3/18/2009 Version 3.10 Canopus AVCHD converter Release Note This document contains important information that is not included to "How to Guide". Also, this file might contain information that were recently changed or enhanced. Please check this document before using. 1.System Requirements -Minimum requirements Intel Pentium 4 processor and 512MB RAM -Recommended System Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 or better and 2GB RAM for a smooth preview and efficient conversion. EDIUS version 3.0 or later or EDIUS Neo version 1.0 or later required. *This applications will only work on systems that have a licensed, full version of EDIUS or EDIUS Neo installed. NTFS is strongly recommended for the file system of saved destination, because converted file is larger than source one, and if the file system is FAT, it may not be able to be saved to the destination (this application does not divide the file automatically). 2.Converting AVCHD files on local drive can be converted to Canopus HQ AVI or HDV or MPEG 2 in two ways: 2.1.Drag and drop Drag and drop AVCHD file(or files) onto the AVCHD2HQ icon or right-click AVCHD file then select 'Send to '->'AVCHD2HQ' from popup menu. If your CPU has multiple cores, all cores are used to be able to convert in the shortest time, using this method. When any additional source file is dropped, if any free core(s) available, the free core(s) is(are) assigned for additional conversion. Also, if no free core, additional conversion will wait to start until free core available. 2.2.Right-clicking Right-click the highlighted AVCHD file or files, as this also works for multiple files and select 'Convert with AVCHD2HQ' from the popup menu. When using this method, if you choose more than one file to convert, and your CPU has multiple cores, each core will convert a separate file within the queue(if the Right click option in AVCHD converter Settings is checked, all free cores are assigned to one conversion). Note: -If you plan to use other applications while converting, make sure the number of files you select to convert is at least one less than the number of cores that your multi-core CPU has. -Conversion progress window can be displayed up to six at the same time. 3.Previewing AVCHD file can be previewed as full frame in five ways: Drag and drop onto the AVCHDPRV icon. Right click the highlighted AVCHD file and select 'Preview with AVCHDRPV' Right click the highlighted AVCHD file and 'Send to'->'AVCHDPRV' Double click the highlighted AVCHD file* Select AVCHD file and press Enter key* *AVCHD file must be associated with AVCHD previewer. If you wish to preview multiple files in turn, drag and drop the clips to the icon or right click and select 'Send to' menu. Seek bar in preview window shows the current decode position.When you seek through the file during pause, pause will be cancelled and the current location will move. Multiple core processors(Intel Core2 Quad Q6600 or better) are required for a smooth preview. If video bitrate or footage is higher, it needs more better. Preview on 2nd or later monitor is not supported. 4.Drag and drop source folder Version 3 or later supports to drag and drop not only source file but also the folder saved AVCHD files (you can drag and drop both file and folder at the same time) for conversion or preview. If the source folder has sub folder, the exported one can inherit the folder structure (Enabling 'Inherit folder structure' option in AVCHD converter Settings required). 5.Direct loading a source footage from a camera or media 5.1 Operation You can load a source footage from a AVCHD camera or recorded media directly. Please connect the camera to your PC or set the media to card reader or optical drive for this operation. The camera or media will be recognized as external drive or removable (or optical) media on your PC(*). Open the drive or media then drag a source file or folder to the converter or previewer directly, conversion or preview is started automatically. PLEASE SELECT A SAVED DESTINATION IN 'AVCHD CONVERTER SETTINGS' AT FIRST. IF "SAME AS SOURCE" IS SELECTED IN THE SETTINGS, CONVERTED FILE(S) IS(ARE) OVERWRITTEN TO THE CAMERA OR THE MEDIA (SOURCE FOOTAGE WILL BE LOST). *If you want to load a footage from a DVD media or a camera records to DVD media, the camera or the media may not be shown on Windows XP. In this case, you need to install the UDF 2.5 driver to solve this issue. 5.2 Notification for source file Generally, AVCHD camera divides a footage into multiple files and they have consecutive numbers in the file name (e.g. 00000.MTS, 00001.MTS, 00002.MTS), however these files need to be merged for conversion or preview. Accordingly, exported file has a merged file name (e.g.00000+00001+00002.avi). 6.Export to HDV/MPEG2 6.1.Converting to HDV IP conversion, PAL-NTSC conversion, frame rate conversion (except pull-down) are not supported for conversion to HDV. Also, if the source file format is not fit to export one, conversion setting is changed automatically (e.g. if the interlace video is selected and export format is set to HDV 1280x720p, conversion settings will be changed in order to export to HDV 1440x1080i). 6.2.Converting to MPEG2 IP conversion, PAL-NTSC conversion, frame rate conversion (except pull-down) are not supported for conversion to MPEG2. However, if interlace video is converted to 352x240or288, field will be cut down. Also, any exported file is MPEG2 Program stream (CBR). 7.Inherit Time code If a source file has additional information such as time code, rec date, binary group, these are inherited to a converted file (export format must be AVI or HDV). Also, AVCHD previewer can display rec date and time code. 8.Using FIRECODER Blu If the FIRECODER Blu is available on your system, this card can be used as decode engine for preview and conversion. Also, the multiple installation of this card is supported in this application for more faster conversion(FIRECODER WRITER DOES NOT SUPPORT THE MULTIPLE CARD). If the other application such as FIRECODER WRITER uses the FIRECODER Blu card, AVCHD previewr/converter recognizes as no available the card, and any previewing and converting will be done in software mode automatically. Also, both 'Giving priority to speed' and 'Enable drop mode' option cannot enable for preview with the FIRECODER Blu. 9.Notification of saved destination If 'Save as source' is selected as target folder, converted file is saved to the folder opened on Explore. In this case, the file in conversion process is sometimes locked then you may not be able to remove or overwrite it (furthermore this application may cause to freeze). We recommend selecting the another folder or dropping a source folder in order to avoid this trouble. 10.Using as external program If you have an application that can open AVCHD files as external application, AVCHD converter is needed to register to the application in order to load AVCHD file to AVCHD converter. AVCHD converter is installed to folder"c:\Program Files\Canopus\AVCHD converter". You need to register the following module according to your operating system. Windows Vista:AvcHD2HQV.exe Windows XP :AvcHD2HQW.exe Windows Vista:AvcHDPrvW.exe Windows XP :AvcHDPrvW.exe 11.Registered trademarks and trademarks Canopus is a registered trademark of Thomson Canopus Co.,Ltd. All other registered trademarks and trademarks belong to their respective holders. 12.Revision dates ------------------------------ Version 1.00 12/15/2006 ------------------------------ First release ------------------------------ Version 1.01 1/25/2007 ------------------------------ Added support to convert PAL. Fixed issue when the file size is large or lots of files are selected at the same time, converting is failed. ------------------------------ Version 1.02 4/12/2007 ------------------------------ Added feature to stop converting with message when free size of drive to save converted file is running short. Fixed the following issues. -Color of image which is converted is incorrect. -Converting corrupted AVCHD file may cause AVCHD converter to be crashed without error. -Selecting other of AVCHD file cause application error. ------------------------------ Version 1.03 4/26/2007 Version 1.04 5/22/2007 ------------------------------ Added feature to stop with error massage when AVCHD file not supported this converter is selected. ------------------------------ Version 1.05 10/26/2007 ------------------------------ Added the following features. -Using converters up to number of processor cores. And adjusting schedule in order to convert in a short time. When you drop lots of AVDHD files on AVCHD icon, message window for preparing is shown before converting. -Fixed the following issues. -When you open HQ codec settings, you receive "Program Compatibility Assistant" in Windows Vista based system. -When you logon as the user does not have "Computer administrator", HQ codec settings cannot be changed in Windows Vista based system. -When you drag and drop lots of AVCHD files on AVCHD icon or convert with "send to" menu, AVCHD converter does not start in Windows Vista based system. -When Windows Vista Aero Glass is enabled, a part of progress windows are piled on desktop. -When one AVCHD converter converts more than one AVCHD files those are different size each other, total progress bar is incorrect. -The number of parallel conversion(showing progress windows) are limited to six at the same time. Because, when the number of conversions are more than seven, your computer may become unstable. -When converted files have the same name, your computer may become unstable in the system has more than one processor core(when you save files in this case, AVCHD converter stops with error in this version). -When the additional file has the same name as file which is be converting or on standby, your computer may become unstable in the system has more than one processor core(when you add file to converter in this case, AVCHD converter stops with error in this version). -When you change AVCHD extension to .avi and drop on AVCHD icon or select "send to" menu, AVCHD converter stop responding(when AVCHD file is converted in this case, AVCHD converter stops with error in this version). -When a target folder name is long, this name in progress window is shown incorrectly. -Converted file is about one point five times as large as the AVI file which is exported as Online(Standard) in CODEC settings. Because, when you have not launched "Canopus HQ Codec Setup" even once, CODEC settings is set to Online(Fine). ------------------------------ Version 2.00 12/19/2007 ------------------------------ Added the following features. -H.264 decoder is replaced to new module. Performance is higher than Ver.1.05 or earlier. Converting speed by up to 10% and memory resource by down to 50%. -Support for multiple CPU core. If your CPU has multiple core and converters are used less than number of CPU core, you can save the time to convert more than earlier version. Example, when one file is converted by Intel Core2 Quad 6600 or better, it can be converted for the time equal to the file duration. -Preview function is added. Multiple core processors(Intel Core2 Quad Q6600 or better) are required for a smooth preview. If video bitrate or footage is higher, it needs more better. Fixed the following issues. -When AVCHD file is edited by the application which is bundled to a Panasonic camcorder, the file cannot be converted by this utility. -When cut edited file is converted, there is an audio/video delay. -When divided AVCHD files are converted except part of header, there are an audio/video delay. ------------------------------ Version 2.10 5/16/2008 ------------------------------ Added the following features. -Appearing overwrite message, when the file which has the same name has already existed. -Initial destination is selectable. -File(s) is(are) exported to the same folder which is EDIUS project is saved automatically when EDIUS 4.5 or later or EDIUS Neo is running. -Previewing and converting 24p AVCHD file. -Previewing and converting the AVCHD file which has Br picture. -Previewing and converting the file which is recorded in SD mode. -Appearing error message. -Information of field order and aspect ratio are added to the exported file (EDIUS refers to these information to handle properly). -Adjusting process according to CPU performance in AVCHDPRV previewer. Fixed the following issues. -If a CPU core is assigned to a converter or a previewer then a Sony camcorder's(sold in 2008) AVCHD file is converted or previewed, color balance is incorrect. -When a Panasonic camcorder's(sold in 2008) AVCHD file is converted or previewed, an error is sometimes occurred. ------------------------------ Version 2.11 6/27/2008 ------------------------------ Added the following feature. -If the AVCHD file has recording date, timecode or binary group information, they are transferred to the exported AVI file. Fixed the following issues. -If cut editing is done to the AVCHD file, an error sometimes appears at the end of the file in AVCHD previewer or converter. -If AVCHD previewer or converter handles the AVCHD file which is high bit-rate, previewing or converting is sometimes failed to decode (decoded footage has green noise frame and so on). -When converted file is registered to EDIUS Bin, the source file name is shown as clip name. ------------------------------ Version 2.12 9/8/2008 ------------------------------ Added the following features. -Preview behavior can be customized with double-clicking 'AVCHDPRV' icon. -CPU load is lessened about 10-30% when 'Giving priority to speed' option is selected in AVCHDPRV settings. -Deinterlace supported in preview. -Displaying rec time and TC supported in preview. -Screen saver and monitor power save are disabled automatically while previewing. -LPCM audio (only 2ch 48kHz 16bit*) supported. *When AVCHD file has other LPCM format is loaded, it is handled as no audio AVCHD file. Fixed the following issues. -When AVCHD file edited with ImageMixer 3 (included to your camcorder) is previewed or converted, an application error is occurred. -When AVCHD file is previewed in cut down mode on a single core based system, A/V sync out or freezing preview is sometimes occurred. ------------------------------ Version 2.12a 10/16/2008 ------------------------------ Updated company name shown on the application and included documents. ------------------------------ Version 3.00 12/10/2008 ------------------------------ Added the following features. -Converting to HDV/MPEG Program Stream (footage size, aspect ratio, pull-down, audio format conversion supported). -FIRECODER Blu card supported (using multiple card available). -Drag and drop source folder supported. -Settings window added. -'HQ Codec Setup' short cut icon is merged to 'AVCHD converter Settings'. -Default operation of double-clicking is changed to preview AVCHD file. ------------------------------ Version 3.10 3/18/2009 ------------------------------ Added the following features. -Direct loading a source footage from AVCHD camera or recorded media. -Conversion to the MPEG file which has MPEG Layer2 audio in order to load to MediaEdge LEB4. -Conversion speed is improved on multiple core system, if multiple cores assigned to one converter. -If one converter works for conversion to HQ AVI, FIRECODER Blu can be used up to two cards for one conversion. -Default destination is changed according to your system (Windows Vista: 'Videos' folder / Windows XP: 'My Videos' folder). -Drop mode performance in previewer is improved (drop audio is decreased). Fixed the following issues. -If source files saved the different folder but they have the same name, then they are dragged with 'Inherit folder structure' option, conversion is failed by clicking [No] button in overwrite notification box. -If a source file is being converted, it cannot be selected to convert to other format. -If a source file which has illegal frame is converted to HDV with FIRECODER Blu, timecode or rec date cannot be inherited. -If a source file has monoural audio, conversion to MPEG2 PS is stopped unexpectedly. -If a source file has monoural audio, conversion to HDV is failed. -If a source file has Dolby AC3 monoural audio, previewer outputs the audio to only Lch. -If both SD or smaller and over 60p/50p are set as parameters for conversion to MPEG2 PS, and multiple cores are assigned to one converter, conversion fails. -If the converter is quit with Windows Task Manager while converting, window disruption occurs. -When the extension are same between source and exported files, the converter cannot export a file even if the destination is set to the folder where is different to the source one. -If multiple cores are assigned to one converter or previewer on 64bit Windows system which has more than 4GB memory, conversion or preview stops unexpectedly. -The previewer or converter handles specific AVCHD file (30p over 60i or 30p over 60p or 25p over 50i or 25p over 50p) incorrectly. -If 24.0p AVCHD file is converted to HDV 1440x1080i, application error occurs (Error message appears on v3.10 in this case, because this conversion is not supported as design). -If a source duration is a few seconds such as menu file, preview or conversion fails. -If source footage has no time code and it is converted to HDV, converted file has 00:00:01;00 as start time code unexpectedly. -If source has no binary group and converted to HDV 720x480/576p or HDV 1280x720p, converted file has 0xfeffffff code. -If audio or video is shorter than the another one and it is converted to Canopus HQ AVI or previewed, conversion or preview is launched accroding to the duration of shorter one. -If source has multiple dots in file name and converted file is registered to EDIUS Bin, clip name breaks off displaying. _______________________________________________________________________________ Copyright (C) 2006 - 2009 Thomson Canopus Co., Ltd. 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