings, but the problem is the conversión process.

AVCHD Log and transfer - How long does conversion take?

Anyone knows how long it takes to convert 1080i or 720p AVCHD material recorded by the Panasonic AG-HMC71 on a SDHC card?

Thanks for the quick responses.
@Ian
Are you sure about this? Is this camera really compatible with Final Cut Pro? I heard that FCP doesn't support some Panasonic camcorders.
Also I asked for the duration of the conversion, without posting my specs, so here they are:
MacBook Pro (Mac OS X 10.6.4)
2.4 GHz Intel Core i5
4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
And what will be the size of the converted files? I'll record in 720p//30 as well in 1080i/30.

AVCHD Conversion

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