[CJSIMPSON]

I have recently purchased a panasonic SD20 camcorder that records to AVCHD 1920x1080 files with 5.1 audio. I have recntly got a copy of Vegas Pro 9 to trial and so far find it much quicker than adobe premiere but my issue is surrounding the masses of file types nd containers etc and I really dont know which is the bst so was hoping for a bit of assistance.

I have a ps3 with an external hdd that will be used for playback and this plas the files i create with my camcorder natively.

I have edited a 3 and a half minute intro to my video and am wanting to export it to test it out but Im stuck with all the options. I have exported one test clip which looks alright but want to check im not missing anything. I used the template AVCHD 1920x1080i 5.1 surround. This gave me a clip of 412mb with surround sond and looks ok.

1. Am I right in thinking that keeping it in AVCHD will be the best option first of all?

2. I have 3 fornat options for export .m2ts, mp4 and .avc can someone explain the difference or recommend one?

3. These options all use the Sony AVC codec for encpding but there are other options, would they be better?

I have done some reading up but am totally confused by this now, can anyone help?

[Mr Taylor]

Hi, This was on Wiki.

A .m2ts file is a Sony high definition video file type. M2ts files are raw AVCHD videos recorded using Sony's camcorders, such as the HDR-SR(xx)series models. Panasonic, Canon and other brands of AVCHD camcorders also record in m2ts format. Currently, m2ts files can be played using the Picture Motion Browser, which is an application video player provided with Sony AVCHD camcorders.

[senu]

Originally Posted by Mr Taylor

Hi, This was on Wiki.

A .m2ts file is a Sony high definition video file type. M2ts files are raw AVCHD videos recorded using Sony's camcorders, such as the HDR-SR(xx)series models. Panasonic, Canon and other brands of AVCHD camcorders also record in m2ts format. Currently, m2ts files can be played using the Picture Motion Browser, which is an application video player provided with Sony AVCHD camcorders.

AVCHD files are all high definition file types based on the h.264 advanced video codec.. They are an MP4 subtype
In fact even DIVX HD is another mp4 hidef fie types and Sanyo had its own varety
m2ts is an extension favoured by Sony camcorders .. mts is used by Canon. Panasonic camcorders depending on model utput mts or m2ts
AS such but apart from the differences individual codec ( non-uniform) , they are not different files as such
The AVCHD standard is "standard" but the codecs use by the indiviual camcorder brands and indeed software is not identical
Indeed Vegas may not output identically to even Sony camcorders
Samsung HMX20 ( which outputs AVCH) seems to have its files as MP4

FWIW m2t is different inthat it is a hi def mpeg2 file used by HDV ( tape based ) camcorder and the Codec is raher more uniform across the brands

As such I dont thing there is any practical differnce in yusing any of the output names as long as as hi definition remains preserved, audio remains intact and the PS3 likes them