How can I convert my AVCHD footage to an easier high definition format to edit?

[Steve Grisetti]

AVCHD UpShift, from NewBlue, convert AVCHD (hi-def MP4) to more standard HD-mpeg (hi-def MPEG .m2t), a format that is both more universally editable and which demands significantly less system resources.

http://www.newbluefx.com/avchd-upshift.html

The product sells for $49.95.

Another solution that will convert your AVCHD to formats more easily edited on a PC with no loss quality. 
http://www.shedworx.com/voltaichd

Note, of course, with any conversion, your output files will be much larger, so allow for that extra hard drive space.

It sells for $34.99.

More information on the why's and how's of converting video for Premiere Elements can be found in my article "Converting Video for Premiere Elements", free from Muvipix.com.

[Steve_Grisetti-JFIrXo]

A free converter that will convert AVCHD to Premiere Elements compatible hi-def MPEG2 is the Free AVCHD Converter, available from:

http://www.koyotesoft.com

According tp Paul Scrivener, you should up the bit rate to 25000kb/s and convert, and it will export 1920x1080 MPEG2.

One downside is that, when you install it, it automatically downloads a search tool to your browser toolbar -- but it can easily be removed using Add/Remove Programs.

For easy editing of AVCHD and even conversion to standard DV-AVI, a great buy is Corel VideoStudio Pro X2. This editor/converter sells for $59.99.

http://www.corel.com/