Help with editing and converting AVCHD files

[kaylis_flock]

Just purchased a Canon hg21 that uses MTS files.
Unfortunately I have no idea what to do with these kinds of files so I need some help!

My previous JVC camcorder uses MPEG files so I got so far as converting the MTS files to an MPEG file (a format that I'm used to editing/burning with).

The problem is that it's so slow! It took nearly 2 1/2 hrs to convert a 10 min. video!

I've download several freeware and trial programs trying to find one that would work quicker but they all have the same slow speed.

I'm running Windows XP, 3.6 GHZ 199 GB RAM. Is my computer not fast enough?

Help please, I want to get some videos of my kiddos!

[Baldrick]

Please don't cross post. https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/316792-Newbie-to-HD-Video-editing-Please-Help%21?p=...73#post1960673