FCE AVCHD and Importing

Hello,
I'm trying to import AVCHD files from a Sony HDR-SR11 to FCE 3.5 using Voltaic and the import time is excruciatingly slow (roughly 12x real time). I understand that FCE 4 works with AVCHD files but I'm also reading posts on this forum and elsewhere complaining about the slow import times.
Can someone please tell me if an upgrade to FCE 4 will dramatically improve AVCHD import times? I don't want to purchase/upgrade only to find out I'm right where I began. Anything close to real time import would be a huge improvement since I'm working with shorter clips.
Thanks for your help!

Are you converting the videos to QuickTime using Apple Intermediate Codec? (that is, with Voltaic?)
Correct. I'm currently using Voltaic to convert the MTS files to Quicktime/AIC. This allows me to import and edit without rendering in FCE 3.5. And it is so sloooooow.
Are you talking about Voltaic taking 12x real time; or importing the clips into FCE taking that long?
I'm talking about Voltaic talking so long. I have to convert them before importing them in to FCE 3.5. After being transcoded, the files are fine and FCE 3.5 is great.
So, I'm curious if others are having super long import times with FCE 4 and directly logging/transcoding within vs using a third-party app like Voltaic.
Again, once the clips are converted to AIC they work great in FCE 3.5 on Snow Leopard. Don't think that is the issue. The issue is converting from MTS to AIC.
Will FCE 4 do a quicker job than Voltaic?
Thanks for your replies!

Similar Messages

Canon AVCHD and Importing

I recently purchased a Canon R42 that supports AVCHD. I would like to use this with Final Cut Pro-X (which I have extremely little experience with yet) and was wondering how one imports from this camera. I.e., with Adobe Premier Pro, for instance, you need to copy the entire direcrtory structure on the camera to hard disk and then import it into the program. How so with FCP-X?
On a side note and perhaps important, the Canon R42 has only a USB port, no FW.
On another note I was told but have yet to verify that FCP-X will not allow the placement of Titles and Text at will. I find this hard to believe.
And advice appreciated and thank you!
Ron

You can certrainly put titles anywhere you want, I just did so in a video I shot of my nephew's wedding.
I learned to stop listening to other people, instead, I read the specs and functions of a program, then do a trial if there is one, and make my decision based on my own experience. I think FCPX is kick butt! Look at the post I put up a couple of days ago, "My Positive Experience... https://discussions.apple.com/message/22787766#22787766,

AVCHD and importing to 2003 Mac G5

I just bought a Sony HDR-CX550V Handycam - great camera - but I am having problems getting the content on to my aging MAC computer. The computer lists the video files as CPI clips but does not read them. The format it records in is AVCHD I believe. I assume there is a piece of software out there to solve my problem but I am not sure what I need to make things work. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Besides ilife 06' I also have Final Cut Pro HD 4.5 on my computer.

have a look at the products of shedworx.com ..
.. The computer lists the video files as CPI clips
no, the clipinfo/CPI doesn't contain any video, it's inside the .MTS ..
converting AVCHD on a G5 is a very, very, very time-consuming process ..
used MacMinis with an Intel-processor start at ~ 400$ ..

Follow up from Real Pro thread - NTSC and PAL and AVCHD and FCE

Interesting topic line but can I just check one thing out from PAL land.
With an HD/AVCHD camera it is not recording in either PAL or NTSC as this is a analogue mode - so the issue issue of format is only relevant if i playback on a analogue TV. We have a digital tv so i record on AVCHD, deal in that format in FCE and burn to DVD (not sure in what format) play on DVD player through the digital TV.
If that is all correct then why do the manufacturers, in my case Canon HF10, talk about an NTSC and PAL version and then price differently - comparing the spec sheets from the Canon site I can see no difference. Am I missing something?

Hi Tom
The thing i was trying to establish was whether really there was a difference (other than price ) in the so called versions of the Canon HF10. The specs are exactly the same. My assumption is that as the cam records in AVCHD unless you intend to play back thro a PAL or NTSC TV (bearing in mind most European PAL sets play NTSC as well) it makes no odds which camera.
My plan- and this is what I need to check - is to record and import into FCE taking your advice not to record in the highest quality to save rendering on import. After editing can export through FCE to PAL or NTSC DVD version for playing on TV.
Does that sound right
PS I have found your book on FCE very helpful to date !!!!

Solution when iMovie or FCE will not import AVCHD files or MTS files

Problem: iMovie or FCE will not import your footage from SDHC camera with files in AVCHD structure, or cannot import .mts or .m2ht files (which you may have copied from AVCHD structure. When mounting camera, you can see the camera as disk but iMovie will not try to import footage. If you point Final Cut Express (FCE) to the file structure, it fails to recognize it as a valid file structure. (I have Canon HF10, but understand that this problem is common on many camera models, maybe camera has been turned off at the wrong moment?)
Cause: Faulty file structure on camera or disk
Soultion: Rebuild AVCHD file structure using an AVCHD editing tool. I found multiAVCHD (multiavchd.deanbg.com), which is not perfect, but will do the job. And it is freeware (possible to donate).
I would like comments about others experience - but at least this worked for me:
- Download and install the software (Yes, you need Windows)
- Set the right parameters: mostly default, I didn´t want any recoding. But tick off to keep the source files!
- Select the AVCHD source (or source .mts or m2ts files) and destination
- Start rebuilding: select output for Sony Playstation 3
- Put the AVCHD file structure on a USB stick
*If using iMovie:*
Start iMovie and plug the USB into the mac (virtual disk (.dmg file) or other media should work fine as well). The USB may contain other files as well, but the root of AVCHD must be named AVCHD.
iMovie recognizes the drive as a camera. All is not 100% well, as the dates for making the footage is lost, and the thumbnails are distorted if seen at all, until clicked on. But then import worked for most clips. Some clips gave an error message, but FCE was able to import these (Log&transfer).
*If using FCE:* Use Log and transfer on this file structure (need not be on external disk)
If you have a better solution - please share! I suppose there are other tools out there which may correct the file structure with less side effects and no errors.
If you go for this solution - remember the author of multiAVCHD, he will surely appreciate a donation. I guess everybody will agree that this is worth at least as much as you paid for your SDHC card.
Why a function to correct faulty file structure is not included in iMovie and FCE is beyond my understanding!
I notice many users salvage their footage by converting the .MTS files, using Handbrake etc. But I believe rebuilding the file structure is faster and with no quality reduction.

Hi everyone,
I'm hoping someone is still subscribed to this and can help.
I have a Sony HDR-SR10. Yesterday I was able to connect it to my iMac by USB and view all the footage in the import window of iMovie (08).
Last night, to save time sorting at home, I took it to work with me and using the software that came with the camera installed on a Windows PC went through to see which files were rubbish and could be deleted before importing to speed up the transfer on to my mac.
Today, my Mac won't recognise the Camera!?!?!?!
Have I inadvertently reformatted the .MTS files or the camera itself, to windows or something? CanI change it back??
I'm currently creating a new disk image of the camera on my Mac in the vain hope that it will work and be recognised by the Mac as a camera. I can see from the progress box the following text:
Creating Image "Sony Camcorder Media.dmg"
=====Progress Bar=====
Reading (WindowsFAT32 :1)...
Which is why I think I've done something seriously wrong!! .. because it mentions windows!
HELP! HELP! HELP!
I have my entire honeymoon and the first year of my son on this camera and I want to edit with iMovie! Especially as I just paid for iLife 09 upgrade!

Importing AVCHD and DCIM folders into iMovie that someone has sent me. They live on my desktop. How do I bring them into an event library?

Someone has sent me the AVCHD and DCIM folders to import into iMovie. They live on my desktop. How do I bring them into an event library?

DCIM contains only stills.jpg ...
AVCHD is a highly complex file structure:
the 'video iself' is within STREAM as .mts, plus corresponding .cpi files in the CLIPINF ...
if the structure is intact, you go via File/Import/Camera Archive …
WITHOUT such a complete structure, the mts are not readable for iM and the automatic conversion routines don't get triggered. you have to manually convert/rewrap with 3rd party tools.-
the pics/jpegs can be imported via Finder/drag'n drop.-

Working alternating with iPhoto and FCE tgrying to import pictures from iPhoto into FCE suddenly all my 22300 pictures disappeared leaving empty frames. Does somebody know where the pictures could have gone and how can I get them back into iPhoto? Lothar

Working alternating with iPhoto and FCE tgrying to import pictures from iPhoto into FCE suddenly all my 22300 pictures disappeared leaving empty frames. Does somebody know where the pictures could have gone and how can I get them back into iPhoto? Lothar

The ! turns up when iPhoto loses the connection between the thumbnail in the iPhoto Window and the file it represents.
Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Rebuild iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup.
If that fails:
Option 2
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one. .
Regards
TD

AVCHD file Import via iMovie then ?possible FCE can import these files?

I am new to Apple. I want to Upgrade from iMovie 08, to FCE HD.
I believe that FCE DOES NOT import AVCHD files / format., however, iMovie 08
DOES! Before I Buy FCE, Has anyone with FCE successfully tried using iMovie 08 to import AVCHD video, then , with FCE running, import the iMovies 08 / AVCHD
files ( which I believe are uncompressed ' *.mov (movie) files ), into
Final Cut Express HD?

iMovie 08 converts the files to Apple Intermediate Codec when it ingests the material. That's the same format used by FCE.

AVCHD and DV

If I use ClipWrap2 to rewrap AVCHD media to QuickTime, then use MPEG Streamclip to convert it to the Apple Intrrmediate Codec at 29.97fps with uncompressed 48k audio can I edit it with footage shot at the same event on minidv?
If I can, will there be a significant difference? Can the client tell the difference?
Please advise.
Thank you in advance

If you only have the MTS files from the AVCHD camcorder then yes you do need ClipWrap or MPEG Streamclip. Sometimes outside videographers only give you the MTS files instead of the entire AVCHD folder from their camcorder. If you only get MTS files then the only way for you to get the video into QuickTime/Apple Intermediate Codec form is to use Clipwrap or perhaps MPEG Streamclip - but you do not need to use both programs.
If your videographer gives you the entire memory card from his/her AVCHD camcorder then as long as you have a memory card reader (SD card readers are built into some Macs) you can use FCE to import the video from the card same as if you were importing directly from an AVCHD camcorder.
If you have an AVCHD camcorder you can connect it to your Mac via USB and use the Log & Transfer feature in FCE to import the video directly from the camcorder into FCE. In this case, FCE will take care of transcoding the video into QuickTime/Apple Intermediate Codec.
The problem with mixing AVCHD and DV footage is that they use different codecs, different resolutions and different aspect ratios. AVCHD will be 16:9 but DV will be 4:3. When you combine them in a sequence you will be faced with a number of decisions & tradeoffs as to which will be your primary video type.
For example, you said you wanted to use the DV camcorder for wide shots. But you will then have to enlarge (scale up) the DV video in order to cover the full 16:9 frame of the AVCHD video. When you do this you will lose sharpness. So, if you are using multiple cameras it is best that they all shoot the same kind of video (AVCHD) and use the same settings (frame size, frame rate, white balance, etc).

Limits on clip name lengths on log and import?

Hi,
I just arrived back from vacation where I had shot quite a number of AVCHD files on my Sony HDR-SR12E (all in the same quality and resolution), plugged in the camera to my Mac, launched FCE, started the Log and Import and proceeded to name each of the clips in the queue something that I could use to easily identify them.
I came back after letting the queue import for a while and noticed that some of the clips were failing to import and hovering the cursor over the queue status flag simply popped up with 'Error: Unknown'.
I repeated the import on some of the small filler clips and it seemed to fail right at the end.
I then removed the clips from the queue, shortened the name and added them to the queue and so far they all seem to be importing correctly.
I didn't have any punctuation characters in the name, sure some had a few spaces but no more than any of the others.
Does anyone know of any naming limitations when importing like this..?
Regards,
-Andy

I didn't have any punctuation characters in the name, sure some had a few spaces but no more >than any of the others.
When naming files as you mention punctuation characters are best avoided.
Also parentheses, brackets, quotation marks and operators.
Spaces can cause trouble and the underscore (_) is a better option than a space.
I suspect one of the above characters to be at the bottom of your file naming drama.
Al

AVCHD and Snow Leopard (I-Movie / Final Cut Express)

AVCHD and Snow Leopard. I have been using Final Cut Express 4 and I-Movie 08 since they both came out. I have been using the same AVCHD camcorder (Cannon HG10) with both programs, and it has worked perfectly. Now I have installed 10.6 and 10.6.1 and now neither program will allow AVCHD transfer. Both recognize the camcorder but won't transfer.
A little poking around on the internet and I discovered that Snow Leopard won't support AVCHD (http://www.shedworx.com/no-avchd-in-snow-leopard). Third party web site mind you.
So far I agree it won’t work with AVCHD. Now since both programs were developed to use one of the most widely utilized formats in HD camcorders, again AVCHD, this accidental or intentional over site smells of Microsoft, not Apple.
I like some of the features of Snow Leopard but for me the video aspect is one of the top requirements. Apple had been the leader in the multimedia revolution and this mis-step with AVCHD is it’s typical of Apple.
I have just restored back to 10.5 and every thing is working again.
Now that were around the block here is the question. If anyone can come up with a solution…that does not include the used of third party software to convert, please let me know.
And to Apple, please fix this problem, I’m already hearing the complaints with QuickTime X, and seen the headlines, “Snow Leopard, is it Apples Vista?”.

CAM2399 wrote:
A little poking around on the internet and I discovered that Snow Leopard won't support AVCHD (http://www.shedworx.com/no-avchd-in-snow-leopard). Third party web site mind you.
This is, to be polite, a misunderstanding. Shedworx are being careless with their terminology.
1. SL itself does not support AVCHD, but neither did Leopard.
2. AVCHD support is built in to the movie editing software (iMOvie, FCE, FCP), exactly as it was in 10.5
3. I am happily editing AVCHD from my HG10 in iMovie 09 and in FCP, in exactly the same way I did under 10.5
So you have a specific issue with your camera, you've taken that with some carelessness from Shedworx, and on that basis you've decided, incorrectly, that Apple does not/will not support AVCHD.
There were many cases under Leo where people reported problems getting their camera to communicate with iMovie. Solutions include:
1. Trashing iMovie preference files
2. Repairing permissions
3. Copying the AVCHD folder tree from the camera to disk, and importing to iMovie from there
4. Using MPEG Streamclip to convert the camera footage before importing to iMovie
5.Making sure the camera is running on mains power, not battery, and that it's in playback mode.

Easy setup FCE 4 and mpeg stream clip

Hi, i need an help for import my videocamera video. I use samsung MHX H200SP/EDC and i obtain a MP4 PAL 1280x720 50fps clip. I try to use MPEG streamclip to convert in something not to be rendered fo FCE the i import it into FCE.
Could someone tell me which set up use in MPEG streamclip and in esasy setup for FCE?
I would like to obtain max quality (doesn't matter space on HD)
I tried in this way
MPEG streamclip conversion:
Apple Intermediate Codec
100% quality
1280x720 (16:9, no scaling, HDTV 720p? which one?)
shoud i choose "interlaced scaling"?
other way?
in easy set up for FCE i tried:
Apple Intermediate Codec
AVCHD Apple Itermediate Codec 1920x1080i50
rate 25 fps
is it right? which one should i use?
best regards everybody
Filippo

The MHX H200SP/EDC saves video as MP4/H.264 files and it appears you used 1280x720p as your setting in the camera.
In that case, in MPEG Streamclip, convert the clips to:
QuickTime
Apple Intermediate Codec
1280x720 (HDTV 720p)
UNcheck the option called "Interlaced scaling" (because you have progressive video)
In FCE, select the HDV Apple Intermediate Codec 720p25 Easy Setup. Then create a new Sequence. Then import your converted clip(s).

AVCHD and Final Cut Express

When Apple says you must have an Intel processor to use AVCHD with FCE, they are not kidding! If you have an Intel Mac, you can import AVCHD in the 'log and tranfer' window. There you can view and import clips from your HD camera with a hard disk. However, if you have a Power PC Mac, it will most definitely not work. This is all in the manual by the way. I just learned this the hard way.
I bought a Canon HG-10, recorded a few minutes of video, and tried to get it into FCE. After some time poking around in the software, a phone call to Canon and doing a search for "AVCHD" in the PDF manual, I found out, my PPC Mac was SOL.
The manual also says that if I did have the Intel chip, it would format convert the files using the Apple Intermediate Codec and the resulting files will be TEN TIMES bigger. That would mean that if I fill up the 40 GB hard disk on the HG-10 just once, and then import it using FCE, it would become 400 GIGS!!! Yikes.
So that would make the whole idea of AVCHD a giant bust for me. Sounds like I'm definitely gonna stay tape based if I go HD at all. Of course I found all this out after I purchased the HG-10. Hopefully I can help someone out there in cyberland to be better informed.

Here's a very good explanation on why AVCHD isn't edited natively.
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=6152344#6152344

CS4 Exporting and Importing Problems

Hey all,
I joined this forum specifically so I could ask this question. I have been looking all around and can not find the answer.
I have a Canon Vixia HF S10, with internal 32 gb memory, and am trying to import directly into Premiere Pro. Now, I have the media browser set up to AVCHD, and the icon next to the files is that filmstrip and speaker, showing that it knows it's video. However, when I try to drag it in, it acts like it's importing, and then pops up an error stating that the "Format is not supported". Now it says on Adobe that it IS supported, and I can import it elsewhere. I've tried re-installing it, using Clean Script, and nothing works! I've also updated it every time I've installed it, though I've tried without updating as well.
My other question is this: I want to export a project as a .dv or DV stream, and I cannot find an option for it. Simple as that. It also says that exporting as .dv is supported in CS4. What's the problem? Is there something I need to download for either of them?
I'm running it on a Mac, on Leopard.
Thanks a lot,
Nili.

I am having the same problem. The file extension that I am trying to import
is .mts - AVCHD format which Adobe does not seem to recognise. I have taken it from a panasonic camera. Camera makes no difference, it is the format in which the file is stored. I have also also opened up
a customer chat with technical support on adobe. Could it be something to do with missing codecs?

Poor Image Quality In FCE With Photoshop Imports

I'm using scans created in Photoshop in my current FCE project, and am extremely disappointed with the image quality. All scans are 72 pixels/inch, 720x534 pixels (changed to 720x480 for import), sharpened with Unsharp Mask. In Photoshop, they look terrific. Imported into FCE and viewed in the viewer, they look terrific. When dropped onto the canvas to add to the timeline, suddenly they look like crap. The sharpness is gone, the edges are pixelated, and most are rendered unusable. What happened? Can I fix it? Thanks in advance.
Dual 2 GHz PowerPC G5 Mac OS X (10.4.5) FCE 1.0.1

Really!? I'm surprised, as those numbers come from the Apple Pro Training Series book on FCE. But ok, I'll redo my images at 720x540. I should still make a version at 720x480 for import, to avoid "squeezing" the image, right? Should I avoid sharpening the image at all, or just cut back on the amount (or does this depend on the image)? When you say "the canvas is a reduced display output," do you mean that this reflects the compression that occurs with the DV format? Thanks, Tom, for your help.
Dual 2 GHz PowerPC G5 Mac OS X (10.4.5)

FCE AVCHD and Importing

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