Step-by-Step: Convert MTS Files with Aunsoft MTS Converter for EditingMTS files—often created by AVCHD camcorders like those from Sony and Panasonic—are high-quality, high-definition video files that deliver excellent clarity and rich detail. However, many video editors and playback platforms don’t natively support the MTS format or may struggle with performance when editing directly. Aunsoft MTS Converter is a dedicated tool that converts MTS files into more editor-friendly formats while preserving quality and syncing audio correctly. This guide walks you through the entire conversion process, offers tips for best results, and explains key settings so your footage is ready for any non-linear editor (NLE).
Why convert MTS files for editing?
- Compatibility: Popular editors such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro (older versions), and Sony Vegas may require specific formats or codecs for smooth editing.
- Performance: MTS uses the AVCHD codec which is CPU-intensive; converting to editing-optimized codecs (like ProRes, DNxHD, or MPEG-2) improves real-time playback and responsiveness.
- Stability: Converted files are less likely to cause crashes or timeline glitches during heavy editing sessions.
What you’ll need
- A Windows PC or Mac with Aunsoft MTS Converter installed.
- The original MTS files from your camcorder or storage device.
- Enough free disk space — converted files (especially in intermediate codecs) can be significantly larger than originals.
- A target NLE (example: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve) to match export settings for best workflow.
Step 1 — Install and launch Aunsoft MTS Converter
- Download and install Aunsoft MTS Converter from the official source.
- Launch the application. The main interface presents an “Add” or “Import” button, a preview window, and conversion settings panels.
Step 2 — Import your MTS files
- Click “Add” or drag-and-drop your MTS files into the program window.
- For multi-clip footage from a shoot, import all related clips at once to maintain batch consistency.
- Use the preview to confirm each clip plays correctly before converting.
Step 3 — Choose an output format optimized for your editor
Select the target format based on your editing software:
- Adobe Premiere Pro / After Effects — Choose MPEG-2 for older versions or H.264/MP4 for workflows prioritizing file size; for best performance, pick an intermediate codec like Apple ProRes (Mac) or Avid DNxHD (Windows/Mac) if available.
- Final Cut Pro — Apple ProRes (ProRes 422 or ProRes 422 HQ) preserves quality and offers smooth edits.
- Sony Vegas — MPEG-2 or DNxHD depending on your version and preferences.
- DaVinci Resolve — DNxHD/DNxHR or ProRes for color grading and editing.
Step 4 — Configure video and audio settings
- Resolution: Keep the original resolution (commonly 1920×1080) to preserve quality unless you intentionally downscale.
- Frame rate: Match the source frame rate (e.g., 24, 25, 30 fps) to avoid judder or sync issues.
- Bitrate: Higher bitrate = better quality. For intermediate codecs choose higher or “same as source.” For MP4, select a bitrate balancing size and quality (8–20 Mbps for 1080p).
- Audio: Keep sample rate at 48 kHz and bit depth at 16-bit or 24-bit depending on your audio needs.
Step 5 — Trim, crop, or deinterlace if necessary
- Use basic editing features in Aunsoft if you need to remove unwanted lead-in/out footage before conversion.
- If your footage is interlaced (common with some AVCHD camcorders), enable deinterlace to produce progressive frames suitable for modern editing timelines.
Step 6 — Batch conversion and presets
- For multiple clips with identical settings, create or select a preset and run a batch conversion to save time.
- Save custom presets for future projects (codec, bitrate, resolution, audio settings).
Step 7 — Start conversion and monitor progress
- Click “Convert” or “Start” to begin.
- Monitor the progress bar. Conversion time depends on CPU, file length, chosen codec, and whether GPU acceleration is enabled.
- If available, enable GPU acceleration (CUDA/Intel Quick Sync/OpenCL) to speed up H.264/H.265 conversions.
Step 8 — Verify converted files and import into your NLE
- Open converted files and check for playback issues, audio sync, and expected video quality.
- Import the converted files into your editing software and test a short segment to confirm smooth timeline performance.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Audio out of sync: Re-convert with same frame rate and ensure audio sample rate matches (48 kHz).
- Poor quality: Increase bitrate, choose a higher-quality intermediate codec, or avoid double compression (don’t convert to a highly compressed format if you plan heavy editing).
- Conversion fails or crashes: Update Aunsoft, check disk space, try converting a single file to isolate problematic clips.
Tips for efficient MTS workflow
- Work with copies of original files; never delete source media until project is archived.
- Prefer lossless or visually lossless intermediate codecs for color grading.
- Keep a folder structure that mirrors shooting dates and scenes to speed up editing and metadata organization.
Conclusion
Converting MTS files with Aunsoft MTS Converter prepares your footage for smooth editing, better performance, and broader compatibility with NLEs. By choosing the right output codec, matching source settings, and using batch presets, you can streamline post-production without sacrificing quality.
Leave a Reply