On TWiT 128 (10 minutes and 40 seconds into the show), Patrick Norton asked if AVCHD is natively supported in Final Cut Pro. Alex Lindsay didn’t think so, but Leo Laporte said there is. Leo then pointed out that Final Cut Express and iMovie ’08 support AVCHD.
Now, let’s see where things really are right now for Mac users. Final Cut Pro 6, Final Cut Express 4, and iMovie ’08 do support AVCHD format, but not quite natively. It takes roughly 3 minutes to import a 58-second clip in iMovie ’08 on a 2.0GHz MacBook Pro Core Duo with 2GB RAM and 7200 RPM hard-drive (via USB 2.0). On the same MacBook Pro Final Cut Pro 6 consistently crashes in the middle of importing the same AVCHD video clip. UPDATE: There is an apparent conflict caused by Perian Quicktime Component (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306922). As for Final Cut Express 4, I don’t know because I don’t have it yet.
I installed Sony’s Vegas Movie Studio 8 Platinum Edition on a Windows XP PC that my friend and I put together. It has Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6550, 4GB of RAM, and Intel® Desktop Board DP35DP. Sony Vegas took a short amount of time to import the same AVCHD video clip. As a matter of fact, Sony Vegas recognize the “.mts” file format. This is no surprise because AVCHD was developed jointly by Sony and Panasonic.
The advantage of using a disk-based camcorder is the ability to transfer the video clip faster than tape-based camcorders. Videos from tapes are transferred in real time to the computer, because of the limitation of the tape medium. Unfortunately for Mac users, AVCHD is a little bit inconvenient; because it takes almost forever to import those video files. AVCHD requires a lot of processing power, but if the system/program natively supports AVCHD, it’d be easier to copy the actual streams to another hard drive and import them later.
Maybe the next updates to iMovie and Final Cut will address this issue. Until then, Mac users has to be patient when dealing with AVCHD camcorders.
I own a Panasonic HDC-SD5, and also use my friend’s Canon HG10.
How are import times on the faster 3.0ghz and 3.2ghz 8-core MacPro systems?
i have an HG10 and im using FCE4 with my mac book pro but the footage i imported wouldnt play smoothly. it shows me a message about dropped frames.. i guess my mac doesnt have inough processing power to manage larger amount of footage. i have 1.83 GHz intel core duo with 1GB 667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM. does anyone know whats the ideal configuration for editing? do i need to increase my memory to be able to edit without having dropped frames?
I have a Sony HDR-UX7 Handycam with an IMAC, I am not able to import video to IMOVIE 08. My IMAC is able to recognize my camera as an Disk ICON but I am unable to view or import to IMOVIE. When I click on the Disk ICON a folder named DVD_RTAV is there. When I open that folder I have 3 new folders: VR_MANGR.BUP, VR_MANGER.IFO, VR_MOVIE.VRO.
I am at a loss, Please help.
is there a version of Sony Vegas for Mac os x Leopard?
Thnx for your helping…
Does final cut express 4.0 recognise the MTS files on a intel based mac without conversion by voltaic?
Hi, i have just bought the Panasonic HDC SD5 with an 8GB SDHC card and am having problems editing my footage on my computer.
I have an intel mac with final cut pro 6. Every time i connect the camera to the computer final cut wont pick it up, so i tried a card reader which allows me to access the SDHC files but which are all in .MTS format. Do i have to convert these files using a program like Voltaic to a better format or is there a way of importing them in to final cut to be edited.
I was told and read in reviews that the HDC SD5 didnt have software issues like the new version HDC SD9, thats why i bought it. i dont want to have to convert hours of footage evertime i want to edit.
Is there a solution to this as i dont seem to find any information in the user manual. Can anyone help??
Thanks,
does it have to be the latest Final Cut pro 6.0.3?
I have Final Cut Pro 6.0.1. Will it work on 6.0.2?
thanks for your help.
ive updated to the lastest version, final cut pro 6.0.3, but am still having problems getting importing them.
im using an SDHC card reader and using log and transfer to import them but it wont read the mts file type. ive tried dragging them to the desktop but it doesnt work either. should i be directly importing them from the camera? i cant figure it out and i need to start editing. any suggestions?
thanks,
the card reader is USB if that makes any difference and so is the cable that connects the camera to the computer. Should i be using firewire? its just that i read that final cut recognizes them when its by firewire.
thanks again for the quick reply but it doesnt work. I think theres a problem with combination Mac OSX 10.5.3 and FCP 6.0.3. Ive been reading about it here, alot of people are having the same problem:
http://forums.creativecow.net/thread/8/993381
Woohoo!! i have figured it out!
I wasnt working because i had FXfactory plugins installed. As soon as i unistalled them it started working. What a relief!
Thanks for all your help tho!
I have Sony HDR-SR1 and now an iMac 700 MHz PowerPC G4 w/1gb ram. What do you recommend for me to use for editing? I have Vegas 8.0 Plat. for my pc but thought maybe this handmedown might work better. I through together DVDs that are almost 2 hours long but the pc shut down often or thinks I do not have enough space when I really do.
Would Final cut express do the job?
Final Cut Pro 6.0.4 crashes when I try to import AVCHD files in the Log and Transfer window (Add clip to queue, etc.). Any help appreciated.
MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.11)
I have a Canon Vixia HF 10 and a Macbook Pro 2.2 GHz with 2 GB RAM. I’m using FCE 4.0.1 and OS 10.5.5. I cannot seem to get the transfer process completed with AVCHD files. FCE recognizes them in the Log and Transfer window, but when I queue them for transfer, the progress bar shows no progress and I get a “no data” error exclamation point.
For me it takes about 5-6 min before I can see my clips in the L&T window in FCE 4.0.1. It doesn’t matter if I connect my HF100 directly, use a USB card reader or download the AVCHD folder to my desktop.
When the L&T window is open and has populated one card, I can put another card in and it populates it directly, it seems to sense all AVCHD folders on my computer. If I then close the L&T window and open it again, it takes 5-6 min before I can see any files. Really frustrating!
Is this related to reparing disk permissions perhaps? I’ll ry that when I get home and using a new account on my iMac 2,8GHz 24″ with 4GB RAM (Mid2007).
I went down to the local Apple Center and there it worked right away. The tech dude there suggested that I should reinstall Leopard.
I have now reinstalled 10.5 and updated it to date, still no luck!
I’m guessing heer that there has to be a hardware problem, but I’m not sure what it is. Because it doesn’t matter if I connect my camera or the SD-card to a USB card reader or if I have the AVCHD folder on my desktop. It’s not a USB problem.
Any idea…anyone?!
well a decent solution is to get toast titanium and use the convert tab to convert the files to HDV. i’ve used it as an alternative and it works quite well.
Hey. For those getting “no data” errors, in the Log & Transfer window, open preference (under the cog in the upper right), and set the audo to “plain stereo”. Worked for me.
I have a Macbook with Final cut express and the Sony SR11 as well. I get a message saying the folder doesn’t match what it expects on the Sony camcorder. It doesn’t matter what path I put in it.
Also every time I connect the SR11 (only the hd is selected and pictures went to the hard drive and the video resides there as well.) Every time I connect via USB, the iPhoto import window comes up. My Macbook thinks it’s just a still camera. I can see the disk icon. I already have Voltaic on the machine before I purhased Final Cut Express 4.0.
The Macbook is under 2 weeks old. I have no idea why this is happening. Perhaps my Sony Camcorder directory structure is so messed up iMovie 09 and Final Cut express can’t see it.
So far the only thing I can do is copy files to the Mac and use Voltaic to convert the files ahead of time.
I also imported and deleted all my pictures into iPhoto application to clear off all photos. There is no SD video on this camcorder only HD video.
By the way the message I get from Final Cut Express is:
——-
WARNING
NO NAME contains unsupported media or as an
invalid directory structure. Please chose a folder
whose directory structure matches supported media.
——- (with an OKAY button)
Also, believe it or not I have a couple of other macs that I can try to use to get footage from the camera and none of them can see the camera at all.
I have imovie 08 on a Mac Mini which used to be able to see this and could import clips when I first plugged the camera in. I downloaded several clips in full 1920 HDTV resolution and they are still in the iMovie from an earlier download in the Mac Mini, but now it cannot detect the Sony.
I also have a IMovie 5.02 HD on an iBook G4, which probably couldn’t work with the AVCHD anyway. It cannot see the camera as well. I have a Sony Digital 8 that can be viewed from all Macs on Firewire, however.
All computers can see the Firewire camcorder I have an import SD footage from that camcorder.
MAC MINI (which worked has been altered slightly)
I also have an EyeTV 250 plus that was installed on the Mac Mini. I don’t think I have Perian quicktime component, how would I know if I have it?
“If it still doesn’t work, trash all iMovie ‘08 preferences, repair disk permission.” I don’t know where the iMove 09 preferences are?
QUICKTIME ON MacBook – is it in SYSTEM PREFERENCES?
If this is referring to the system preferences setting with QUICKTIME under that, do I move that to the trash. It looks like the standard quicktime setup with the MacBook and I can even drill down and see MIME types supported. When I do a get info on it, it’s not registered yet, meaning I don’t have the PRO addition. ON this MacBook the Quicktime System Preference “About INFO” dialog shows Sorenson as one of the makers, no mention of Perian. It’s Quicktime Version 7.6
Under the Advanced tab of the Quicktime Preferences, there are no media keys.
This is a very recent Ibook which has a new display adapter as well, and 2 gig of storage. I also have Flip4Mac WMV viewer in the “other” settings which was downloaded from the Microsoft site. It setup for windows media in a web browser, I would think that it would not be affecting iMovie or Final Cut Express 4.0.
Directory names at root of Sony Camcorder are:
AVCHD
AVF_INFO
DCIM
Desktop Folder
Under AVCHD
BDMV
CLIMPINF
PLAYLIST
STREAM (with the MTS files in here)
Under DCIM
101MSDCF (which used to have pictures, I downloaded and deleted all of them)
untitled folder (sept 1 2008) perhaps this doesn’t belong here.
The “Desktop Folder”
has one file under it called
MODELCFG.IND
I’m sorry for any confusion. All references near the end of my last post refer to the Macbook with imovie 09
—- I’ve duplicated the above post with the *MACBOOK* reference correction below.
Greg – corrected message.
By the way the message I get from Final Cut Express is:
——-
WARNING
NO NAME contains unsupported media or as an
invalid directory structure. Please chose a folder
whose directory structure matches supported media.
——- (with an OKAY button)
Also, believe it or not I have a couple of other macs that I can try to use to get footage from the camera and none of them can see the camera at all.
I have imovie 08 on a Mac Mini which used to be able to see this and could import clips when I first plugged the camera in. I downloaded several clips in full 1920 HDTV resolution and they are still in the iMovie from an earlier download in the Mac Mini, but now it cannot detect the Sony.
I also have a IMovie 5.02 HD on an iBook G4, which probably couldn’t work with the AVCHD anyway. It cannot see the camera as well. I have a Sony Digital 8 that can be viewed from all Macs on Firewire, however.
All computers can see the Firewire camcorder I have an import SD footage from that camcorder.
MAC MINI (which worked has been altered slightly)
I also have an EyeTV 250 plus that was installed on the Mac Mini. I don’t think I have Perian quicktime component, how would I know if I have it?
“If it still doesn’t work, trash all iMovie ‘08 preferences, repair disk permission.” I don’t know where the iMove 09 preferences are?
QUICKTIME ON MacBook – is it in SYSTEM PREFERENCES?
If this is referring to the system preferences setting with QUICKTIME under that, do I move that to the trash. It looks like the standard quicktime setup with the MacBook and I can even drill down and see MIME types supported. When I do a get info on it, it’s not registered yet, meaning I don’t have the PRO addition. ON this MacBook the Quicktime System Preference “About INFO” dialog shows Sorenson as one of the makers, no mention of Perian. It’s Quicktime Version 7.6
Under the Advanced tab of the Quicktime Preferences, there are no media keys.
This is a very recent *MACBOOK* which has a new display adapter as well, and 2 gig of storage. I also have Flip4Mac WMV viewer in the “other” settings which was downloaded from the Microsoft site. It setup for windows media in a web browser, I would think that it would not be affecting iMovie or Final Cut Express 4.0.
Directory names at root of Sony Camcorder are:
AVCHD
AVF_INFO
DCIM
Desktop Folder
Under AVCHD
BDMV
CLIMPINF
PLAYLIST
STREAM (with the MTS files in here)
Under DCIM
101MSDCF (which used to have pictures, I downloaded and deleted all of them)
untitled folder (sept 1 2008) perhaps this doesn’t belong here.
The “Desktop Folder”
has one file under it called
MODELCFG.IND
Help please! I am using FC Express 4 and trying to import Sony AVCHD footage. Using log and transfer i can browse the footage, load them into the import pane. And that’s where it stops. It won’t actually import the clips!
I’ve offloaded all my raw video files the entire directory. I’m thinking about deleting everything off the Sony and trying to record video fresh onto the Sony to see if it’s something in my directory that is screwed up.
I might try taking it into the Apple store first to see if something there can detect it.
I’ve also just copied .MTS files over to the hard drive and used the Voltiac convertor. Voltiac works great actually and even does a good job reducing the video to 1/4 size import resolution. The video takes a long time to convert in Voltaic. About 12 to 15 minutes for each minute of footage, using a basic $999 MacBook, 2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo.
Those render times are a killer. The footage is awesome however. I know the iMovie import is quicker when it works and delivers stunning video quality (at least on the Mac Mini). The other thing I wonder about is if the Mac Mini was working better because the diplay was set to a 1920 resolution monitor when I first imported video into it. Maybe if I’m using a lower display setting iMovie won’t allow me to import the footage. I haven’t tested that theory yet. I know in the back room I don’t have a high resolution projector and was using a XVGA resolution VGA connection for the Mac Mini. But the Mini worked at first with a new Sony Camcorder and Imovie on a Sony XBR-6 32 TV (monitor). The video and project looked lossless to me, it looked as good as the raw AVCHD footage. I’ve seen what Imovie can do (for one brief project) and it was awesome when the sony footage was something I could import. That’s what makes this frustrating.
Greg
Also if you happen to be shooting with a progressive capture (not Sony) the Voltaic experimental mode (high speed) will do non-interlaced FRAME (not field) rendering at about 3x on a MacBook. Meaning some folks with Progressive AVCHD using Voltaic might be pretty happy campers. Download the Voltaic plug in and try the demo version first if your contemplating that.
Right now I have a newly installed copy of Final Cut Express, which doesn’t work with the Sony Camcorder and is a total waste of money until it can.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1712707&tstart=0
Found my particular problem. I manually deleted files from finder and probably destroyed the integrity of the Sony internal volume. I had a copy of the MTS files for later rendering or reimporting. I just reset/reformatted the camera erasing everything after I pulled all the archive material off it. Recorded a test clip. I haven’t figured out the iMovie 9.0 but I’m able to import it into FInal Cut Express 4.0 without any problems. So my particular problem is solved.
Looks like Express works pretty slickly. I actually like an easier interface and may do most of my stuff with Imovie most of the time.
Problem solved with FC Express not importing from a Sony AVCHD. At the top of the import list in LOG AND TRANSFER, click on the “gear”. Change audio setting from “mixed” to “plain stereo”. Picked this tip up from another forum. Worked like a charm!!!
Hi. I have been capturing footage from my Sony AVCHD HDR CX12 using Final Cut Express 4. When I import about 7gb of footage off my PRO duo card it become about 35gb on my harddrive. Is there any way to change the apple intermediate codec so the files wont become so huge?
Unfortunately that’s how it is with Apple Intermediate Codec. In general I imported the AVCHD Video in 540p. That for sure keep the size smaller and minimal quality loss.
I have always kept the original AVCHD source for later whenever there’s a better method to import them.
AVCHD + LOG AND TRANSFER Solved (but weird. Not sure whats really going on!)
Some of us had issues with importing AVCHD (eg L&T window crashes, “invalid structure…” etc..)
When I turn OFF my Airport, miraculously, my L&T window detects my HF-10 internal drives again! Pheww….
This technique has been repeated several times on separate occasion and two different machines with the same issues.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1965840&start=45&tstart=0
I’m running on a 17″ Macbook Pro 2.66GHz Unibody and FCP 6.0.6
GOOD LUCK!
Hi, I just got me a Canon Vixia HG20 and ive been having issues in the log and transfer part of my footage. Ive looked at video tutorials and other info online. It still wont work. Ive got FCP 6.06 and a Mac OS x 10.4.11. can anyone help?
Hi, I just got me a Canon Vixia HG20 and ive been having issues in the log and transfer part of my footage. Ive looked at video tutorials and other info online. It still wont work. Ive got FCP 6.06 and a Mac OS x 10.4.11. can anyone help?
-felix
I’ll see what I can find.
What is exactly the problem? You couldn’t see the clip using LOG & TRANSFER?
hey have you found out how to do this yet?
I have a canon vixia HF 10 and log and transfer keeps saying there is “no data.” does anyone have any suggestions!?!
Can anyone help me out here? I erased all the files from my HG20 on accident and now I cant record a thing on it. Im furious right now because Im supposed to record something this weekend and I have no solution. I tried calling Canon support but everyone is away for the holidays. If anyone can help It will be greatly appreciated
Do you need to recover files from the camera?
If not, try initializing the hard drive using the Camera Control.
All I know is all of my folders (AVCHD) and like 5 others are gone. I cant record, my white balance is gone. Wiped it out. Its all the software that was on the camera when I got it
Can you access the MENU?
If you could, go to the HDD OPERATIONS
Then INITIALIZE HDD
Hope that helps.
Wow dude, thanks! It worked. Appreciate you helping me out. Life saver
You’re Welcome.
I’m glad I can help.
If you have any more questions, let me know.
Yip~
In fact, it is very common to meet the problem posted above.
Huh…I often connect our camcorder like Sony hdr-ux1 and navigate to FCE 6.0.5’s new Log and Transfer Window. Then, I set the camcorder in the Finder window and await the AVCHD files (MTS) to be imported into FCE. But, suddenly, an error message pops up and gives a warning “AVCHD” is an unrecognizable media format. Finally, I download some AVCHD Codecs like FFDshow and VLC (VideoLAN Client) in order to play AVCHD files. Nevertheless, the playback is choppy and noisy when importing them to Mac computer.
In order to find out the truth, I tested several times and wondered whether I can use a professional AVCHD Converter for Mac. Thus, here I would like to share with u guys. Some of my dear friends recommend me Moyea MTS Converter for Mac for which runs much better in converting AVCHD/MTS files. With it, you guys can also convert SD/HD footage to MPEG-4, HDV, SD or DV supported by FCE or iMovie.
http :// www . my-video-converter . com/mts_converter_mac/
Turning off the wireless as Zalee mentioned worked for me. 🙂
I’m stumped. Re: my log and transfer “no data” error message…I’m clicking on the “gear” in the L&T window and it doesn’t give me an option to change audio settings from stereo to plain. I don’t even see that information anywhere. What am I missing?
I have not had error like that.
Can you provide some screen shots?