What is the best way to import m2ts files into iMovie?

Question

What is the best way to import m2ts files into iMovie?

I have spent the afternoon reading various forums about converting m2ts files into iMovie. Transferring the files back onto the HD Sony Handicam is not an option. I therefore need to somehow convert the files as they stand. There seems to be 2 main options to convert files from .m2ts to .mov:

1. Download MPEG Streamclip; drag clips into window; export to QuickTime and choose Apple Intermediate Codec.

2. Download Clip Wrap ($50) to rewrap m2ts files into mov files.

It seems that option 2 is likely to be quicker and easier. Is this other people's experience? Any feedback would be extremely helpful.....I am a fairly new Mac user.

Cheers.

iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011), Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Feb 8, 2012 1:25 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 8, 2012 6:38 AM in response to angelafromqld

MPEG Streamclip cannot do m2ts files.

Your options are ClipWrap and Voltaic HD. Both cost money but should work fine.

I believe Karsten Schlüter has posted some free alternatives on his website. Let me see if I can find his link.

Here it is. http://sites.google.com/site/karstenschluter/mts-to-mov

You should only need to do this for your existing files. For any files you shoot in the future, you can import them into iMovie directly from your camera, or easier still, from your SDHC card.

A good tip is to create an archive of your clips so that you have the original clips along with the original folder structure. That way you will not have to use ClipWrap or Voltaic on future shoots. You will find the Archive function on the iMovie Import screen when your camera is attached. I am in the habit of 1) creating an archive. 2) Importing to iMovie from the Archive. 3) Making a backup copy of the archive off-site 4) Only then, reformat the camera to clear it out for the next shoot.

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Answer 2

anesdoc

Level 1

8 points

Feb 8, 2012 1:37 PM in response to AppleMan1958

I wonder whether I am asking the same question as angela. I cannot dump my video directly into iMovie 9 from Canon FS200. It goes to a document. and I then have to laboriously convert each clip to .m4v using Handbrake - only then will iMovie take them. How do I bypass that conversion and get video directly into iMovie?

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Answer 3

Feb 11, 2012 3:50 AM in response to AppleMan1958

Thank you for your response to my question about importing m2ts files in iMovie. I downloaded a trial version of ClipWrap and it seemed to do the trick! I will also take on board your tip about archiving new clips. Cheers.

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Answer 4

Feb 11, 2012 3:53 AM in response to anesdoc

I'm not sure if your question was the same as mine as my video files were coming from an external hard drive rather than the camera itself. As my Mac is fairly new I am yet to try to import files directly from my camera to iMovie. Stay tuned.....! In the meanwhile, QuickWrap converted by HD files (already imported) for use in iMovie.

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