Unable to import AVCHD file into Final Cut Pro X 10.2.2

Question

Unable to import AVCHD file into Final Cut Pro X 10.2.2

I am using a JVC GM-HY70u camera with a 64 GB SDXC 95 MB/sec 633x card. I am filming my son's basketball games and was fiddling to make things "better". Once done shooting the game I went to import directly from the card to Final Cut Pro X 10.2.2 and neither Photos or Final Cut recognizes that there are any files to import. The file structure is intact and the AVCHD file is approximately 8GB in size so I know the data is there. The kicker is I can play the movies on the camera from the SD Card just fine.

I bought another card and same thing happens so I know it is a setting in the camera. I reset to factor defaults and everything works again just fine, I can import again.

Question:

1. How do I export the video from the AVCHD file?

2. Any possible idea of what I could have changed on the camera? I recall going from 60i to 60p during my fiddling but I have rested this and it doesn't produce the symptoms.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thank You.

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.2), Late 2009 with 20 GB Ram

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 12:59 PM

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Answer 1

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,825 points

Jan 4, 2016 1:09 PM in response to Phillip Siebels

CCan't find anything with that camera model number.

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Answer 2

Jan 4, 2016 1:19 PM in response to Phillip Siebels

Sorry the Camera model is GY-HM70U

I have the manual in PDF format but it doesn't appear that I can attach it to here.

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Answer 3

Jan 4, 2016 1:16 PM in response to Phillip Siebels

When I go to initially import the files I can see Final Cut scan the folder, showing grayed out CLIP #s, recognizing the total number there and then it all goes away just leaving the root folder with the down arrow shown next to it as if the folder was expanded.

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Answer 4

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,825 points

Jan 4, 2016 1:21 PM in response to Phillip Siebels

Can you post a screenshot of the import window?

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Answer 5

Jan 4, 2016 1:56 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

It goes by pretty quickly, let me see if I can SNAG-IT via a video as that might be more helpful.

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Answer 6

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,825 points

Jan 4, 2016 2:20 PM in response to Phillip Siebels

JJust start with what you see in the import window when it's open.

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Answer 7

Jan 4, 2016 5:38 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

I have a full video in which you can see these clips, grayed out, appear and then disappear finally ending with this error:

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Answer 8

Jan 4, 2016 5:41 PM in response to Phillip Siebels

I have since moved the contents of the SDCard, in their entirety, maintaining file structure into discrete folders. I can move the files back to the SDCard and am able to play them on the camera.

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Answer 9

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,825 points

Jan 4, 2016 5:47 PM in response to Phillip Siebels

TTry copying the folder to your desktop and see if it works from there. WWhat's the folder structure look like?

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Answer 10

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,825 points

Jan 4, 2016 5:52 PM in response to Phillip Siebels

TThose aren't the video files. They're in the AVCHD bundle. Those are the JVC data files.

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Answer 11

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,825 points

Jan 4, 2016 5:58 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

YYou might want to check with JVC if you can. I see the HM170 on the list of supported cameras but not the HM70.

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Answer 12

Jan 4, 2016 6:21 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

I have tried copying the folder to the desktop with the same results, grayed out clip file then fails.

I have contacted JVC and have asked them what I could have changed to cause this to happen. I factory reset the camera and all is working now.

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Answer 13

Jan 7, 2016 5:54 PM in response to Phillip Siebels

For anyone following this.

I am running firmware version 2.01 on the JVC GY-HM70u. I have engaged JVC who have attempted to point the fingers at FCPX, big surprise. I have had the issue occur again, even after a Factory Reset. It seems the Factory Reset resolves the issue for a short time, so now my operating process is reset prior to shooting.

JVC has agreed to investigate by agreeing to take my raw footage on my SDCARD and look at it. I do believe the issue is a bug in the camera and would caution anyone from purchasing this camera until they can provide me with a clear root cause.

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Answer 14

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,825 points

Jan 7, 2016 6:03 PM in response to Phillip Siebels

TThank you for following up on this.

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Answer 15

Jan 7, 2016 9:48 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Follow up.

I found an application on the Apple Store called "Free AVCHD to MOV" by Sony. This was able to scour the AVCHD and found all of my footage. The footage appears to not have been properly tagged when written as "Video". See attached. This is probably the smoking gun. The good news is that i was able to export the footage as an MOV file and can now see it in its HD glory.

I am continuing to push on JVC for a fix.

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