Editing MTS files at DVinfo.net

Paul Elertson · February 10th, 2015, 04:48 PM

Is there any reason not to edit MTS files directly? I didn't think editing them directly was an option in the past with my old system, but now with Premiere Pro CC I am able to take MTS files directly off the camcorder using Adobe Prelude and edit them. Previously I would transfer them in FCE to MOV files before editing. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

I'm using an XA10 and a XA20.

Don Palomaki · February 11th, 2015, 06:33 AM

For most users, the main reason to convert a MTS file to some other format for editing is if their NLE system (S/W and H/W) has difficulty working with MTS files or did not support them. Also, some older NLEs and underpowered system did have difficulty and no or limited real time editing. Especially if the edit has many tracks/layers, filters, and effects. In these cases conversion to a format more native to the NLE helps.

However, there may be some workflows where conversion to another format would be appropriate, especially if that minimizes repeated transcoding or compression cycles. In this case conversion to a lossless format may be in order.

I use Edius Pro, no problem.

Paul Elertson · February 11th, 2015, 01:13 PM

Awesome. Thanks for the reply Don. I guess I start trying to edit the MTS files and see if my system can handle it.

Paul Elertson · February 11th, 2015, 01:50 PM

After doing more research, I may start trans coding to Pro Res 422 HQ from adobe prelude since I am on a Mac. (I will need to purchase the apple compressor 4 to obtain the codec)

February 10th, 2015, 04:48 PM	#1
Paul Elertson Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 110	Editing MTS files Is there any reason not to edit MTS files directly? I didn't think editing them directly was an option in the past with my old system, but now with Premiere Pro CC I am able to take MTS files directly off the camcorder using Adobe Prelude and edit them. Previously I would transfer them in FCE to MOV files before editing. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! I'm using an XA10 and a XA20. __________________ www.boostedfilms.com?r=DVinfosig

February 11th, 2015, 06:33 AM	#2
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Re: Editing MTS files For most users, the main reason to convert a MTS file to some other format for editing is if their NLE system (S/W and H/W) has difficulty working with MTS files or did not support them. Also, some older NLEs and underpowered system did have difficulty and no or limited real time editing. Especially if the edit has many tracks/layers, filters, and effects. In these cases conversion to a format more native to the NLE helps. However, there may be some workflows where conversion to another format would be appropriate, especially if that minimizes repeated transcoding or compression cycles. In this case conversion to a lossless format may be in order. I use Edius Pro, no problem. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

February 11th, 2015, 01:13 PM	#3
Paul Elertson Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 110	Re: Editing MTS files Awesome. Thanks for the reply Don. I guess I start trying to edit the MTS files and see if my system can handle it. __________________ www.boostedfilms.com?r=DVinfosig

February 11th, 2015, 01:50 PM	#4
Paul Elertson Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 110	Re: Editing MTS files After doing more research, I may start trans coding to Pro Res 422 HQ from adobe prelude since I am on a Mac. (I will need to purchase the apple compressor 4 to obtain the codec) __________________ www.boostedfilms.com?r=DVinfosig