Storing raw AVCHD files (.mts) onto an external drive

[TangoJuliet]

I got a bunch of memory sticks that are just about full with videos. I have imported them into iMovie and made movies out of them using clips but I would still like to keep the full videos on an external drive.

When I insert the memory stick I get folders where it seems that the videos are stored under: PRIVATE/AVCHD/BDMV/STREAM

How do I go about storing these files? Can I just copy/paste them and put them in my own folder or by doing so will it mess something up? There are other folders with info in them and I'm not sure if those .mts files are associated with them or not.

I am using macs (2010 MBP and 2009 iMac) both have SL 10.6.3

Thanks!

 

[HendrixFan]

I have the ones I want to keep backed up to an external hard drive, those mts files are strictly the video. You don't need anything else from there.

 

[TangoJuliet]

I have the ones I want to keep backed up to an external hard drive, those mts files are strictly the video. You don't need anything else from there.

ok, so just copy/paste those .mts files and I can import them back onto the computer in the future?

 

[metalmania]

ok, so just copy/paste those .mts files and I can import them back onto the computer in the future?

As HendrixFan said, those .mts files are video files. You can play and edit them on PC. I assume you said " import them" means you want to do that.

 

[Kaido]

Depending on the application, you may need to keep the original file structure. Not all programs can read individual AVCHD files - some require the card structure to be left intact. If you're on a Mac, VoltaicHD and Flamingo make a great pair: (transcoding individual MTS files & clip organization)

http://www.shedworx.com/voltaichd

http://www.shedworx.com/flamingohd

I also like to dump the whole card into a virtual drive - it's an easy method of backing the entire structure up, complete with video files. I have a little app here that will do it easily:

http://pcwizcomputer.com/weaksauce12/2010/06/07/easy-flash-memory-backup/

I just keep the ISO's on a backup drive so I can reference them later as needed. A 1TB drive will hold about 60 hours of HD video.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Depending on the application, you may need to keep the original file structure. Not all programs can read individual AVCHD files - some require the card structure to be left intact. If you're on a Mac, VoltaicHD and Flamingo make a great pair: (transcoding individual MTS files & clip organization)

http://www.shedworx.com/voltaichd

http://www.shedworx.com/flamingohd

I also like to dump the whole card into a virtual drive - it's an easy method of backing the entire structure up, complete with video files. I have a little app here that will do it easily:

http://pcwizcomputer.com/weaksauce12/2010/06/07/easy-flash-memory-backup/

I just keep the ISO's on a backup drive so I can reference them later as needed. A 1TB drive will hold about 60 hours of HD video.

Thanks Kaido - you da man!! That flashdrop app is great. Exactly what I was looking for.

 

[theblackbox]

i usually pull off the private folder and rename it. to use it with imovie or fcp, the private folder needs to be on the root of the drive. so if you have a drive available, put them onto the drive, renamed of course, and as you need the archive, just rename it to private. it will act just like it is a plugged in card.
just another option. 🙂

 

[Kaido]

i usually pull off the private folder and rename it. to use it with imovie or fcp, the private folder needs to be on the root of the drive. so if you have a drive available, put them onto the drive, renamed of course, and as you need the archive, just rename it to private. it will act just like it is a plugged in card.
just another option. 🙂

Ooh slick, thanks for sharing that! Tucking that away in my bag of tricks!