How to convert MTS to Apple Intermediate Codec for Final Cut Express faster

Final Cut Express doesn’t actually edit AVCHD MTS files, it Log and transfer  MTS to Apple Intermediate Codec(AIC), which is a much more editing friendly HD supporting codec.Final Cut will only handle AVCHD files when it finds them in their original file structure (either by connecting the camcorder or using a memory card reader), not isolated .mts files. The biggest problem will be storage. For doing that type of work AIC takes a lot more space then AVCHD. figure a multiple of 3-7x the file storage size for a single video file, then multiply that by 3 or 4 to account for working space. So, for example, let’s say you have videos to import, the videos total about 6 gig on your camcorder, they will take 18 – 42 gigs of hard drive space just to import the footage.Figuring 3 to 4x that for editing space, you’re gonna need between 54 and 168 gig to edit the video.

Give Compressor up. I recommed  convert mts to AIC or Apple’s ProRes 422 codec with Pavtube MTS to Apple Codec Converter. It save me 2 hours or more.

More functions about this MTS Converter for Mac: http://www.pavtube.com/mts-converter-mac/

How to convert MTS to Apple Intermediate Codec(AIC) for Final Cut Express faster

Step one. Free Download and install  Pavtube MTS to Apple Codec Converter. Click ‘Add’ button, browse to the AVCHD MTS files  and load them to the MTS to AIC  converter. You can check the files and take thumbnails in Preview window.

Step two. Select the items to be converted, and click on ‘Format’ bar to specify output format. FCE compatible formats such as Apple Intermediate Codec(AIC), MP4, MOV, MPG, DV, AVI can be found in the profile list. For instance, you could follow Final Cut->Apple Intermediate Codec(AIC)(*.mov).

Step three. Click the ‘Settings’ button and set proper video/ audio parameters. My advice is to set the video size, bitrate and fame rate to be exactly as the footages so that you will suffer least quality degradation. For example, when the video is shot at 1920*1080, 5mbps, 30fps, you could set Size-1920*1080, Bitrate-original, Frame rate-30. If you would like to use default settings, simply skip this step.

Step four. Click the ‘Browse’ button next to the Export to field and select a location on your HDD for the output video file.

Step five. Click the ‘Convert’ button to start converting MTS files to AIC for FCE on Mac.

After conversion you can click the ‘Open’ button to locate converted video files, and edit the video footages for playback on QuickTime connected to your HDTV, as well as on Mac.