Convert FCE output (.MOV, AIC) to .MKV ?

[nobody_home]

I am using FCE 4 to edit 1920x1080i (AVCHD) video. My understanding is that FCE transcodes the native .mts files to AIC (Apple Intermediate Codec) for editing purposes. After I have finished my edit, I output as a self-contained Quicktime Movie (as opposed to "output using Quicktime conversion"). The resulting file is very large. When I right-click on it for "Get Info" it states that the dimensions are 1920x1080 and the codec is AIC.

I would like to convert this file to .MKV format but am unsure how to go about this. Through Google searches I found several supposed ".MOV to .MKV for Mac" converters (paid software), but when I downloaded free trials there was no way to output .MKV. I realize I can burn a Blu-ray disc and then rip that to .MKV, but I would like to do the conversion directly (skipping the BD step) if possible.

Any tips or insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Herve]

After I have finished my edit, I output as a self-contained

so all your rushes are now written in an "unique place" (your .mov)
you can throw your rushes folder now if you want
Your file still contains an "editing format" (AIC) now you have to convert it to an "broadcasting format"
The file is safe to be converted with any QuickTime's based soft, for example, use MPegStreamClip and generate a h264/mp4 file.
The resulting file (h264 + aac) will be compatible with mkv wrapper (…and use another tool to rewrap your .mp4 to .mkv)

bye

[nobody_home]

^^^
I used MPEG Streamclip to convert to h264/uncompressed audio file (is that the same thing as LPCM)?. Then I was able to rewrap the .mov file to .mkv using iSkysoft Video Converter.

Thank you for your help!

[Case]

Uncompressed audio; is that the same thing as LPCM?

Sort of, mostly yes. Uncompressed audio is most often encoded as LPCM, although uncompressed audio can be encoded in different ways as well, and LCPM can be compressed.
The "Sound: Uncompressed" feature in MPEG Streamclip produces LPCM audio.