Samsung AVCHD and Edius

[pgovotsos]

Hello,
I'm trying to import some files from a Samsung SC-HMX10C and I get and error message "Failed to open file [could not open file] <filename>". I get this for SD and HD files. This camera records in AVCHD format and the files have an .mp4 extension. Attached is a short sample file of some papers on my desk.

Thanks,
Panagiotis

[SRsupport]

Which version of Edius are you using?

[pgovotsos]

Sorry, should have included that. I'm using the 4.61 trial - supposedly has Broadcast version features for 30 days (27 now).

Panagiotis

[SRsupport]

What version of quick time do you have installed?

[Ron Evans]

I don't think the SC-HMX10C records AVCHD. It is Samsung's version of H.264. AVCHD is a specific version of H.264 that also has some differences depending on manufacturer!!!

Ron Evans

[pgovotsos]

I've currently got Quicktime 7.2 on this machine. The documentation for the camera (and the box) say it records in AVCHD.

Thanks,
Panagiotis

[STORMDAVE]

AVCHD is .mts I think

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SC-HMX10-Definition-Camcorder-compatible/dp/B000MAQSD6

Read the reviews here it seems that someone said this does not record to the AVCHD specifications. Google is your friend :)

The only other option you have is to somehow convert these clips into Canopus HQ for playback.


EDIT:

Some quick research showed that if you install FFDSHOW it might play it back without a problem and it may load into EDIUS so you can convert to Canopus HQ from the bin.

[THoff]

Maybe the AVCHD to Canopus HQ Converter will do it -- it is more up-to-date than the AVCHD code in Edius itself.

[GrassValley_KH]

Maybe the AVCHD to Canopus HQ Converter will do it -- it is more up-to-date than the AVCHD code in Edius itself.

No, it does not work - I tried it. It will, however, load into QuickTime 7.5.

StormDave is on the right path, by suggesting FFDSHOW or perhaps using AVISynth to put it into PCE for conversion.

In any event, it's a funky form of AVC..

[SRsupport]

I've currently got Quicktime 7.2 on this machine. The documentation for the camera (and the box) say it records in AVCHD.

Thanks,
Panagiotis

I would suggest that you install the latest version of quicktime and then check if you can open the file.

STeve

[Jerry]

I would suggest that you install the latest version of quicktime and then check if you can open the file.

STeve

This is a perfect example of the industry gone mad. Where is the uniformity of the codec. This needs to be fully explained to the user, especially the average consumer. Most users are not that versed in the inner workings of codecs. Heck, I'm having a hard time just keeping track of what's what with H.264.
I just noticed that the camera does not have a firewire output but rather an HDMI and USB. If you had something like the Intensity card ($249) you could capture to uncompressed or MJPEG and import into Edius. MJPEG performs pretty much as HQ does.
I know this defeats the use of the cards, but, it is either that or find some way to convert it. Either way will more than likely take the same amount of time.

[wags]

Yep harddrive AVCHD camera's...1 step forward and 3 backwards...

I feel sorry for the folks that get sucked into buying these things and then realize that you cannot edit it in realtime and have to convert it.

Vegas can do basic edits with it if you like editing with a real low draft res preview window.

[SoundFreak]

Yep harddrive AVCHD camera's...1 step forward and 3 backwards...

My sentiments exactly, that's why I bought an older HDV camera, that records on mini dv tape.

While I'm happily recording canopus HQ codec on the fly, isn't this possible with the AVCHD files played from camera ?

That of course still leaves the backup problem !

[Ron Evans]

Yep harddrive AVCHD camera's...1 step forward and 3 backwards...

I feel sorry for the folks that get sucked into buying these things and then realize that you cannot edit it in realtime and have to convert it.

Vegas can do basic edits with it if you like editing with a real low draft res preview window.

I have a SR11 that works just great. Gives my FX1 a real run for the money with a picture that a lot of the time is better than the FX1 for about 1/4 the price. As far as editing at first it was a problem. But now with my new quad core playback in Vegas is realtime with full resolution ( because it has the Sony AVCHD playback software installed) and responds on the Vegas timeline just like HDV. In Edius the AVCHD converter is fast. I can transfer to PC and convert to HQ in just over realtime ( about 1hour 20min for a 1 hour 10 min video) This of course is almost as fast as tape as I would have to change tapes in the transfer!!!! Once in HQ the editing is identical. With the new Panasonic HMC-150 coming out in September AVCHD will start to move into the more professional ranks. I am sure Sony will also respond with a competing camera( I hope). I think AVCHD is here to stay.

Ron Evans

[SoundFreak]

While I'm happily recording canopus HQ codec on the fly, isn't this possible with the AVCHD files played from camera ?

Is this possible or is it a MUST to copy the AVCHD files and then convert ?