DaVinci Resolve 16 can’t read AVCHD mts clips well


Resolve 16 can’t read AVCHD mts clips well
‘Hi there, I have been using FCPX and I am trying to transition to Resolve. I have Panasonic Cameras that shoot AVCHD. With FCPX I just connect the card to the MAC and “import to the project” and I get the clips I am expecting, but when I dumped the AVCHD folder on to the MAC and tried to read the mts clips I got bad playback issues. How can I import the AVCHD mts files to Resolve 16 successfully for a smooth workflow?’

avchd and davinci resolve workflow

AVCHD did work in Resolve but no longer does so properly. I have found that the AC3 audio causes stuttery playback with AVCHD. Remove the audio from the timeline and the picture will play normally.

For those that need to use AVCHD it looks like transcoding of files will be needed. Or possibly try an earlier version that had no problem with the AC3 audio.

How to encode AVCHD mts files for editing in Resolve16?

In this guide, we will show you how to transcode AVCHD mts clips to Resolve16 preferred editing codec in simple steps.
Here’s what you need
HD Video Converter
issues loading MTS files into DaVinci Resolveissues loading MTS files into DaVinci Resolve
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter as a professional AVCHD to ProRes/DNxHD Converter. From the main menu, click ‘Add File’ button to add .mts video files from a camera like Sony HXR-NX5U, FS100/700, a card reader or a folder stored on your computer that contains your AVCHD footage.
convert avchd to prores 422

Step 2: Choose ProRes 422 or DNxHD as output format for DaVinci Resolve
To convert AVCHD MTS to ProRes 422, from “Profile” bar, choose ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Final Cut Pro’ column. The ProRes 422 is a good option for the .MTS files, and the file size is reasonable.
convert avchd to prores for resolve
Important: If you’ve loaded a number of video clips to do batch conversion, please do remember ticking off ‘Apply to All’ option before you start.

To convert AVCHD MTS to DNxHD for Resolve, from ‘Profile’ bar, select ‘Avid DNxHD (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Avid Media Composer’ column.
convert mts to dnxhd for resolve

Step 3: Click “Settings” button to custom video and audio parameters on ‘Profile Settings’ panel. (Optional)

Step 4: Click ‘Convert’ button to start converting AVCHD video to Apple ProRes 422/DNxHD.

Step 5: After conversion finished, click “Open Folder” button to get the exported ProRes 422/DNxHD QuickTime files for using in DaVinci Resolve.

Also read
Sony XAVC (S) workflow with DaVinci Resolve
Transfer AVCHD footage to Mac and edit MTS clips within FCP 7
FCP 7 not recognizing my MXF file – convert MXF to ProRes for FCP 7
How to open and edit Canon XA10 AVCHD mts in Final Cut Pro?