This tutorial contains 4 parts:

1. What are AVCHD videos?
2. What camcorders use AVCHD?
3. How to transfer AVCHD videos to Mac?
4. How to edit and convert AVCHD videos?

Part 1. What are AVCHD videos?

AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) is a high definition (HD) digital video camera recorder format recording 1080i and 720p signals onto MiniDVD discs, MiniDV tape, Hard Drive, and digital camera Memory Cards, by using highly efficient compression format known as MPEG4 (H264). AVCHD was developed jointly by Matsushita (Panasonic), and Sony Corporation. AVCHD recordings made on MiniDVD discs can be played back on some Blu-ray disc players, however, they cannot be played back on standard DVD players. Also, standard DVD recorders are not currently equipped to record DVDs in the AVCHD format. AVCHD is two times as efficient as MPEG-2 and MPEG-4.

Part 2. What camcorders use AVCHD?

Sony, Canon, Samsung, and Sharp

Part 3. How to transfer AVCHD videos from camcorders to Mac?

You probably already have the proper FireWire cable, as most of today's modern video cameras will have one included in the box. It's important to make sure that you get a FireWire cable made especially for transferring video from your recorder to your Mac. Nearly all video recorders use a four-pin connector, so you'll need to purchase a FireWire cable, sometimes called an IEEE 1394 cable, with a four-pin connector on one side and a six-pin connector on the other.

1. Connect camcorder to your Mac computer with cable (USB/Wifi)
2. Select mode of camcorder such as PC/Computer mode
3. iMovie will automatic open Import window
4. If DVD Player automatic open. just quit DVD Player first
5. So Now, you can review your video or select "Import All"(make sure your switch is set to "Automatic")
6. If you select "Manual", you can import some clip to iMovie
7. If you import from Tape based device (DV/HDV), iMovie will automatic revise tape and import all
8. iMovie automatic create thumbnail video after complete import

Part 4. How to edit and convert AVCHD videos on Mac?

AVCHD video files are more complex to edit than the tape HDV format and will take longer to work with as a result. Until recently, many of the comsumer versions of editing software applications did not support AVCHD, but now there are a few that are starting to support it and can import AVCHD files directly from popular camcorders. Some can even open and edit AVCHD files already copied to a hard disk.

Apple iMovie ‘08 supports standard and high definition video, including DV, HDV, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and now AVCHD ($79). However, Apple currently lists only a few AVCHD camcorders as tested and supported. AVCHD support also requires an Intel-based Mac.

If your AVCHD camcorders videos can not be supported by iMovie, or you are a PowerPC user, you need to convert AVCHD videos. You can use iSkysoft Video Converter for Mac which is also a great AVCHD video converter for Mac.

You can download it for free:

• Intel Version

Here is the user guide of the AVCHD Video Converter for Mac.