Why do I need to convert AVCHD (.m2ts) files ??

[lombiz]

Hello,

I have been searching the net for some hours but still I am very confused about all the video conversion etc.
I just got a Canon HF100 and as far as I understand it saves files in AVCHD (.m2ts) files which is MPEG4 with codec H264 !?

Why do I need to convert the files to another format. Isnt the .m2ts files the best compression without quality loss?
I got imagemixer with the Camera and I can view edit and save my files back in .m2ts format

I have done som editing in Pinnacle Studio plus and even when I try to create BlueRay it converts the file.
I have a Intel Q9300 so timewise it is going ok but still. Isnt .m2ts the format that BlueRay uses natively?
Why can I not just edit project in Studio Plus and then finalize in same .m2ts format?
Also in Studio Plus I can select to export file as MPEG4 HD. Isnt that what I already have from the camera?

I understand that you have to convert if you want other formats such as avi,mpeg2 etc or want to burn to DVD but if I dont need that is there any use?

Pleeeease help me out. I am going nutz )

Thanks !

[Baldrick]

Nope, you shouldn't have to reconvert if it's within the blu-ray standard and you are just cutting or joining(no transitions or filters). But many or most editors does NOT support that...yet. Maybe vegas.

And this is EDITING and not any conversion. Moving you.

[lombiz]

With Imagemixer I can add titles, transitions and then save in .m2ts format. It is not as advanced as vegas and StudioPlus but still.

Anyway, thanks for the answer.

/Peter

[johns0]

Please do not crosspost and hijack another thread,i have deleted the other thread since you have your own post with the same message.

[pepegot1]

You bought the wrong camera. You should have gotten the HV40, where you can shoot in SD or HD. Unless you have got a real fast computer, and are very knowledgeable, AVCHD is not for you. It is very limited anyway.

[lombiz]

I am having an very easy time with AVCHD so that is why am so confused why everyone is wining about conversion etc.
I have tons of edited .mts files that all my computers and mediaplayers play perfect.

I have a Intel Quad 9350 so I have power for conversion but that is not needed.
Who want to ruin AVCHD to DVD quality.

/P

[fritzi93]

I have done som editing in Pinnacle Studio plus and even when I try to create BlueRay it converts the file.

So don't use Pinnacle. No, not trying to be a wise guy, but it has a bad (probably deserved) reputation. Last version I tried was Studio 8 and NEVER got it to complete a project.

You could try VideoRedo, TSPE, TS-Doctor (payware), or TSSniper (free) for editing. Then author to Blu-Ray with multiAVCHD or tsMuxer (free).

[guns1inger]

I am having an very easy time with AVCHD so that is why am so confused why everyone is wining about conversion etc.
I have tons of edited .mts files that all my computers and mediaplayers play perfect.

I have a Intel Quad 9350 so I have power for conversion but that is not needed.
Who want to ruin AVCHD to DVD quality.

/P

Not everyone has access to a player that will playback AVCHD natively. If you are making videos for family and friends then DVD is still by far the most popular and easily playable format.

Not everyone is happy with the limitations of the free software that ships with camera. Sometimes is knobbled, sometimes it is just crap and unstable, sometimes it is limited to just what the camera produces, and doesn't handle other footage well. Unfortunately, just about every camera produces it's own variation, and not all editors can read all AVCHD files, so conversion is a necessary evil

There are lots of reasons why AVCHD is a) not a great format for working with, and b) why you might have convert formats.

That you are happy with your setup and what you get is nice. That you can't see the bigger picture and the wider implications just shows how insular your particular space is.