How to play AVCHD Lite video on Mac QuickTime, convert/edit AVCHD Lite in FCP, iMovie, etc?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (also known as DMC-TZ7) can record 720p HD video in the AVCHD Lite video format (1280 x 720), with the “.mts” file extension, which has no time limit on video length and which has file sizes much smaller than the alternative Motion JPEG format.

AVCHD recordings can be transferred to a computer by connecting the camcorder via the USB connection. Many camcorders can record to removable media like SDHC and Memory Stick cards or DVD discs, which can be read on a computer directly. Copying files from an AVCHD camcorder or from removable media can be performed much faster than from a tape-based camcorder, because the transfer speed is not limited by realtime playback.

Similar to regular AVCHD video, AVCHD Lite is not well compatible with Mac friendly programs like QuickTime, iMovie, FCP, etc. In fact, there are several programs like VLC Media Player, Mplayer that enable you play AVCHD Lite video on Mac (Snow Leopard included).

However, if you intend to enjoy playing AVCHD Lite video shot by your camera on Mac QuickTime, or editing the footage in Final Cut Pro or iMovie, there is an impeccable solution for you to achieve it by converting AVCHD Lite video to these programs supporting formats.

AVCHD Lite Converter for Mac act as an amazing assistant for HD camcorder owners for it makes the captured footage transfer to Mac QuickTime for playback, edit or polish in Final Cut Express, FCP, iMovie, free burn your masterpiece to DVD in iDVD.

Tip: MOV is always recognized as most Mac-friendly video formats, well accepted by the Mac QuickTime, FCP, iMovie and more. So convert AVCHD Lite to QT MOV video format is a good choice for you.

Step-by-step guide on How to convert AVCHD Lite to Mac QuickTime, iMovie, FCP

Step 1: Load AVCHD Lite video(s) to the program
Have downloaded the Mac AVCHD Lite Converter and run the program on your Mac, Click “Add File” to import AVCHD Lite video into the application. Plus, you can load multiple video files at a time.

Step 2: Customize the output video format for QuickTime, iMovie or FCP
Choose the right video format like MOV-QuickTime (*.mov) under the menu of “Profile”. If you wonder to import the output video to iMovie for editing, please select any of video formats in the “iMovie Video” for optimal compatibility.

Step 3: Start the conversion from AVCHD lite to QT video
Hit “Start” to start converting AVCHD lite video to QuickTime, iMovie or FCP supporting video.