I'm going to re-post this here since it's partly a system resources question, and this is a higher traffic forum.

I am trying to see if I can work with MTS files on what I have. I've got a G5 with 10.4.11 (working on upgrading, I know), and an Intel Macbook 2008 with Leopard.
I need a free solution.
Research on Google shows so far that the only free solution is to use a program to rewrap it to m4v and then open it in Streamclip and convert (in my case, probably to DVCPro since my FCP is too old for ProRes. Not sure yet about AIC).
Here are my questions:
1) Does anyone have a better solution that is free?
2) Should I expect a loss of image quality this way?
3) My Macbook, as far as I am aware, does not have a dedicated video card? Does file conversion ,through these conversion programs, use the video card itself or does it just rewrite the file without that? Would converting files like that on a regular basis tax my Macbook too heavily? Fry it?

I doubt there would be a solution that would allow me to convert on my G5, with TIger, although I still plan to do some more research on that.

Suggestions? I've got to let this guy know right way. Anyone have experience with this? And I'm still searching this and other forums for answers as well.
Thanks =)

This? - Free MTS M2TS Converter (Mac) for Mac - CNET Download.com (http://download.cnet.com/Free-MTS-M2TS-Converter-Mac/3000-2194_4-75718372.html)

Converts to many formats and should work on your Macbook. Interestingly it's no longer listed as free on their website but it is the free version if you download it from CNET. I have stopped it phoning home as I suspect any upgrade will now be chargeable.

Thank you Dave,
I'm trying to install it but am getting an error that says "installer could not install some files in "/applications . " Then it says to contact the company for support. Still working on it.

I downed a copy from CNET to test the link before posting it and installed it over a copy I've had for some months, didn't get any problems - still works OK.

darn. no luck. I even logged out and tried to install it on my other login which has almost nothing on it. What OS version do you have?
Thanks very much for your suggestion. I might need an OS upgrade although it says it does work with Leopard,
This is very frustrating. I"ve been looking for a week and a half for a conversion solution and have to let him know if I can work with his files.

Kell,

Have you tried using any software provided by the camera manufacturer? Almost all the consumer/pro-sumer and all pro video cams that have an MTS file output have a free plug-in that talks to FCP/Premiere Pro. However their software might require newer hardware/software combinations than what you have listed.

Also, while it's not free ClipWrap is an excellent MTS to Quicktime converter and it's *relatively* inexpensive at $49. Interestingly they don't list any system/software requirements for installation compatibility but chances are it will work with your system.

Lastly, most of the time when a program won't install properly it's because your software environment is in need of cleaning and a tune-up. Download and run all the maintenance/cleaning routines in ONYX for Mac, then try reinstalling the free software. If it still doesn't work then it could be that code is no longer valid.

THanks Robert,
I'll check into that. It's not my camera, and I am getting the MTS files on a drive, but perhaps there is a download that will work. That's for Canon cameras, right?
$ 49 is not that bad in the scheme of things, but I really need a free solution if at all possible. If I do this work, it will be PT and mostly trade - so free is better. My budget is tight right now.
I'll check out Onyx and see what that's about, thanks for the tip.
Time for bed. Over and out.

I'm on Lion. Just tested the new install with some mts files - worked fine, not quick on my 2.66 Quad but OK for a free solution. I used the free MTS M2TS program for the occasional mts files I had to work with but I recently bought a DataVideo DN-60 for one of my cameras and I now use ClipWrap which converts to Prores which the free version of MTS M2TS doesn't. Hope you get it to work!

Thanks, all. So once I find a solution, I can safely convert them on my Macbook 2008? Does straight converting like that use a video card? I don't want to fry my beloved Macbook. It's not a MB Pro.

I regret not jumping in earlier, but there is an open source freeware that re-wraps MTS into MOVs:

Media Converter - Home (http://media-converter.sourceforge.net/)

Get the "AVCHD for Quicktime - Uncompressed audio" preset from this page and you should be set:

http://media-converter.sourceforge.net/presets.html

Do keep in mind, if you're editing in Final Cut, split your projects or you will suffer instability when editing since H.264 editing in Final Cut is VERY unstable.

Thanks Jack,
It did work, but it downconverted it to 720x480, mpeg2.Still working with it.

Install the preset for AVCHD and it will not downconvert it.

Thanks very much Jack, that worked.
I converted the files on my Macbook through the Media Converter. I then took the mov (h264)files) over to the G5 to convert them via Streamclip to DV for editing. It seems to continually freeze my system, even on a small clip, just a minute or so in. Even when I tried to downconvert them to 720x480. Am I just not going to be able to convert HD files on a G5?
Dave I wish I had your quad core .. this Macbook is a duo core without a video card! I'm jealous! And concerned that it might overtax this system. Has anyone out there successfully done this in a MB 2008 duo core?

So... what's the verdict, guys? Should I tell him I can't work with these files until I upgrade? Or has someone found a workaround?
I plan to contact him tomorrow.
Thx for your help and feedback.

Would converting files like that on a regular basis tax my Macbook too heavily? Fry it?

Consider getting some sort of notebook cooling pad to place it on while doing the conversion so it doesn't overheat.

THanks all. I decided that if I have to do that, it's probably pushing the MB too hard, so I just let him know I can't work with his files until I am upgraded.
And it seemed like even if the G5 would have converted them, or for that matter the Macbook, it would take eons to do, and I would be tying up my machines for like ten hours to convert these files. So it just didn't make sense time-wise.
Even when I am upgraded to a Macbook Pro, am I still going to run into these obscene conversion times with certain formats? Or can the newer versions of FCP edit most things natively?
Thanks everyone for your help and feedback.

Even when I am upgraded to a Macbook Pro, am I still going to run into these obscene conversion times with certain formats? Or can the newer versions of FCP edit most things natively?

High definition MTS files take significant computer resources. Unless your editing station needs to be portable don't use a notebook computer.

What would you recommend in terms of necessary resources?
Also, how common are these now> And what programs edit them natively? Or is it more customary to convert them to DVC Pro.Pro Res,etc?
Also, does anyone know how much conversion, say in Streamclip, taxes the system? My guess would be that it's not as resource-heavy as editing, but I'm not sure. How much beef does the system need to have to do conversion vs. editing?

How much beef does the system need to have to do conversion vs. editing?

A computer needs to run continuously at 100% CPU to convert or render edited video. This means sufficient power supply and cooling. A new notebook may not fully meet these requirements and the problem often gets worse as components age. I would recommend placing your notebook on a cooling pad and removing the battery so the battery doesn't get damaged from excess heat.

Whether you edit .mts files natively or convert them before editing is a matter of software design and the complexity of the editing task. An intermediate format often results in better performance and reliability. Most FCP users convert upon import to AIC or ProRes. If you are producing a DVD, you can achieve better performance by downconverting to SD before editing.

Can't see anywhere what OS and FCP versions you're running on the MBP, but I did come across this recently:

https://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/dload/avccam_impt/agree_e.htm

It needs SL or better and FCP7.0.3 but once installed it allows DIRECT import of MTS files to FCP. Panasonic say they don't guarantee it'll work with anything other than Panny MTS files but I installed it and successfully imported Sony MTS files direct into FCP 7.0.3. Editing might be slow as FCP works better with ProRes, but for a quick cut without any heavy effects it'll do the job.

This is probably not an answer the OP would welcome, but I transfer/convert MTS from my AVCHD sony handycam to a netbook using the command line (Terminal) version of ffmpeg. It copies and rewraps the data at roughly SDHC -> disk read/write speed. The resulting .mov files are instantly accepted by all Quicktime based apps I have tested, but I imagine FCP would upconvert to HDV in its import procedure.

I transfer/convert MTS from my AVCHD sony handycam to a netbook using the command line (Terminal) version of ffmpeg. It copies and rewraps the data at roughly SDHC -> disk read/write speed. The resulting .mov files are instantly accepted by all Quicktime based apps I have tested

Interesting! Would you mind posting the exact ffmpeg command line that you use?

Interesting! Would you mind posting the exact ffmpeg command line that you use?

ffmpeg -i path/to/input/file.MTS -vcodec copy -acodec copy path/to/output/file.mov

This will also rewrap to output file.m4v or file.mp4, but some apps will complain about an invalid sample description in the mp4.