Multiple Mts Files To One Larger File

[Mediaman67]

Hi All,

 

I have TT 10, and it will convert my MTS files to HDV files very nicely for use in FCP... using the apple intermediate codec.

 

The question/problem that I have, is that my Canon Camcorder creates a new MTS file every 16 mins or so, and it was a 45 min clip that was all shot at once...

 

Toast sees the 4 files, but treats them as 4 files... if I just convert them that way, you can see/hear a few dropped frames.

 

Is there a way to have toast convert them so they are one perfect running file, in sync too of course...?

 

was this something addressed in 11, or can 10 do this

 

Thanks,

Bob

[Mediaman67]

sorry, the explaination was sloppy....

 

I can run this camera for 4 hours straight... but it creates MTP files every 16 or so mins... I have 4 divided MTS clips, and when I convert them, all is well BUT in the time line in FCP, I can't just butt end them together as they are...

 

is there a way, in the conversion process, to have toast join them to be one file, since that is what was actually recorded with the camera.

 

any ideas here? - it's a canon hf M500 (which btw is an amazing little camera!)

[tsantee]

That's probably due to a file-size limitation. I'm surprised that joining them isn't seamless. I don't have a HD video camcorder so I have no experience with what you're up against. I do know that Toast has a AVCHD Archive feature for storing video from a HD camcorder. The archive can then be used to import video to Final Cut. I wonder if doing that step will make any difference. I suspect you can choose Save as Disc Image instead of clicking the burn button to save the archive to the hard drive rather than to disc.

 

Have you checked the user forum at canon or Apple's Final Cut forum? It seems to me that issue would be very aggravating and discussed a lot if it was commonplace.

 

As far as Toast 11 goes, last I knew Roxio still has the 30-day return & refund policy for purchases from their online store. So you could try it and if it turns out the same as Toast 10 request the refund.

[Mediaman67]

Hi,

 

Yes, must be a buffer in the camera or card combo, where it will only write a file 1/2 the size at a time, of the available card - I was using a 32gig card, and it would record over 4 hours at the highest setting, but only needed 40 mins.

 

if I had an intel mac, I could just have FCP import it directly, and I bet it would work... but since toast can convert the files nicely (it does do a nice job) there must be a way it can "see" all the 4 files as one via the folders index track?

 

there must people people on here that have used Canon cameras with toast and have longer than 15 min clips they want to convert... all of the canon's I know of have the AVCHD in a MTP wrapper.... if it's a CARD camera... tape is no problem...

 

I will try the archive method and see what it does... but I'd rather get the actual solution to the problem, instead of having to guess, and that includes being a beta tester for Toast 11 for this problem... Yeah, I can buy it, and see if it "fixed" this, or whatever, but again, these cameras were out before toast 10, so it must be able to do this....

 

Thanks much,

Bob

[pomaus]

I had a similar problem but with a different file format to yours and after many computer hours found the following fix:

 

First convert all files to DV format (all files will have .dv suffix) using Toast. This can be done all in one go (all file retain their original name).

 

Then, I do the following (Note: this is a direct copy of my Word doco I use so I can remember how to do it the next time):

 

1.

iMovie

> File > Import > Movies:

NOTE. This step is NOT required if only have one file.

It is required for multiple files to stop a playback pause between files and

allow fast-rewind across files (not possible using just Toast).

a. Select all files as a group.

b. Add to existing Event: New Event/Create new Event: ****.

c. Optimize video: Full – Original Size.

d. Copy Files.

2. Ensure ‘Drag to adjust number of frames per thumbnail displayed’ slider is set to All.

3. Select the whole file by pressing Option before clicking on the one frame.

Drag file to the lower part of the Project window (automatically puts into the next position).

Repeat for all files.

4. Check for correct order. Note: Files may not have been imported in the correct order.

5. Select All within Project.

6. Share > Export using Quick Time:

a. Save As: ****.DV.

b. Export: Movie to DV Stream.

c. Options:

i. DV Format: DV.

ii. Video Format: PAL.

iii. Scan Mode: Interlaced.

iv. Aspect Ratio: 16:9.

v. Preserve aspect ratio using: (unchecked).

vi. Audio Format:

1. Locked (unchecked).

2. Rate: 48.000 kHz.

d. Use: Most Recent Settings.

7. After export (single .DV file), press reverse Delete to delete Project items.

8. To delete New Item clips:

a. Quit iMovie.

b. Finder > Movies > iMovie Events and delete New Event folder.

 

Note: this fixed my problem, you may need to change settings. Also consider your conversion settings.

 

The single file is then burned to DVD (SD/HD) via Toast without pauses and the ability to fast forward/reverse.

 

Hope this helps.

[Mediaman67]

Hi,

 

First, thanks for the post, they should make this a sticky, or build it into toast, since it would be nice to have one program do the whole thing as one file. or at least give you the option - something like "consolidate files"

 

Well... sort of the same... but not...

 

First, if I go to .DV files, it will kill all the HD res that is there, since the program will downconvert my HD to 720x480 which is the .dv spec. not gonna do that...

 

Second, I don't use imovie - I do have FCPro though....

 

These are NTSC files, and not Pal - not that this matters....

 

Lastly, in my case, I don't think it will work, because just converting the 4 files like that is where the problem starts... They have to be imported/seen with the index track from the camera's file structure, or they will not be perfect...It looks like Im loosing 5-8 frames between the files. not the end of the world in a multi cam situation, but for creating HD content with this as my only camera, it IS a problem...

 

Lucky for me, I recently found a very nice Mac Pro that of course will replace my old G5, and now I should be able to work with AVCHD files natively in there... fingers crossed...

 

but... I still think TOAST should be able to do this...

[domer1]

Hi,

 

First, thanks for the post, they should make this a sticky, or build it into toast, since it would be nice to have one program do the whole thing as one file. or at least give you the option - something like "consolidate files"

 

Well... sort of the same... but not...

 

First, if I go to .DV files, it will kill all the HD res that is there, since the program will downconvert my HD to 720x480 which is the .dv spec. not gonna do that...

 

Second, I don't use imovie - I do have FCPro though....

 

These are NTSC files, and not Pal - not that this matters....

 

Lastly, in my case, I don't think it will work, because just converting the 4 files like that is where the problem starts... They have to be imported/seen with the index track from the camera's file structure, or they will not be perfect...It looks like Im loosing 5-8 frames between the files. not the end of the world in a multi cam situation, but for creating HD content with this as my only camera, it IS a problem...

 

Lucky for me, I recently found a very nice Mac Pro that of course will replace my old G5, and now I should be able to work with AVCHD files natively in there... fingers crossed...

 

but... I still think TOAST should be able to do this...

 

Highlight the 4 clips and click edit, merge clips. I have used many time with great success.