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Table Of Contents
AVCHD Media
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AVCHD Files and Folders
AVCHD media files are recorded in MTS format; the file contains both the video and audio.
Audio can be either uncompressed PCM or Dolby
®
AC-3 format.
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You must activate the Dolby AC-3 codec the first time you AMA link to an AVCHD clip. If you are
connected to the Internet, activation is automatic. If you are not connected to the Internet, the
system opens a dialog box and then the Avid License Control tool. Follow the on screen
instructions to activate this feature. If you select multiple clips, select “Do not show this dialog
again,” to avoid the dialog box from reopening.
The folder and file structure is dependent on the camera you use.
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Most AVCHD cameras produce default file names starting with “00000.” Be aware that you
could have multiple clips with the same file name across multiple media drives.
Connecting AVCHD Cameras
You can connect the AVCHD camera directly through an industry-standard USB 2.0 port on your
computer. See the cameras documentation for information on connecting.
Each card, disc or drive mounts as individual USB media drives on your desktop and then links
to your Avid editing system through AMA.
Spanned Clips and AVCHD
Spanned clips are clips that extend from one card, disc or drive to another. Avid supports
working with spanned AVCHD clips in your Avid editing application.
For more information about spanned clips, see “Spanned Clips and P2” on page 379.
Copying AVCHD Files to an External Drive
After you connect the camera or insert the card, disc or drive, you can copy the AVCHD media to
an external drive (FireWire drive, USB, network drive) and then disconnect the camera or eject
the card, disc or drive. You might find it convenient to copy several cards to other drives so you
can reuse the cards.
To copy the AVCHD media to an external drive:
1. On the external drive, set up a folder for each card, disc or drive you want to copy.
Avid recommends that you do not place the media folder at the top level of the drive.
2. Give each folder a unique name that identifies the card, disc or drive.