AVCHD to FCP for editing

AVCHD to FCP workflow. I've just upgraded from the dvx100B to the HMC150, and I have a problem that I don't see discussed when I search. I'm surprised, because it's a really simple question:
I just received my new HMC150 and I’ve filmed something at 1920x1080, 24p. So now I’m trying to figure out how to edit the AVCHD files in FCP (version 7.0.1). I’m running an eight-core Mac Pro w_ 20Gb of RAM. I assume that I need to transcode the HMC150 files to ProRes 422 or 422 (HQ) to work with them in the Browser.
So, I transfer the data from the HMC150 SD card to my desktop, and I get a folder labeled AVCHD. Inside this folder I see two more folders entitled “AVCHDTN” and “BDMV”
Inside “AVCHDTN” are two files, “THUMB.TDT,” and “THUMB.TIC”
Inside “BDMV” are three folders and two files. The files are labled “INDEX.BDM,” and “MOVIEOBJ.BDM”
The three folders are labeled “CLIPINF,” “PLAYLIST,” and “STREAM”
Inside “CLIPINF,” one finds three files labeled “00000.CPI,” “0001.CPI,” and “00002.CPI”
Inside the PLAYLIST folder is one file labeled “00000.MPL”
Inside the STREAM folder are three files labeled “00000.MTS,” “00001.MTS,” and “00002.MTS”
I’ve tried using MPEG_Streamclip, but it doesn’t recognize any of the above files. I’ve also tried importing each of the above folders or files into FCP (to used Media Manager), but it doesn’t recognize any of this data either. What’s the workflow that works? Help!

Hi
What's AIC? It's not listed as a Target Format in the Log&Transfer Preferences
not even if you click on the "ProRes 422" name? It should drop down and show at least Apple Intermediate (others if you have specialized workflows installed eg RED) or FCP 7 offers ProRez 444, I think.
Anyway if you have lots of Disk Space ProRez is a Higher quality CODEC ... but both AIC and ProRez are bigger "containers" (ie better 'quality') than AVCHD. If your footage was shot well, both will work well. Experiment for yourself and decide your needs.
IMO it's best to provide Vimeo and YouTube with a file which is *exactly * the size, frame rate and CODEC (including bit rate ) they want to play. That way they won't have to re-process your image at all and potentially introduce distortion.
Vimeo have a page that specifies exactly what the want .... an MPEG 4 with H264 encoding, 720P (for HD ... deinterlaced if shot at 1080i) capped at 5000Kb/sec bit rate (check it out yourself though. I'm sure YouTube has a similar page). You can set that up in compressor as a new setting, or go on the internet (try Limewire) and find a copy of Visual Hub (V 3.3 is good) with a serial #. It's no longer sold, supported or developed so you won't be able to pay for if if you wanted to! But it still does a great job of You Tube /Vimeo' ing movies. I've loved it for years!
For DVD Studio Pro, Compressor's presets are fine.... though they only make Stanadrd Def DVD's. I wouldn't recommend the HD-DVD option which is still listed. The HD-DVD format is now obsolete.
You can make a "BluRay" DVD using your FCP Movie and a Copy of Toast 10 Pro with the( Blu Ray Plug In). It will put up to 20mins of BluRay Data (actually H264) on a 4.3 Gig disk that plays in a BluRay Player. I think there are some options in FCP Studio 3 for BluRay, but I don't have it yet ... maybe it can do the same thing?
Hope this helps
Lee

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