Avchd Camcorders
Why does my digital camcorder transfer lots of files for one video?
I’m new to camcorders and the AVCHD format, but I transferred my first video to my computer last night and there are five files for just one clip. There is the .avchd video file itself. Then there is a .cont file, a .m2ts.sfk file, a .pmpd file and a .tmb file. Is this going to happen every single time I transfer a video from my camera, and can I delete all of the files except the .avchd?
Don’t do that.
You are copying the entire contents of the camcorder’s flash memory or hard drive. Don’t do that. The only files you really need are the TOD, MTS or M2TS files.
The camcorder has an “embedded operating system”. It allows the features, clip selection from the menu (heck, even the menu), formatting, stills and all sorts of other capabilities. In order to keep track of the images and video recorded, there are “housekeeping” files that also get created. They keep track of the image and video files, whether certain “editing” options regarding various files have been used, date, time, various settings… you do not need these “housekeeping” files. If you have not already found, if a video file gets to about the 20 minute make, it becomes too large to be appropriately managed – that initial file is ended and a new video file is created for the next bunch of video information.
MANY decent video editors that can deal with AVCHD compresed video files still want the camcorder connected to the computer – and the Capture or Log & Capture “process” is used to get the video from the camcorder into the video editor. If the video editor is not capable of doing this, then copying the TOD, MTS or M2TS files to the computer usually requires you to transcode – convert – the video files to a format the editor can deal with. MPEG StreamClip www.squared5.com is one of many transcoders that can do the task. When the proper capture method is used, the camcorder-created multiple files can automatically become a single video editor file. This won’t happen if the camcorder contents are copied the way you are doing it – you need to manually tie them together after the video files are pulled into the editor.
DO NOT use the computer to delete the video files. When you do this, the camcorder housekeeping files are not updated and continue to keep track of files that are no longer on the camcorder. Use the camcorder’s delete command sequence so the housekeeping files are updated.
Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder
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Sony 4 GB Memory Stick ProDuo MSMT4G/TQ1 (Black) $6.49 Memory Stick offers fast read and write speeds up to 80Mbps. Features increased durability with temperature ranging in operation from 13 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Memory Stick includes MSAC-M2 Memory Stick Duo media adapter for compatibility in standard Memory Stick media slot. Use Memory stick with compatible digital cameras, digital voice recorders and video cameras…. |
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Sony 8 GB Memory Stick PRO Duo Flash Memory Card MSMT8G $19.39 Memory Stick offers fast read and write speeds up to 80Mbps. Features increased durability with temperature ranging in operation from 13 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Memory Stick includes MSAC-M2 Memory Stick Duo media adapter for compatibility in standard Memory Stick media slot. Use Memory stick with compatible digital cameras, digital voice recorders and video cameras…. |
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Sony 32 GB Flash Memory Card SF32N4/TQ (Black) $29.42 CLASS 4RECOMMENDED FOR AVC-HD RECORDING LABEL AREA ON THE CARD FOR ORGANIZATION & EASY IDENTIFICATIONINCLUDES X-PICT STORY PICTURE SHARING SOFTWARE TO CREATE A IMAGE SLIDESHOW & MUSIC IN 3 STEPS & FILE RESCUE SOFTWARE TO RECOVER ACCIDENTALLY DELETED IMAGES MPEG & MP4 VIDEO 32GBUPC : 027242825321Estimated Shipping Weight : 0.0… |
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Panasonic TC-L42U22 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV $799.95 Offering advanced LCD technology for the highest possible picture quality, Panasonic’s 42-inch VIERA TC-L42U22 LCD HDTV features an improved panel with In Plane Switching (IPS) for an ultra-wide viewing angle and higher moving picture resolution that results in clear, bright images. This U22 series model provides 1080p resolution, 24P Playback function for superb imagery from 24-frame movies on DV… |
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Canon XA10 HD Professional Camcorder with 64GB Internal Memory $1995 The new ultra compact XA10 Professional Camcorder is designed for situations where mobility is critical while shooting. This feature-rich, professional model records Full HD 1080p using an AVCHD codec. The ultimate professional camcorder for run-and-gun shooting, the compact XA10 includes a detachable handle for low-angle shooting and portability. With the handle attached the XA10′s functionality is further enhanced with the addition of XLR inputs and an external microphone holder. A Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens delivers a wide, flexible zoom range (35mm equivalent range 30.4mm-304mm) and smooth, pleasing backgrounds thanks to an 8-blade iris. And an infrared mode allows users to capture video in conditions with little or no ambient light, a situation which would make other camcorders useless. |