AVCHD stands for Advanced Video Codec High Definition, and the AVCHD files generally use extensions like MTS and M2TS, depending on the camera or camcorder brand and whether they are imported to a computer or Mac. VLC, as a free and open source media player and transcoder, can play a variety of audio and video sources including MTS and M2TS. However, when watching AVHCD files on other devices, or importing to editing systems, you need to convert AVCHD files to universal video formats like WMV and MP4 with VLC.
Part I. How to Play AVCHD Files with AVCHD player - VLC
Step 1. Download and install VLC
Go to VLC official site to download VLC player and install it on your computer. After installation, launch VLC.
Step 2. Open AVHCD files with VLC
Connect your camera to computer with a FireWire cable that comes with the camera. Turn your camera on, and wait for the computer to detect your camera. On top left corner of this AVCHD player, click “Media” ＞ “Open File.” Find the file folder that you store your camera AVCHD videos, and select one or several. Then click “Open” on bottom right corner.
Step 3. Watch AVCHD videos with VLC
Once you click “Open” at Step 2, the VLC player will play the selected AVCHD videos automatically.
Part II. How to Convert AVCHD Files with VLC?
Step 1. Active Open Media Window
On main UI of VLC player, click “Media” ＞ “Convert/Save.” And then the “Open Media” window will pop up. Click “File” option.
Step 2. Add AVCHD files
Click “Add” to import your desired AVCHD files to VLC player, and then click “Convert/Save” to proceed to “Convert” window.
Step 3. Select a proper output format for AVCHD
On “Convert” window, choose an output video format under “Profile” dropdown list.
Step 4. Save the converted AVCHD files
Click “Browse” to find a destination folder to store the converted AVCHD files, and you can rename the output folder. And then click “Save.”
Step 5. Start converting AVCHD files
After choose an output folder to save the converted AVCHD videos, just click “Start” on the “Convert” window to realize AVHCD conversion.
Part III. An Alternative AVCHD Player/Converter to VLC
If you find that VLC doesn’t cover the output format that you want during AVCHD conversion, here is an alternative AVCHD player to VLC for you: Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate.
Key Features:
-Convert Blu-rays/DVDs/Videos including AVCHD files to a wider range of output formats.
-Edit Blu-rays, DVDs and various video sources.
-Batch conversion to save time
-Merge video files into one or split one file into several clips.
-2D/3D to 3D conversion supported.
-Adjust Blu-ray, DVD, and video parameters for better entertainment.
In addition, you can use VLC Media Player to download Youtube Videos and add Subtitles.
