MTS and M2TS guide

Transcode Sony AVCHD to DNxHD MOV

Try importing Sony AVCHD into Avid first. If conversion is needed, create a DNxHD MOV test clip and check frame rate, picture, audio, and sync.

  • MTS/M2TS footageAVCHD or M2TS files
  • Choose DNxHDOutput matched to this workflow
  • Avid Media Composer checkVerify before batch processing

Before you begin

Check the AVCHD source before choosing a workflow.

Keep the original camera folder when available, then confirm the recording mode, frame rate, and destination support before converting.

Try the original Sony AVCHD folder in Avid first

Keep the complete camera folder and a separate backup before moving or converting MTS/M2TS clips. Start with the native import or linking workflow documented for your installed Avid Media Composer version, using the camera folder where supported. If a representative clip imports and plays correctly, conversion may not be needed.

Use DNxHD only when an editing copy is needed

If the recording does not import correctly, playback is unreliable, or the HD project requires uniform editing media, create one DNxHD MOV test file. Match resolution, frame rate, and scan type to the recording and the project. Transcoding creates a new video stream; it does not repair missing camera files or recover detail absent from the source.

Verify before processing the camera card

Import the test file into the actual Avid project. Compare the beginning and end with the original and check motion, clip duration, audio channel mapping, and sound sync. For recordings split across multiple files, confirm the expected order and continuity. Retain the camera folder until the complete edit and media relinking have been checked.

Workflow direction

Follow the intended workflow below.

Try importing Sony AVCHD into Avid first. If conversion is needed, create a DNxHD MOV test clip and check frame rate, picture, audio, and sync.

Three-step workflow

Create and verify one test output before processing the full batch.

Try importing Sony AVCHD into Avid first. If conversion is needed, create a DNxHD MOV test clip and check frame rate, picture, audio, and sync.

01

Add the source

Load the Sony AVCHD clips

Keep a copy of the complete Sony AVCHD camera folder. First try the native import or linking workflow documented for your installed Avid Media Composer version. If that fails or the project needs an editing copy, open LosslessConverter, select Add Files, and add a representative clip.

LosslessConverter main window with the source controls visible
Source toolbarLoad the source from the main toolbar.
02

Match the Avid editor

Choose Avid DNxHD when an HD editing copy is needed

Open Output Format, select Editing, and choose Avid DNxHD. Match the HD project resolution, source frame rate, and scan type. Use HD 1080P or HD 720P only when it fits the source and project; do not change the recording cadence merely to match a preset.

LosslessConverter Output Format menu with Editing and Avid DNxHD selected
Avid DNxHDSelect Editing, then choose Avid DNxHD.
03

Create the current output

Select Start All, then verify in Avid Media Composer

Choose an output folder and select Start All. When processing finishes, import one DNxHD MOV into the intended Avid project and compare it with the source. Verify picture, frame rate, scan type, clip duration, audio channels, and sync before processing the remaining clips. Keep the original camera folder.

LosslessConverter main window showing the Start All control at the lower right
Start AllRun the task, then verify the result.

Process your own media

Test one Sony clip in Avid before converting a batch.

Primary sources

Official references for this workflow

Use these first-party references to confirm current format, application, or device support. Capabilities can change after this guide is updated.

About the author

Maya Chen

Editorial pen name ยท Camera and camcorder guides

Camera and camcorder guides covering AVCHD, MTS/M2TS, MXF, card structures, and editing workflows.

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