Importing AVCHD files from Hard Drive

[peterdb]

Can anyone tell me why VS 11+ will not import AVCHD files from my Hard drives ?
I follow the normal proceedure : Capture Step / Import from DVD/VR / Select"Import DVD Folder" / Browse for folder ...I finds the folder OK but it will not "see" the AVCHD files on the Hard Drives.
The similar proceedure for importing them from AVCHD discs works fine

I know the files are fine as other programs I have installed import them ?

[Ron P.]

When using the Import DVD Folders, VS is only looking for and will accept the Video_TS folder, and the VOB files.

When VS11+ was first released, and we realized that it would not allow inserting VOB files to the timeline, like VS10, I was informed by a Ulead tech, that they remove that option because it does the same thing as the Import DVD Folders, which uses the MPEG video contained in the VOBs.

[Ken Berry]

I see that VS 11.5 at least has added "or AVCHD" to the 'Insert DVD/DVD-VR command line. I don't have an AVCHD camera or any avchd files currently on my computer to test it. But I thought that, in the past and using VS 11+ and not VS11.5, instead of using Insert DVD/DVD-VR, I had simply used the Insert Video command. Then navigated to where my AVCHD files were stored and VS saw them. I selected the ones I wanted, and they appeared in either the library pane or timeline.

[etech6355]

The similar proceedure for importing them from AVCHD discs works fine

The import feature only looks for directories that contain a valid dvd or avchd subfolder system. You cannot select files.

To select files use the "Insert Media" or insert file method.

[Ken Berry]

Glad my memory wasn't playing tricks on me!

[etech6355]

Ken,
The avc/h264 videos can be in a BDMV folder that contains the avc/h264 video files. Similar to the VIDEO_TS folders for dvd's.
In the BDMV folders are directories & files that comprise the avchd disk. Usually a simple menu, index files etc.

So if someone copies the whole directory structure from his harddisk cam to the local drive he can use the import feature. But if he used the software that came with the camcorder they are probably just files.

There is also a slight difference in the container formats being used. If the camcorder is an avchd mini-dvd cam they are .m2ts files. Seems like the harddisk based or SD-Media cams use the .MTS file extension.

Always something different. I think they are starting to make the move to "No moving parts". If you have one of the newer Panasonic Blu-Ray players they have a card reader in them. You record in HighDef avc/h264 to a SD card on one of their hd-cams. Then put the SD Card into the Blu-ray player and it will play the same as an avchd disk with a menu and all.

[peterdb]

It is interesting to read your replies but none appear to help.
My AVCHD camera is (a sony HDR-SR1)
The camera comes with software to import files onto my computer Hard Drive in the form of .m2ts files.
Video Sudio will not import these files,
If I try to import directly from the camera Hard drive it shows all the BDMV files ect but will still not import from any of these files ?
The only way I can import AVCHD files into Video Studio at present is by first putting them onto a AVCHD disc (they are BDMV files Backup, Clipinfo, Playlist, Stream, index.bdmv and Movieobject.bdmv
My version of Video StudioDefinatly says insert to timeline (or library)
DVD DVD-VR or AVCHD
Does anyone know why it does not work ?
Incidentally I tried it on other video editing programs such as Pinnacle Studeo, Roxio Easy Media and they both import AVCHD file in all forms !

[etech6355]

When you access your camcorders harddisk via the drive letter assigned to it you should see the following directory.

BDMV
.........\BACKUP
.........\CLIPINFO
.........\PLAYLIST
.........\STREAMS
index.bdmv
Movieobject.bdmv

When you use the VS11+ import feature you will NOT see individual files, only FOLDERS.
I think all you have to do is Highlight the BDMV folder and click "OK".
Then VS will list the contents on that harddisk, after it lists the contents you put a CHECK in the boxs for the video(s) you want to import then hit the "Import" Icon.

I'm not familiar with the exact directory structure on your camcorder. If you can view them from the windows explorer window then you should be able to navagate to the streams folder and copy the videos over to your harddisk.

Then in VS you "Insert" them into the timeline, not "Import".
In VS when you "Import" you select the folders, when you "Insert" you select the individual files directly.
So when importing you will not see the video files, only the folder, the importing function reads the disc as if it was an avchd disk with menus, which it actually is.

I also think that when you use the supplied software that came with the camcorder that copies the files to your local harddisk then just use VS11+ "Insert Media" (not import), navigate to the video file and insert it directly into the timeline.

[peterdb]

Thanks for your reply.
When I go to " File/"Insert to library" it take me to a dialog box showing my drives (DVD CD only)"
I then go to "Import from Foldar" at the bottom of the dialog box and can them navigate to me Hard drives including my Camcorder HD , I then navigate to the BDMV folder and highlight it.
It then tries to "parse files" and crashes showing APPCRASH
is this just a windows Vista problem ?

Thanks

[sjj1805]

......
Then in VS you "Insert" them into the timeline, not "Import".
In VS when you "Import" you select the folders, when you "Insert" you select the individual files directly.
So when importing you will not see the video files, only the folder, the importing function reads the disc as if it was an avchd disk with menus, which it actually is........

[etech6355]

I have come across similar importing problems (under Vista).
Are you using the retail version of VS11+ or the trial.
What processor is in your computer? Intel / AMD