best way to convert AVCHD to AVI?

[wheel]

Hi,
I use Vegas 8 and am finding that it is just too taxing on my computer; though it works ok without fx.
Vegas has a way to do it, but as far as I can tell it is one clip at a time conversion.
I am looking for a program that can convert, with the highest of quality to avi or another superior looking codec. And I would like to do it by the batch right when I transfer them over to the computer.
What are the top 3 or 4 programs? Or which one would you recommend and why?

I love the HMC; glad I bought it, even with this AVC hassle.

thanks!'
wheel

[Ed Kishel]

I think most will agree that in terms of quality- cineform avi files are hard to beat. They are visually indentical to the raw AVCHD files. Plus, once converted, cineform files are 4.2.2 and 10bit so they will take abuse (fx/color correcting) resulting in less artifacting. But its the most expensive option @ $130
http://www.cineform.com/neoscene/

Next is NewBlueFX Upshift- but this will give you an mpeg2 file and not an AVI. $50 less, and I cant attest to the quality as I do not own it.
http://newbluefx.com/avchd-upshift.html?vmcchk=1

And then there is VoltaicHD by shredworx, this will give you an AVI file. I also do not own and cannot attest to quality. Only $35 and it has a lot more features than Upshift.
http://www.shedworx.com/voltaichd

All of these programs have demos so try them out and see what works best for you. I choose Cineform Neo Scene- excellent results and they are very responsive to customer needs through thier forum over at Dvinfo.net
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/cineform-software-showcase/

And don't forget about the free converter from Panasonic/MainConcept. Comes free with the camera, but the resulting file takes a quality hit when DVCPRO HD.
good luck

[wheel]

thanks so much! The Cineform product (NeoScene) sounds like the best investment as I really don't want mpeg2; plus it has upgraded color to boot! Neoscene can also do batch, or even folder converting. Thanks again!
mike (wheel)

[bearcatrp]

I looked at neoscene. Looks good. Does anyone know if I convert to ProRes or .mov, will iMovie or FCE import to AIC or will it keep the ProRes/.mov format? tnks

[Ed Kishel]

I believe the mac version of Neo Scene will transcode to .mov

[ZazaCast]

I think most will agree that in terms of quality- cineform avi files are hard to beat. They are visually indentical to the raw AVCHD files. Plus, once converted, cineform files are 4.2.2 and 10bit so they will take abuse (fx/color correcting) resulting in less artifacting. But its the most expensive option @ $130
http://www.cineform.com/neoscene/


This is only $99.00 through VideoGuys:
http://www.videoguys.com/Item/CineForm+Neo+Scene+for+PC+and+Mac/54E4543435F454E4.aspx

I would highly recommend NeoScene.

[Thomas Lew]

How does the cineform avi files compare to ProRes files?

:bath:

[PerroneFord]

How does the cineform avi files compare to ProRes files?

:bath:

Cineform is using a better compression scheme, so you get better results with less bandwidth.