Panasonic HDC-SD9 compatibility and workaround

Question

Level 1

20 points

Panasonic HDC-SD9 compatibility and workaround

As many know the Panasonic HDC-SD9 is currently not supported by iMovie '08. There is a commercial product available which seems to work smoothly (Voltaic). However I tried to find a solution that works with what I already have. Following a tip by another user that was posted in this forum I used Toast9 to import the .MTS files and then export them as file. Unfortunately the output could not be imported to iMovie '08. I tried several formats but to no avail. Then I tried the same with iMovie HD, and it worked. These are the settings I was using in Toast 9 which seem to produce good results (Apple Intermediate Codec, HDV 1080i, Size: 1920x1080 HD 16:9, Framerate: keep framerate output says 25 however). I was able to import the file in iMovie HD. The project setting I used was "HDV 1080i". For reasons I do not understand it is not possible to import the newly created project directly into iMovie '08 (the project file is empty - clips as well as media area). However if you export from iMovie HD using Quicktime and the same AIC settings as above you will end up with a file you can import into iMovie '08 (if you prefer editing with iMovie '08). Well it is at least a workaround and I have no idea if the settings could be tweaked to get even better results (any ideas?) or of it is possible to use the new progressive 1920x1080p format without significant loss of quality (settings?). Still I, as many others, hope that Apple will support this popular AVCHD device soon.

iMac 24" Core 2 Duo , MacBook 13" Core 2 Duo, Apple TV, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on May 25, 2008 3:47 PM

Reply

Answer 1

May 25, 2008 4:13 PM in response to stefan_e

Hi,

I am in a similar position however I have managed to get iMovie 08 to download directly with a problem though. The films sample fine however they are shorter (around 50% shorter). ie a piece on the camera plays in say 20 seconds and plays back through the windows software in 20 seconds however when played back through the Apple it takes about 12 seconds (with everything moving faster!!! ie no details lost).

This downloading is very sensitive to settings. I have got this working with HA format for video but you must turn 25P ON and then it works - well sort of. If there is a way of getting the right frame rate then it should work (25 on the laptop aswell).

Being new to Apple what does it usually take to get the software updated to support the latest hardware.

If you create an AVCHD from the Windows software iMovie 08 can also read this directly but does exactly the same thing when it samples the data ie records it to fast!

Hope this helps and would welcome any comments.

Cheers

Reply

Answer 2

stefan_e Author

Level 1

20 points

May 26, 2008 4:47 AM in response to stefan_e

As I am no specialist to video formats I would appreciate comments regarding the best setting for conversion of SD9 AVCHD material. This material should be usable in iMovie for editing at maximum quality. I think these are the "variables" ...
1) Shoot in HA (progressive) or HG (interlaced) 1920x1080 in Digital Cinema 25p or "normal" mode.
2) Convert in Toast 9 using which Codec (HDV, AIC ...) with which settings.
3) Setting of iMovie HD (HDV 1080i project?) for editing and exporting to iMovie 08.
4) Importing into iMovie '08
I am am interested in what practically works best, not what is best in theory. E.g. there is no Apple ProRes422 codec for use with iMovie. But which one works actually best? AIC? Is it worth shooting in HA mode if, when converted, the quality is lost (is it?) or shooting in 25p?

Many Thanks,

Stefan

Reply

Answer 3

May 26, 2008 3:13 PM in response to stefan_e

Being an absolute beginner I can however suggest what I have been experimenting with.

The camera is a Panasonic HDC - SD9.

The settings are HA with or without 25p (seems to make no difference). I have bought a copy of Voltaire to convert the AVCHD so that I can import it into iMovie 08. Again this works cleanly.

I have used the output in iMovie to create a DVD (using iDVD) at again it works fine. I also have an older DV camera and the quality (using iMovie 08) is substantially better (on the TV) from the HDC-SD9!

Far from conclusive I know but heading in the right direction.

Next step to produce a AVCHD disk to play in the playstation! Will try Toast 9 for this I think. The Voltaire product is Beta and I could not get it to work at all.

Hope this helps a little but would welcome any further tips (or findings).

Good Luck.

Reply

Answer 4

stefan_e Author

Level 1

20 points

May 26, 2008 3:59 PM in response to stefan_e

Interesting. Do you mean "Voltaic" or "Voltaire" software? I am not aware of the latter and could not find it in the web.

Cheers

Reply

Answer 5

Robenzo

Level 1

0 points

May 27, 2008 10:32 AM in response to stefan_e

Hi All
Thanks for the suggestions. I have yet to try Toast V9, but I have found that no matter what format I record under (HX, HE, HA) and convert using Voltaic HD, that there are horizontal streaks whenever I the camera was moved. This is not as bad under the HA model, but still noticeable.

Does anyone have the same experience with VoltaicHD at all? Or is Toast the only option?

Reply

Answer 6

May 27, 2008 1:44 PM in response to stefan_e

Voltaic sorry. It was a late night and I had already pulled most of my hair out!

Reply

Answer 7

May 27, 2008 1:47 PM in response to Robenzo

Voltaic is what I have used but I have seen no strips as you describe - this doesn't mean they are not occurring though as both the Apple and the Panasonic are new! That said I have created several DVD disks now from output from the camera and can only report that everything is working fine with the tools sequence detailed above.

Reply

Answer 8

cjmc1967

Level 1

0 points

Jun 3, 2008 4:22 AM in response to stefan_e

Hi stefan_e,

Did you manage to get the Toast 9 player to play mts files form your Panasonic SD9 directly?

Mine wont play video but audio is fine. I'm not sure if the macbook is underpowered or if it is a software issue.

Toast 9 converts the mts files well with the right settings but you lose the 5.1 audio - not that it is really needed.
I've had real grief with the SD9 trying to get it to play nicely with the mac - I can get iMovie 08 to import but only on the 25p setting not the 50i. I think having Perian 1.1 and the acvdecoder helps it out but I want it seamless like the rest of my mac experiences...

Reply

Answer 9

Jun 3, 2008 5:28 AM in response to cjmc1967

I imported files from camera into a PC using HDWriter. The files were *.m2ts. Then I put those files into Toast9 - no problem, and burnt avchd on standard DVD disk. I played them on PS3 - superb quality, I noticed no change compared to originals burnt on PC using HDWriter. But those were files without editing 😟
The question is how to edit those files on Mac but without quality loss. With iMovie that's impossible and with Toast9 editor it's a nightmare.

Reply

Answer 10

Jun 4, 2008 10:24 PM in response to stefan_e

I have suffered same issue about importing the movie 08 from the Panasonic HDC-SD9 then the imovie suddenly quite. From the first day about 3months ago i knew this issue, i have been checking any imovie update update available from Apple. Unfortunately, the result is so disappointing that there is no any update version come. Can we know the status in Apple about when the updater will be available and do they address this issue. HDC-SD9 is a small and good performance device. Now, PC can do it but Mac has no solution. It is so embarrassing. Thanks.

Reply

Answer 11

kongster

Level 1

5 points

Jun 5, 2008 12:19 PM in response to stefan_e

I think I found a workaround. I have the SD9 hook up via USB2 to my MBP Core Duo version running iMovie'08. I initially got the iMovie'08 crash out when I do an "import all"; I am able to import now without crashing iMovie'08 by first uncheck all clips, then select multiple clips and click on "import checked" (same location as previously import all). This way I am successfully import clips into iMovie'08 events.

Enjoy! I sure hope Apple will release a fix soon and fix the iMovie'08 itself (I like iMovie HD more). Anyway... have fun importing.

Reply

Answer 12

Jun 7, 2008 12:01 AM in response to kongster

I have to try on your way, if so, i can take my SD9 for outing now. I will feedback you the result. Thanks a lot.

Reply

Answer 13

Jun 7, 2008 10:17 PM in response to Samuel LO

Oh, sorry, I tried with your suggested way to import but also failed. I tried to import only one clip. it also crashed. So, we are really eager for the Apple's iMovie 08 update.
Thanks for your help.
Samuel

Reply

Answer 14

Jun 8, 2008 2:07 PM in response to kongster

Hi

Tried it also, but it still crashes - what camera settings do you have as you have had more success than anyone else thus far.

Thanks

Reply

Answer 15

cjmc1967

Level 1

0 points

Jun 8, 2008 11:28 PM in response to MerlinTheWizard

I can get my files to import to imovie08 just fine - the key is to have avc1Decoder in your Quicktime library + install Perian 1.1 - these fixes are all over the net - but you have to make sure to set the recording on the cam to 24p or 25p depending on your country model of SD9.
BUT iMovie08 converts the files does not deal with them natively - you can edit etc + retain at 1080 but the files are huge.
I want a simple MTS player that works seemlessly- may need to buy PS3- teh macbook almost does it with EyeTV but stutters a bit

Reply