AVCHD file divides

[Glen]

I had an issue with an AVCHD (Panasonic AC160) file that was divided at 0:25:00:12. In the process approx. 12 frames of audio went missing when combining it on the timeline.

Here is what I found to ensure this does not happen again. (I know that there are some posts that talk about this but it took some searching to work it all out)

So here it is in an easily digested post :)

I have dumped the entire "Private" folder from the SD media onto the HDD.

In Edius I have added the video files ("Stream" folder) to the bin.
Both files are visible as separate files. (Let's say 0004 and 0005)
If you import 0004 it will be a combination of 0004 and 0005. ie. Both will have the same end timecode.
0005 will have a different start timecode (approx. 0:25:0:15 later than 0004).
So file 005 will be redundant in the bin (Do not delete the file from the HDD!).

I hope this helps alleviate someone else's stress in the middle of an edit :)

[Dry Biscuit]

Or..... Just use the browser software that came with the camera !

This is why all manufacturers provide 'browsing' software (apart from other reasons).

Just open up your Panasonic browsing software, copy your clips to your HDD using this software NOT by navigating down through stream folders etc.

The just drag your clips straight to the Edius bin - Job done !! No worrying about split clips it's all done for you.

[Glen]

Indeed, but the Panasonic software is not the most elegant, or intuitive, I have come across, I have to admit :)

[tuyle]

It won't work for Canon HF-G10 files - 2 frames dropped between files (continuing video but break up by FAT). Don't assume it will work :-(

This is why all manufacturers provide 'browsing' software (apart from other reasons).

Just open up your Panasonic browsing software, copy your clips to your HDD using this software NOT by navigating down through stream folders etc.

The just drag your clips straight to the Edius bin - Job done !! No worrying about split clips it's all done for you.

[Dry Biscuit]

Sorry - I can't comment on the consumer cameras as I do not own one. Might I suggest it is a faullt in the software and should be pointed out to Canon? Spanned files should not drop frames ! My suggested method works flawlessly with files recorded on either my PMW-350 or EX1R - admittedly both Sony's (using the clip browser software).

If the File allocation tables are being screwed up with spanned files then this is something you should take up with Canon support surely?

[Ron Evans]

I have all Sony cams too and always use the supplied software with no problems in years now of running them. Use the manufacturers software to transfer to the PC, backup these files, then edit is my work order. I would be surprised if the other manufacturers software were any less effective at the transfer process. They may not be good at much else though !!!!

I use the Sony PMB for all my family video and stills because it can be viewed and sorted in so many ways. For my projects I just use it to transfer the video as all my stuff is theatre and is usually around 1 hour per act.

Ron Evans

[dpalomaki]

It won't work for Canon HF-G10 files - 2 frames dropped between files

The "missing" info is in the file, the problem appears to be the second and subsequent files are assumed to contain header information and this effectively "hides" the first two frames on the time line. If the G10 (or XA10) files are binary concatinated into one file (> 2 GB), no problem. The command prompt "COPY" command with a /B switch does this nicely, and there are some utilities that do this as well. Being an old DOS fan, I use the COPY command when needed.

[rodpike]

Glen,
I have just spent an afternoon with my 160 trying to sort this out. Your solution is correct and I can't believe it isn't written anywhere that, using your superb explanation, the "004" and "005" footage is already stitched in the "004" footage- brilliant! and thankyou for providing the answer.
However I noticed that, using your example, the "004" footage never seems to exceed 3.99 gb. Surely, if many files are being stiched into the "004" example, the file size should grow? (or maybe it only shows the original file size)
Interestingly, good ol' Edius avchd converter produces a continuous stream without any splitting issues at all. ( bloody great files though!)

I am going to play some more.

[Glen]

Glen,
I have just spent an afternoon with my 160 trying to sort this out. Your solution is correct and I can't believe it isn't written anywhere that, using your superb explanation, the "004" and "005" footage is already stitched in the "004" footage- brilliant! and thankyou for providing the answer.
However I noticed that, using your example, the "004" footage never seems to exceed 3.99 gb. Surely, if many files are being stiched into the "004" example, the file size should grow? (or maybe it only shows the original file size)
Interestingly, good ol' Edius avchd converter produces a continuous stream without any splitting issues at all. ( bloody great files though!)

I am going to play some more.

Glad I was of some assistance Rod :)

The files are not physically stitched together but virtually by, what I would suspect, is an instruction from an xml type file in one of the other folders. This would keep the relevant file info and instruct the software (Edius in this case) what needs to go together.

[rodpike]

Hi all,
There are lots of threads regarding gaps between segments. My new Panasonic also had me fooled when tranferring via the Panasonic avccam viewer software because it showed 3 segments and I didnt think to check the content, I just ssumed that they had not stitched, but as Glen points out, everything was now in the first segment.

My Sony AVCHD PMB software also stitches on transfer from my Sony camera but then only shows one segment- that's why the Panny had me fooled. The point seems to be ALWAYS use the recommended transfer or viewing software, that is what it is for. Just pulling clips onto the hard drive via a card reader doesn't work because of the 4gb file size limitation .

And as has been pointed out many times the gaps are not missing data, everything is there.

[Fred Dwyer]

It won't work for Canon HF-G10 files - 2 frames dropped between files (continuing video but break up by FAT). Don't assume it will work :-(

HF G10 spanned files are handled properly by using EDIUS and selecting the first clip of the spanned file for add to bin. No frames are lost.

[tuyle]

I could not make it work at that time :-(
You are correct - just load the first clip to the bin :-)