AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) is a file-based format for the digital recording and playback of high-definition video.
Developed jointly by Sony and Panasonic, the format was introduced in 2006 primarily for use in high definition consumer camcorders. Favorable comparisons of AVCHD against HDV and XDCAM EX solidified perception of AVCHD as a format acceptable for professional usage. Panasonic released the first professional AVCHD camcorder in autumn of 2008, followed by Sony in the first quarter of 2010.
AVCHD 1080i is available on most AVCHD camcorders. For some models this is the only recording mode offered. AVCHD-SD is used in the shoulder-mount Panasonic HDC-MDH1, available on Southern-Asian markets, as well as on its North American AG-AC7 cousin. Several new models from JVC like the GZ-HM650, GZ-HM670 and GZ-HM690 can record AVCHD-SD video too. AVCHD-SD is not compatible with consumer DVD players, because it employs AVC video encoding instead of MPEG-2 Part 2. AVCHD-SD can be played on a Blu-ray Disc player.
MTS and M2TS are both file extensions for the high definition digital video camera recorder format, AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition). AVCHD was jointly established by Sony Corporation and Panasonic Corporation in 2006 for use in their digital tapeless camcorders.
Though both MTS and M2TS are file extensions for the same AVCHD and both support 720p and 1080i HD video formats, there is a slight difference between the two. In the M2TS file, the video file is saved in the high definition Blue-ray BDAV format. Video data on the Blue-ray discs can be saved in one of the three video codecs – MPEG2 Part 2, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, or SMPTE VC-1; and the audio data in either Dolby digital, DTS, or the uncompressed Linear PCM. The M2TS file extension is written as 'xxxxx.m2ts' where the ‘xxxxx’ are a five digit number corresponding to the audio-visual clip.
Then how to get AVCHD MTS files off HD Video cameras/camcorders to Mac?
If you want to playback your video to conputer, you will find most AVCHD camcorders are with high definition M2TS/MTS format. This format itself is good even perfect, but for Mac users, they must pay some effort to make it works well with their PC or Book. From QuickTime, iMovie, FCP, iDVD to YouTube, AVCHD M2TS format is not a fully compatible format. Even the latest iMovie'11 and FCPX. It can do nothing when the M2TS can't be detected by them.
With AVC HD camcorders, you typically need to connect the HD video camera to your Mac using a USB cable, firewire or iLink(Sony). Once connected and powered on, the camcorder should appear on the desktop as a new disk. The location of the films on the camcorders disk will vary depending on manufacturer. It is desirable that you copy the movies to your Mac harddisk before converting or editing. And there is a step by step instruction about how to capture footage from camcorder.
Mac AVCHD Converter can solve all your problems with best quality to transfer/convert and edit your HD videos.
Convert AVCHD video on mac:
1.Free Download and Run avchd converter for mac Software. Once the download is complete, run the file "DoremisoftMacAVCHDConverter1.01.dmg" to install. After the application has been installed, follow these directions to convert your AVCHD video file(s) into a format that is compatible with your desired media device. Take a look at the interface of Doremisoft AVCHD Video Converter for Mac below.
2.Open the Doremisoft Mac AVCHD Video Converter and Click Add Files to load AVCHD files for mac osx AVCHD format conversion.
Tips: It has an easy-to-use interface, and it will support most popular file formats, including iDVD files. In addition, it includes a batch converter, so you can convert multiple files with one click of a button.
3.Click Profile drop down list to select output format so that you will know where the converted file(s) will be placed. (Use the Browse button to navigate to the desired location.)
e.g. Select MPEG-4 movie format for edit AVCHD video in iMovie
Select MOV Format for play AVCHD with QuickTime player
Select FLV format for upload to YouTube, Flash Player
Select AVI format for Windows Movie Maker, Windows Media Player
4.Click Start Button at the bottom of the window to Convert AVCHD video to MP4 or other video audio format.
Tips: You may change other output settings by clicking on the Settings Options button or the Edit Output button.
In addition, AVCHD Video Converter can extract audio to MP3, WAV, AAC, M4A, AC3, FLAC, MP2, MKA, AMR and convert video to picture by capturing wonderful image from AVCHD video to JPG, PNG, GIF or BMP because it supports snapshot in preview process. Just take snapshots at will for your favourite moment.
After learn this, you will realise that you can convert Sony Handycam to macwith this software.
