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Editing AVCHD files?
Hi, I’ve got a GH1 camera that I will be working with in AVCHD format. I remember reading somewhere that you should transcode AVCHD files before editing to prevent further degradation when editing / adding titles / ect… Is this true or still the case with Premiere CS6? I also read that editing AVCHD files are a lot more CPU intensive. So, should you transcode AVCHD files before editing, and if so, what is the best way to do it?
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5 Replies
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Yes, editing AVCHD files, especially on a less able computer, can be trying, so transcoding is still the way to go for many. On the PC, the two most recommended are Cineform and Avid DNxHD. Avid’s solution is simply a free codec download while Cineform’s has a cost involved.
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“98% of all computer issues can be solved by simply pressing ‘F1’.”
Steve Brame
creative illusions Productions -
Thanks for the reply.
I’m on OS X. What solutions are there for it? Is it true about the editing of AVCHD files in Premiere that you lose quality when performing different actions such as adding titles?
Also, how do separate apps compare to just transcoding with Premiere or After Effects or another Adobe app? I would rather transcode with an app that I already have if possible instead of getting another App just for it.
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Typically for the Mac the codec of choice is Apple ProRes, but I’m not sure if you have to have FCP onboard to install the write capability of that codec or not. A lot of it depends on the capabilities of the computer. A properly built, well-tuned computer can make all the difference in the world with AVCHD editing.
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“98% of all computer issues can be solved by simply pressing ‘F1’.”
Steve Brame
creative illusions Productions -
[Anthony Webster] ” Is it true about the editing of AVCHD files in Premiere that you lose quality when performing different actions such as adding titles? “
No, that is not true. However, you do lose quality (albeit a very very small amount) by transcoding before editing.
Which route you take depends entirely on what kind of computer you have.
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Awesome, thank you for the replies.
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