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Note: this camcorder was first sold in Jul 2006. There may be newer versions available.
Sony Handycam HDR-SR1
Sony Handycam HDR-SR1
F
HQ Grade: F
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of camcorders.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 4 out of 5
"Great Little Camcorder"
  • 4 out of 5
"love the sony hdr-sr1 but......"
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Question Answered!
Bobby james 88 pts
October 30, 2006 4:34 PM
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is the hdr-sr1 compatible with a MAC?

Sony says it only works on Windows.
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Answers This question has been answered!
by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
November 1, 2006 2:07 PM
155 people rated this answer helpful, 23 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Apple is very specific that you must check with the manufacturer for verification of whether a camcorder is compatible. And you're right, Sony only mentions Windows for this model. And as such, I would read that as this model is not compatible with MAC unless Sony says otherwise.
Best Answer
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ptrmcr 23 pts
November 1, 2006 3:55 PM
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It's not. I bought it over the weekend at Best Buy being assured it would work on a Mac. Tested at home. Didn't work. Sent an em to Sony and took it to the Apple store. Sony said that it could work if you were to have a capture card... whatever that is. Apple said that we would have to buy a third party program to get around the different format in which the image is recorded in the Sony cam. I returned it to Best Buy and bought one cam directly from the apple store... a much more simple one (without all the bells and whistles of the Sony hdr-sr1) but that at least works with a MAC.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
November 1, 2006 4:03 PM
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Funny how Apple doesn't mention that in the MAC iMovie commercial with the "hottie" ...
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Denver 226 pts
November 12, 2006 9:05 PM
229 people rated this answer helpful, 136 people rated this answer not helpful
 
I too bought the Sony HDR-HC3. I tossed the receipt and box after I bought a nice carrying case. I was assured by best Buy it would work on a Mac. If I could, I'd return it. The Sony Store told me I needed to buy their newest most powerful computer in order to do editing. I had to also buy expensive software from Sony.

Other manufacturer's, new high def camcorders should be out soon. They will be compatable to Mac. Sony purposely makes their's not compatable.

This is dissapointing. Mac is best for editing and Sony makes good products. In this case I am planning to buy a JVC camcorder when they come out.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
November 13, 2006 10:20 AM
18 people rated this answer helpful, 138 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Did you purchase your camcorder with a credit card? If so, Best Buy should be able to take the camera back by looking up the sale. I'd also go straight to the manager and explain to him you want to return the unit because you were deceived into believing that the camera would be compatible with your system.

And if they refuse, get your credit card company involved, tell them not to pay the charge.
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Roy McDonald 17 pts
November 14, 2006 3:52 PM
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HDR-HC3 definitely works with a Mac. I use it all the time. Just be sure you have the latest (free) version of iMovie, designed for HD- available on te Apple website.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
November 14, 2006 5:37 PM
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Updating the latest versions is always a good idea. And luckily, Apple's auto update feature makes it really easy. Perhaps it's been disabled? If so, it's a simple matter to re-enable it. Just click on the "apple" and go from there.
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Jim Sweeney 146 pts
November 16, 2006 5:15 PM
148 people rated this answer helpful, 24 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Blackmagic is about to release a card called "Intensity" (within a week, i'm told) that offers HDMI in the HDR-SR1. This will offer uncompressed, 4:2:2 output from the camcorder directly into Final Cut Studio or, I imagine, iMovie. The price I was quoted was $269. The site shows a variety of options regarding what codec to apply once the footage is loaded into the program

I bought the camera today after considerable research and am very satisified that eventually I'll be able to edit true 15MBS HD. After shooting around today and playing the output through HDMI, I believe the picture is better than any faux- HD HDR camera that I've previewed.

Go to http://www.decklink.com/ for more information.
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xspoon 1 pts
December 21, 2006 8:41 PM
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The problem is not with Apple, or the other 20+ editing platforms. The problem is Sony. Sony the company has been falling apart for years. This is just another example of it's arrogance. They have pushed their proprietary formats for years.

Even Sony's website states that this format should only be played on Blu-Ray.. WHAT?

http://esupport.sony.com/EN/news/article140

The world of video would have loved this camera, but Sony decides to bail from iLink (firewire) and other useful examples to move to USB..

This is going to be another failed product just as the PS3 and too expensive.
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daniel (danoty) 1 pts
January 21, 2007 1:54 AM
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I just brought an HDR-SR1 home- bought at Best Buy- and of course assured that it would work on my MAC computer- welll... think again... I'm still waiting for Sony to get back to me to see what can be done--- any other HDD camaras around that would be compatible???
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Please Help! (jacpot56) 1 pts
March 3, 2007 12:36 AM
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Is it possible to get to work for a macintosh???

I love the camera, but I want to use Imovie not that crummy windows movie editor.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
March 3, 2007 1:36 AM
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If you want something that works with a MAC, then look at Canon, because Sony isn't the way to go, imho. You can check out MPEG Streamclip, however. It may help alleviate the issue.
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Michael 0 pts
March 7, 2007 11:13 AM
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This thread has conflicting advice...can we get to an answer? Is it safe for a Mac user to go with this camera? I'd gladly pay $269 for a video capture card (see above post) if that's what it takes to stay with Mac and this camera. Maybe we can get an update from Jim on how that is working?

Thanks!
Michael
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Jim Sweeney 146 pts
March 7, 2007 1:02 PM
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Unfortunately, the product released and now available from Decklink will only run on an Intel Mac (Mac Pro). I currently only have G5's and won't upgrade until AfterEffects 8 is available to run on that model. Try seaching at forums.creativecow.net and then go to "change forum" and select "Blackmagic Design Decklink" and do a search on "Intensity".

Jim
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Michael 0 pts
March 7, 2007 5:03 PM
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So it will work on a Intel Mac /Dual Core, right? We got one for music editing, so I could make that the audio-video editing station. Until I get Intensity (if it proves out), can I still view video on the my computer and burn DVD's?

Thanks!
Michael
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Jim Sweeney 146 pts
March 7, 2007 5:13 PM
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If your computer is a desktop. Otherwise (like an iMac or PowerBook), there are no slots to install the card. As far as viewing your video and burning DVD's on the Mac--no. That is currently only available within windows utilizing Sony's proprietary software. You can of course run windows through bootcamp and use that solution. Some are posting that they have some software solution to change the AVCHD codec into MPEG2 but I haven't tried any of those approaches. Otherwise you'll have to wait until Apple updates quicktime to read the new codec. Who knows when that'll be.
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Michael 0 pts
March 7, 2007 5:30 PM
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what about this.... on Apple's site: http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/mpegstreamclip.html
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Jim Sweeney 146 pts
March 7, 2007 5:37 PM
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That's one of the software solutions I mentioned that I haven't tried. Give it a go and let's see what you think.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
March 8, 2007 1:33 AM
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Sony + Mac = incompatiblility. I don't know how direct I can put it.
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Michael 0 pts
March 8, 2007 11:34 AM
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Maybe the best way to approach this is in reverse...

If my starting point is my high-end Mac workstation-Final Cut and I prefer: 3CCD, (or other path to high-image quality) / external mic jack /10-20X zoom / lean toward 30-60G Hard Disk (but like to hear opinions) and prefer HD over SD (but not if you think HD is not yet mature.

...what brands/models would be your top 2 or 3 choices? (love to do this around a grand, but willing to go higher)
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Ouzel 0 pts
March 19, 2007 7:20 PM
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So what's the best camcorder that will work with Mac? Canon's review weren't all that great.
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michael h 0 pts
March 24, 2007 2:57 PM
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The Canon HV 10, a hi def camcorder, doesn't have bad reviews and the price, though much higher than standard definitiion, seems fairly reasonable for good quality picture (currently $800-900). 1080i format is used which can be edited in Apple iMovie software. Unfortunately no headphone or microphone jacks. Mini DV cassettes are used and the camera is very compact. I too would like to hear from someone that has used it with a mac.

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TechWizard 5 pts
March 27, 2007 9:49 AM
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Yes. Works with Mac and FCP! - But its a long proces:
1. Capture AVC-HD footage
2. Drag to your old PC and use Elecard Studio Pro. (Free Demo works but PC only)
http://www.elecard.com/products/products-pc/consumer/converter-studio/
to convert from AVC-HD to HDV2 - using preset
(careful, it is not working correctly in Parallels on mac. Really need a PC to do this part)
3. Copy files to Mac
4. Use Streamclip http://www.squared5.com/ (free) to Demux the Audio to AIFF.
(drop one clip at a time - so far) - you then have the exported AIFF sound for each clip.
5. Drop the video and audio files into Final Cut Pro, start editing.
Looks like 100% 1080i quality with excellent sound.
Whew!

See my podcast coming soon.
Tech Wizard
http://web.mac.com/bankman2/iWeb/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
March 28, 2007 12:31 PM
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Welcome to the wonderful proprietary world of Sony products.
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Ouzel 0 pts
March 28, 2007 12:38 PM
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So, the five steps above seem like a lot to me. The FCP site info suggests it's a breeze. Am I correct that there is just no easy way to edit anybody's format in Mac ?

Will the Canon HV 20 be as cumbersome? That's the camera I have my eye on (and there is supposed to be a mic and headphones jack).

Help! thanks.

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TechWizard 5 pts
March 28, 2007 5:56 PM
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Update: I just figured out a way to eliminate a step. Use Streamclip to go directly to Apple Intermediate Codec. It will automatically Demux the audio properly. Then drop into FCP and start editing.

Also, I expect full Final Cut Pro AVC HD support within 2 weeks after NAB Show

The Canon HV 20 is standard HDV - so it should drop right in FCP. It claims to have true 1920x1080 support - this is new, so Im not 100% sure. Problem - it uses Mini DV Tape.........
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TechWizard 5 pts
March 28, 2007 6:08 PM
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Update 2: got Parallels working on Mac - so no PC needed. All you need to do is install the AC3 Codec.
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schoolmark 1 pts
March 29, 2007 9:01 AM
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I've read lots of posts speculating that Final Cut, Adobe, and/or others will be releasing upgrades to support AVCHD on the Mac OS at some point in the relatively near future. I've not, however, been able to get official confirmation of this from any of the vendor/developers. Can anyone point me to a URL wherein someone from within the corporation has announced that such a product for Mac OS is, or will be, in development? Ulead/Corel have just released a third-party editor for Windows--good news for MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo owners, but I'd rather draw the movie by hand than edit in Windows.
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Marshall 3 pts
April 2, 2007 1:19 PM
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NOT Mac compatible! You need windows for this camera. The SONY HDR-HC7 works great! I tried WITH THE HDR-SR1, but to no avail. The Camcorder connects and is recognized as an external Hard Drive. The files are seen on the camera and drag over to the Mac just fine. Unfortunately Sony took AVC/h.264 and wrapped it up in a container file format that is VERY propietary. There is no program on the Mac that can open these files. Not FCP, MPEG streamclip, VLC, Quicktime, WMP, iMovie... nothing. Not even Sony's "Vegas" movie editor (in Windoze) can edit this footage. With parallels it got only the Video (no sound) but I think this was because of a needed update to my Win XP. On a windows computer, you are stuck with the bundled software WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW FOR EDITING! you have to transform every clip from AVC to MPEG 2 in the bundled software (windows only), then open the re-formatted clips in an MPEG-2 editor. When my brother did this on his windows computer, he repeatedly had uncorrectable problems with Audo-video sync. If you plan on editing your footage (cut, crop, trim, etc), do not buy this camcorder. Why do unnecessary Conversion? I got the HDR-HC-7 which is tape-based and works great with iMovie. Canon has a good HD tape based camcorder which works fine with the mac as well.
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Jim Sweeney 146 pts
April 2, 2007 1:34 PM
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I agree and I OWN the camera.

There's no question, at the current time, AVCHD is not an option on the MAC. It's barely an option on Windows, as you say, for editing purposes. The only hope is that Quicktime is updated to handle AVCHD. Whether or not that ever happens is impossible to predict. For myself, I intend to get the Blackmagic Intensity card (which will only run on Intel Macs) as soon as other software I use is viable on that platform (After Effects, for example). At that point I can use FCP but still without timecode.

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TechWizard 5 pts
April 2, 2007 9:48 PM
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I Own this camera also. I have used Parallels on Intel Mac to batch convert AVC-HD footage in one step to HDV with no visable loss in quality. ( See my above posting.) Yes it is an extra step, but it works fine. Since you replace the step of playing"tapes" into FCP capture window, it almost evens out time wise.

[You do need to do the conversion on either a Windows Machine or use Parallels on Mac.]

I do expect the Apple will release Final Cut Pro 6.0 with AVC HD codec in 2 weeks at NAB in Las Vegas. Its the main rumor this year. Also included will be Dolby 5.1 encoder/decoder for editing. Sony Vegas will also release support for this camera at NAB.

The quality from this camera is very close to my Canon XH A1 camera. For the money - there is no competitor on the market that comes close (IMHO).
I will post a link showing the final web result shortly.
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Rick 0 pts
April 7, 2007 10:08 PM
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Sony HDR-SR1 works with MAC -- NOT! So tired of proprietary interoperability issues. Yet another reason why owning a mac is more painful than it is worth. I spent $2800 for my Mac Book Pro and I am questioning my thinking. I really want to love my Mac but the substance is not there--only a lot of trouble with being different for the sake of being different, not better. You know it is the same with the Hybrid cars--a lot of symbolism not much substance.
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Jim Sweeney 146 pts
April 7, 2007 11:19 PM
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Oh, I see...this is a personal thing. I don't think there's really any place in a meaningful discussion forum for misplaced rage.

I founded my business on Mac's some 18 years ago and have made a great living doing design for film and video on that platform. I have no personal objections to PC's, and actually have 2 in my studio--one a 64bit dual AMD, but I personally have found the Mac to be more eloquent, easier to set up and stable. Anyone else is welcome and entitled to disagree.

This thread is full of opinion and observation that shows both platforms to be unready to handle AVCHD. To single out one over the other is premature and counterproductive.

As for hybrid cars, yes, I own one of those too. No, I don't get 60 mpg. I only get 47. And, in the meantime, I'm depositing around 16 percent of the hydrocarbons in the atmosphere compared to the average American vehicle. Why you feel that is evidence of "different for the sake of being different" is totally mysterious.

The only "substance" in your arugment is one of strange, angry fear of the unfamiliar.
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TechWizard 5 pts
April 8, 2007 8:15 PM
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...meanwhile - here is high def full quality video edited completely in Final Cut Pro and exported to quicktime HD on Macbook Pro.

http://web.mac.com/bankman2/iWeb/Site2/XM-Indy300.html

Editing on a Mac is now one conversion away using Parallels on Windows in Mac (drop the footage) - Hit 1 click convert to HDV using Elecard presets- walk away ... Actually takes LESS time than doing the normal firewire batch and log import.

Move your files to Mac side and start editing.
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Rick 0 pts
April 8, 2007 9:56 PM
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Jimmy, Nothing personal here. The handycam with the hard drive is awesome. The 1080 HD playback is stunning on my home theatre. Still trying to love my Mac. I am just frustrated with things not working out of the box when I was led to believe they would. I'm going to hang on to the Mac and Sony, I just was so psyched to start creating HD movies on my Mac and then burning the DVD. Now I will have to wait until a solution comes from somewhere. I still don't have a blu ray or an HD DVD yet either so I have some time. You are right, niether platform is ready. Thank goodness my business isn't founded on this. This is just play for me. Hey I switched from coffee to tea, you should try it. Sorry if I hit a nerve on the Hybrid--I want the fuel cell personally.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
April 9, 2007 2:56 PM
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TechWiz. I think that pretty much ends the debate. Nicely done. But to be fair, it is an extra step or two, which wouldn't be necessary if Sony wasn't so obsessed with keeping their customers locked into proprietary formats and technology.

But again, nicely done, nonetheless.

As for Jim's comments. This is digital advisor, not political advisor. Hey, that's not a bad idea. 8)
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Jim Sweeney 146 pts
April 9, 2007 7:59 PM
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Please tell me what was "political" about my response.
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Whit Snell 0 pts
April 15, 2007 3:29 PM
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Well... In the last 3 months I have purchased two of the best tech products around, the Sony HDR-SR1 and the Dual Core Intel Mac pro with 4 gig of memory and lots of extra hard drives. Ooops. Can't use any of it. Put the camera away for now and do music in Protools instead for fun. It's like having the best actress and actor in the world for your next movie. Only problem is that they refuse to work together.

Thats it. Thats my last Sony product EVER unless they decide to listen to what the consumer wants. I have a Pentium 4 with 2 gig and it is REDICULOUSLY slow with video. I give up.
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Ouzel 0 pts
April 16, 2007 11:42 AM
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Thanks a lot Whit. I was poised to do the same as you, but since I gotta stay with Mac I think I'll go with Canon HV 20. Hope that's a good decision.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
April 16, 2007 11:43 AM
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Whit, Sony has a recommendation here. But it is a third party soluition, so your mileage may vary.

Frankly, if you purchased it recently you may wish to consider returning it in favor of a more compatible camera, like from Canon.
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schoolmark 1 pts
April 16, 2007 12:24 PM
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There has been a rumor that Apple would announce AVCHD compatibility in FinalCut at the NAB conference in Las Vegas this weekend. An announcement posted yesterday on apple.com signaling the release of FinalCut Studio makes no mention of AVCHD compatibility. I still have about 12 days left to return my HDR-SR1 so I think I will return it in exchange for a tape drive HD camcorder that I can edit on the Mac. I would prefer not to do this and I wouldn't mind waiting 6 months for editing capability if someone could guarantee that such a solution would be forthcoming. Anyone???
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
April 17, 2007 11:22 AM
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Well, Apple is a tad busy with the iPhone these days. It's even had to delay Leopard, so it isn't suprising they didn't announce AVCHD updates. And rumors are more often wrong and the right when it comes to Apple, so don't count chickens before they're hatched. I think you're better off just doing what you're doing and returning it.
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schoolmark 1 pts
April 19, 2007 9:42 PM
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Just found the JVC GZ-HD7--an HD camera with a 60 gig hard drive that is Mac compatible. Is this not the answer to those seeking hard drive high def compatibility with Mac? Is there anything I am missing about this being the obvious alternative to Sony? The price is high but if you can afford the Sony you can presumably stretch for the JVC. Planning on returning the Sony tomorrow and buying the JVC unless someone convinces me that it would be a bad idea. Thanks.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
April 20, 2007 2:56 PM
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Some JVC cameras also give you the option of recording in AVI, rather than MPEG2 on a hard drive. A very practical feature for those who edit, in my view.
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Tim 0 pts
April 22, 2007 8:24 AM
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Tech Wizard....can you please expand a bit on the Elecard procedure....I am struggling with this. I have a PC and Mac...networked....but I can't get this to work with their demo version...
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David 0 pts
April 25, 2007 7:51 PM
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Tech Wizard.... I am a Tech Novice. My business purchased a MacBook Pro and Sony HDR-SR1 to make training videos. We had no idea about the compatibility issue until we tried to transfer footage to the Mac. I luckily found this thread. Could you please post your solution again but in one, easy-to-follow post? Thanks!
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Tim 1 pts
April 26, 2007 8:38 AM
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Just a quick update. I emailed the folks at elecard a few days ago (in Moscow!!) and they were very helpful. Over night (or so it seems) they are working on an AVCHD specific version targeted specifically at the needs of the folk in this thread.
The download is not available yet but my guess is it is only days away as they already have the specs and instruction manual on the site (check it out at elecard.com)
David, to your question. I am a tech novice too...just an old dad making movies of the holidays and kids.....but I have the SR1 camera...a Mac ...and a XP PC.
The Sony software does not run on a Mac. It is Windows only.
So far I have been downloading the files using the Sony software on the PC. Converting it using the work around described on Jake Luddington's site....using Avisynth/Virtualdubmod/Cyberlink DVD.
Its not difficult....but a right royal pain in the AXXX as you msut do each clip separately. This process can output the files in AVI format.
I then transfer the files to the MAC (via my Lan) ,,,,,recompress using Compressor.....and finally edit using Final Cut Pro. The last step can be batched ....so it is not so bad....but the files are absolutely huge!!
So far I have made three home movies this way....but it is a bit work intensive.
There is a thread on the Final Cut Producer site that says somebody talked to the Apple techs at the NAB show who say they are working on an AVCHD preset as an upgrade for FCP6. Says it is only weeks away. Check this out too.
I could not get the current Elecard demo to work(...I think that...they have the Pro version being dowoaded instead of the regular version and as a result it does not handle HD). The version that I got is clearly labeled "Pro". I asked them re this but so far no answer. Hopefully it means they are working on getting the stripped down AVCHD version up.
Hope this is of some help.
Tim
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David 0 pts
April 26, 2007 12:47 PM
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Thank you very much, Tim. Way too labor intensive for me. It does sound like Tech Wizard has found the easiest solution. I do hope he reposts it. I will be talking with the video guru at the local Apple store today to discuss Tech Wizard's solution. We have Pro Care so I'm hoping to sit with him for as much time as he can devote to my (our) problem. I will post anything good that comes out of it.
David
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Rick 0 pts
April 27, 2007 10:21 AM
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So I returned the Sony HDR-SR1 and bought the JVC GZ-HD7 60Gig, only to return it and repurchase the Sony. Here is why. Among smaller things, the JVC image and sound quality was just not as good as the Sony and I liked the touch screen interface better. I played them both directly from each camcorder with an HDMI cable on my 94" HD home theatre--both awesome but the optical and digital zoom on the Sony was higher quality with less granularity at higher zooms. Then I had captured the playback off my Sony on a Samsung DVD recorder that I bought to convert my VHS tapes--I know, the picture quality is reduced to the Samsung widescreen aspect ratio in non-HD, however, for movie editing I am limited anyway as I have not purchased a blue-ray or HD DVD burner or player yet. Anyway for editing, I used MPEG Streamclip ($20 Quicktime plug in) to convert the VOB files off the DVD and pulled the Sony clips onto my MacBook Pro to edit in iMovie HD. Side by side with the directly editable HD files imported off the JVC, the converted Sony files were actually better looking, had a more stable picture with less image bounce, and the sound was superior--I don't like it when noise directly around the camera overwhelms the image being recorded, in this case soccer and lacrosse. In the meantime, the DVDs captured off the Samsung play through my DVD player anywhere and I'll save the Sony files for editing as data in AVCHD on DVD-Rs and I'll wait until the AVCHD conversion to something supported by Mac happens. Maybe MPEG Streamclip or iMovie HD will come up with a converter.
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TechWizard 5 pts
April 27, 2007 12:43 PM
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Ok, due to popular request - I will complete my AVC-HD conversion video podcast this week. I'll let you know when updated.
Thanks, Tech Wizard
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David 0 pts
April 27, 2007 1:44 PM
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My hour with the video guru got pushed back to Monday. I'll let you all know then.
David
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
April 28, 2007 2:14 AM
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Tech, please post a link to your podast anyway, I'd like to listen in. Is it on iTunes?
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TechWizard 5 pts
April 28, 2007 6:43 PM
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Ok here it is: its 100mb 16:9 stream - so you can see the screen shots. Enjoy.

http://web.mac.com/bankman2/iWeb/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html

Note: Parallel users- You must install the AC3Filter encoder to decode the 5.1 surround streems. Its a free download just search google.
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TechWizard 5 pts
April 28, 2007 7:12 PM
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One More Thing. All Final Cut Suite users go here:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/finalcutpro.html

This provides direct feedback to the development team. Lets make our voices heard at Apple Loud and Clear! - Spread the link to all you know.

TW
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David 1 pts
May 1, 2007 9:33 PM
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The Apple store video guru advised that I follow Tech Wizard's instructions. He also said he's heard nothing about FCE getting AVCHD conversion. Hopefully within a week or so we will get all of the software we need and try it out. Thanks Tech Wizard. I will send Apple my feedback right now.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
May 2, 2007 12:11 PM
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FYI everyone, ULead Video Studio 11 now has AVCHD support. Course, that's only for windows though. :(
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TechWizard 1 pts
May 5, 2007 10:16 PM
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Elecard Demo Versions Now include a Watermark in the rendered video. So, if you got an earlier release.. hold on to it. or buy the $75 AVC-HD only version.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
May 7, 2007 3:43 PM
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Good heads up, Tech. And there are websites out there that offer previous versions of some software. It may be available with a search or two.
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Video Novice 0 pts
May 9, 2007 7:34 PM
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I read a "in the meantime" solution for editting video from the SR1 on a different forum - Shoot in SD, buy the mpeg 2 plugin, and viola, you can at least use the camera and edit with imovie until AVCHD is supported. Anyone tried this? On the other forum one person said it worked great, another had no sound. I am in the same boat as the ladder. I get the video, but no audio. Can any tell me why? Thanks.
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TechWizard 1 pts
May 10, 2007 4:53 PM
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If your getting no audio. It means that you PC probably does not have the AC3 Decoder installed. Search google for AC3filter.exe and download and install in Windows.
You must have this filter to decode the audio with Elecard Studio and many others.
------------------
Also, I just downloaded SONY Vegas 7.0e - With full AVC-HD support.
It works great for 1 step conversion to full 1440x1080 uncompressed video/video. It even offers a direct AC-3 Dump to 5.1 surround for use in DVD Video Pro.
I will update a new Podcast in a couple of days with this new conversion option! Stay tuned.

TW
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TechWizard 1 pts
May 11, 2007 1:14 PM
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SONY VEGAS Falls Short.
-----------------------------
So after hours or dinking around with version 7.0e. My findings are quite a dissapointment.
1. The product really is VERY buggy. It Locks up hard in parallels and on standard PC's.

2. The product requires this outdated Microsoft Desktop Engine software to constantly Phone home to SONY on EVERY BOOT UP, to see if there are software updates or whatever else SONY Wants to do. This part of the software is not supported on VISTA and causes havoc on every other boot.

3. Vegas does not expose the H.264/AVC Codec to the Quicktime export engine (even if Quicktime Pro is installed on windows). - So exporting to Quicktime only gives h.261 or h.263 support. So whats the point!!!

4. Vegas does not play well with the most recent Windows Vista Update. It breaks Quicktime's install badly.

The other options for export are simply not up to the quality you would want from your AVC-HD software. You can choose Loseless AVI but your 5 meg file will be 25-30 meg when you are done. doink. Then FCP will need to re-render anyway. The other options like Cineform, DV, etc are not ready for high def.

It is clear Sony rushed this thing out to stop looking bad. But they may end up looking even worse. I can not recomend this build if you really want the Highest Quality footage out of your camera. Dont waste your time.

TW
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Tim 0 pts
May 11, 2007 6:00 PM
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Tech Wizard

I have just installed the Vegas 7.0e following your last post,,,,but had not had enough time to run anything through it. Thanks for the heads up as I will not waste time with it now. I have used Vegas 5 and 6 in the past and it is miserable compared with FCP.

I have been using the original Elecard download (the same as you have on your podcast) and it works fine. I did get tired though of clicking the OK on the demo and wanted to be able to run all my clips in one go.
On that basis I shelled out the 75 USD for the AVCHD version. This can process multiple clips so should be more convenient.
Trouble is the first set of clips I ran through it turned out very "choppy". I tried a side by side comparison and the difference is noticable. Basically jerky video. The AVCHD version has less setting options. The Major difference is the RC mode setting which is in "Variable" only in the AVCHD version and "Constant" in the setting mode you recommend in you podcast.
Do you have any hints for me on this?
I have complained to Elecard and we are now in an email dialogue...the opening comment was "you should have tried the demo first"...well ok but...lets see. Has anybody had success with the AVCHD version?
I have also tried to use the nasty Ulead 11Plus program without success....must be the version I got.
One last question....You mentioned a lens in you podcast...is this the wide angle that I can see in the stores here?
Thanks for your ongoing help!
Tim
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Snoop 0 pts
May 13, 2007 12:50 PM
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I am using Vegas 7.0e on an iMac running XP in Bootcamp. It seems to run and re-encode fairly well with AVCHD content (no crashes, clean video playback, etc.). Since I'm close to being a newbie, I do wonder which CODEC would be best for re-encoding the AVCHD videos? Currently, I'm using the 720i (.AVI) with PCM audio with, what appear to be, fairly good results. The re-encoded files worked fine with Windows Media 11 and MediaCenter. I did have some aspect ratio and other encoding problems with the standard 1080(x) codecs in Vegas.
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TechWizard 1 pts
May 15, 2007 10:23 AM
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For Mac users. Vegas works fine if you output to AVI. The problem is that for mac users, AVI is one more step away from MOV (Quicktime) which is Native for everything on Mac. Especially Final Cut.
If you drop a big AVI file in Final Cut - you constantly re-render any edit you make. It slowwws down the whole process. The Elecard solution is much better and your conversion steps are almost loseless. If VEGAS supported H.264 it would be a good choice.

Tim, that really sucks about elecard. I cant believe they wont help you. Contact me directly at email - scooby@wspin.com

P.S. Here is the link to the SONY lens mentioned in my podcast:

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayMoreInfoAccessories-Start?ProductSKU=VCLHG0730X
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Ashponders 0 pts
May 15, 2007 4:04 PM
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I'm having trouble opening the files encoded from elecard with quicktime, vlc opens them fine (and plays the sound). I dont have FC, so i havent demuxed the audio. I'm just looking to do a bit of basic editing with iM HD.

I purchased the 75$ version, if that makes a difference.
On my mac i have the ac3 pluggin for quicktime.
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Ashponders 0 pts
May 15, 2007 4:16 PM
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oh and i get this error:


The file could not be imported: The file “Untitled/Users/admin/Desktop/encode_00002.mpg” can’t be imported; QuickTime couldn’t parse it: -2048
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Tim 0 pts
May 15, 2007 6:56 PM
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In fairness to elecard they have offered to check the source video and I am uploading to their FTP site. Meanwhile the demo version is working for me despite the annoying "OK" clicks...
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Ashponders 0 pts
May 15, 2007 7:01 PM
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ok so i had to purchase the mpeg 2 playback deally from apple, thats great now video is supported by quicktime, where's the sound?
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TechWizard 1 pts
May 16, 2007 10:23 AM
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NO Sound Answer:
Q. Do you have the ac3filter plugin installed on the PC you used Elecard on? (not the mac side)
Thats whats needed in the first step to get Muxed audio as part of mpg file you import into QT. Without this, - no audio is muxed into the mpg.

Here is the link.
http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=66022

TW

P.S. Shameless Plug: Now accepting donations on my Podcast page.
http://web.mac.com/bankman2/iWeb/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html
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Ashponders 0 pts
May 18, 2007 1:55 PM
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Why is it that VLC will play the sound but not quicktime?

i do in fact have the ac3filter installed, or at least i've executed the sourceforge file you had pointed me to, still no luck.
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VideoNovice 0 pts
May 18, 2007 2:53 PM
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TechWizard - I am very much of a novice here and followed your podcast directions. Thanks very much. A couple questions:

First, a question about file sizes. Does this make sense? A 5 minute clip:
> Started as 353 MB as a MTS file
> Became 983 MB as a MPG file out of Elecard
> And ended up as 2.9 GB as a MOV file

Second, I am using iMovie and when I import the MOV file into iMovie it's taking about 5 minutes to import 1 min of video. Seems really slow - does that sound right?
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Rookie 0 pts
May 19, 2007 12:09 AM
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First time connecting my lovely new (miniDV) Sony HDR-HC7 to my Mac - works fine. Couldn't load HD video onto my PC using the Sony software as my processor was too slow. DV video worked to the PC... iMovie slowed the capture to 1/4 or 1/8 speed on this 2 yr old Powerbook and captured the 1080i HD video nicely. All the above mentioned Sony problems seem to be associated with the compression format on hard drive model camcorders. Glad I went for miniDV. Mind you, I'm still on the Mac-hating side of the fence, especially now that I don't have an excuse to buy a faster PC. :}
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TechWizard 1 pts
May 21, 2007 9:12 PM
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Excellent to hear. Seems to be limited to the hard-drive model.
Also, the file sizes mentioned above are just about right. Its a shame they get so big, but thats the price we must pay for now.
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TechWizard 1 pts
May 22, 2007 8:44 PM
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HDR-SR1 Complete Review
My 27 minute in-debth podcast is now available on my site.
I cover the Sony HDR-SR1 in detail including several must have accesories.

http://web.mac.com/bankman2/iWeb/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html
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Eric 0 pts
June 18, 2007 5:56 PM
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Hi All,

I just found this thread....one day after ordering the sony HDR-SR1 and yes, I plan on buying a macbook pro this weekend as well.
After reading all of the threads posted over a few months I saw.
"The HDR-SR1 doesnt work with a mac, take it back."
"I took it back got a different brand but returned that and went back to the Sony."
"Support for Mac is coming soon."

It has been a while since the original question was asked and almost a month since the last post so if anyone can give the latest news I would appreciate it.
The Question:
Does the Sony HDR-SR1 ACV-HD now work on a Mac? If not, how close are they to supporting it?
Thanks,
Eric
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
June 18, 2007 6:04 PM
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Not looking good, my friend. Apple flat out states in Service doc that iMovie doesn't work with mpeg2 clips. You cannot import muxed (multiplexed) MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video clips into projects. If you try, one or more of the following things can happen:

* iMovie refuses to import the clip and displays an alert instead (such as "File could not be imported because QuickTime could not parse it. -2048").
* iMovie allows you to import the clip, however:
o You won't hear audio on playback.
o You won't see video on playback.
o When you export the project to QuickTime, iDVD, or a connected camera, the clip no longer contains audio.

And since SONY directs you to this in Apple's knowledge base, I'd say your SOL.
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Eric 0 pts
June 18, 2007 6:11 PM
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Thanks, James.

I just got off the phone with Sony and basically they said The camera is fine, call Mac.
I've always been a Windows user and after too long of being fed up with a crappy O/S I'm switching to Mac.
It's disappointing to me that Mac doesn't support this yet, Have you (or anyone reading this) heard anything about imovie for finalcut supporting this in the near (next 3 or so months) future?
I have played with the camera is circuit city (although i purchased it online at B&H for 500 bucks less) and loved it! I am hoping the Mac will support it in a few months when I am ready to start editing etc.
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Tim 0 pts
June 19, 2007 8:19 AM
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Eric
If you look earlier in the thread you will see a work around posted by the Tech Wizard. I have been using this with the Sony HDRSR1 and it seems fine and not too inconvenient. I had some problems at first with the AVCHD version of Elecard converter....but after some investigation they have fixed it and updated the version they are selling.
I was originally using the full demo (but free) version but got fed up with clicking OK after each clip....and bought the AVCHD version for $75. The other program you need is streamclip which is free. It will demux your mpegs and is very quick and easy.
Output works fine in FCP on Mac. I have made several short home movies with this so far. You can do the whole thing in Windows on the Mac with Parallels as the TWizard demonstrates in his podcast earlier in the thread.
Tim
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Eric 0 pts
June 19, 2007 8:53 AM
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Actually, the more I think about it, waiting for support (for me at least) is ok as long as I can record and edit in SD. Since i don't have a hi-def dvd writer anways, I can only record standard dvds. So that will keep me happy for a while. I only bought the sony HD camcorder for in the future. So as long as i can do my thing in SD, I'll be happy for 6 months or so.
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Snoop 0 pts
June 19, 2007 2:31 PM
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Again, I use it with a Mac, but in Bootcamp (Windows XP, yuck) mode. Sony's Vegas seems to work great with the camera. Forget about Mac or Vista for right now - which is a shame since it really is a great camera.
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Tim 0 pts
June 20, 2007 4:53 AM
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Eric
The best way is to shoot and edit in HD. Use the Elecard solution with Streamclip....it is really very easy. Then save the finished product as an HD Quicktime file.
Burn the projects as SD DVD's so you can share them today.
Then later you can easily re-burn them onto Bluray or HD DVD (whoever wins).
If you shoot in SD.... it is for ever in SD. Nothing to lose to shoot in HD.
Compressor (MAC) easily lets you take an HD file and convert to MPEG 2 for authoring a(n) SD DVD.
SNOOP'S way is ok too....personally I don't like Vegas compared with FCP. I have Vegas 5/6/7.0e and prefer the option above.
Tim
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Eric 0 pts
June 20, 2007 7:17 AM
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Good tip!

Thanks for helpin' this newbie :)

-E
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
June 20, 2007 9:30 AM
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Well time has a habit of fixing tech issues. And as long as there's a work around (thanks to TechWizard!), you're good to go. And Tim has a good point. With hard drive space so cheap these days, you can just store it on a firewire drive and reburn later.

And since Blockbuster recently endorsed the Blueray player, the format war may be over sooner, rather than later.
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Chris Hyams 2 pts
August 27, 2007 9:09 AM
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Hopping on this thread a bit late, but I just ran into this issue this weekend after borrowing a friend's HDR-SR1. It appears that since this thread trailed off, there are now two very good solutions to using AVCHD files on a Mac.

1) iMovie '08 supports AVCHD. Yes, lots of complaints about it, but support is built in.

2) Voltaic (http://mac1080hd.com/) - $30, drag and drop transcoding of AVCHD to HDV 1080i Quicktime using the Apple Intermediate Codec. It's slow, but worked like a champ for me on the first try. Free demo download will transcode up to 10 files < 20M to confirm it works on your system.

Would be nice if Sony and Apple played nice, but after playing with the HDR-SR1 for a day, and with Voltaic, I'm pretty tempted to pick one up myself.

Hope this helps.
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Eric 0 pts
August 27, 2007 11:11 AM
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Yes! Thank you Chris! I did pick up iMovie 08 the day it came out after jumping up and down that it supports AVCHD! It works beautifully and I have no complaints about it. The camera itself is very easy to use and the images (now that I can really see them) look great. It's now a 5 star camcorder in my opinion!
-Eric
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Whit Snell 0 pts
August 27, 2007 12:39 PM
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USA Today had a great article last week which outlined our frustrations and new solutions for AVCHD editing. Read it at http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2007-08-22-high-def-recording_N.htm?csp=34
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
August 27, 2007 1:55 PM
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It was only a matter of time that Apple would incorporate ACVHD into it's support structure. Still, iMovie 08 has been dumbed down quite a bit. Fewer titles and effects, just nuts and bolts. All the audio effects are gone, you can't extract or edit the audio separately, no plug-ins, no chapter markers for iDVD (I thought the synnergy of the suite was the point here?), and no video effects like slow motion, black-and-white, etc. And if you have some older iMovie projects, forget it - there's no backwards compatibility.

However, the good news is that Apple is offering iMovie HD 6 as a download to purchasers of iLife '08 for those unhappy with the transition.

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Mathieu 0 pts
September 6, 2007 12:54 AM
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I have read every single one of these entries, and I'm still not clear on what's going on now. I want to purchase Final Cut Express 2 and I have an iMac O/S with the HDR-SR1 camcorder. How can I get it to work with this computer?

Please use simple terms... I'm not a computer person. =/
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Chris Hyams 2 pts
September 6, 2007 1:25 AM
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See my answer above:

Voltaic (http://mac1080hd.com/) - $30, drag and drop transcoding of AVCHD to HDV 1080i Quicktime using the Apple Intermediate Codec.

Buy this, drop your AVCHD files onto the app, and the resulting files will be usable in Final Cut Express. $30 is not a big deal if you've bought a $1,300 camera. ;)

- Chris
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Mathieu 0 pts
September 6, 2007 1:35 AM
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Hey, Chris. I wanted to know more about Voltaic... so it's a program I just put onto my Mac and then it will allow me to do what now with my footage from the cam? And do you have this camera and a Mac? How easy is it? =) Thank you for your help!

; Mathieu.
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Chris Hyams 2 pts
September 6, 2007 8:54 AM
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I have a Mac, and I borrowed the camera from a friend to film my daughter's birthday. It's not nearly as easy as it would be with a PC, where there is software that comes with the camera, but it can be made to work. If you're "not a computer person," I'm not sure it's the best choice for you. 2 things you need to do that PC users won't:

1) You can't just plug in the camera and download the movies automatically.
2) You will need to convert the files before you view or edit them.

Neither are a huge pain, but both are more work than other cameras on the Mac.

1) Plug in the camera, on screen choose the computer link icon, and it will show up in your Mac Finder as an external drive. Navigate in Finder to the drive and find the directory somewhere in there called STREAM. Copy that directory to your Mac's hard drive or to another external drive.

2) Buy and install Voltaic. Once installed, you can find the .MTS files from the STREAM directory you copied, and drag them onto the Voltaic application. It will convert the files one at a time to .mov files that can then be imported to iMovie, Final Cut, etc.

Good luck.

- Chris
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Eric 0 pts
September 6, 2007 10:13 AM
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Hi Chris?

Not as easy as on a PC?

I have had a much different experience. if you have iLife 08 it is plug and play and drag and drop. Very easy to use...
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58443 pts
September 6, 2007 11:49 AM
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Sure, Eric. But then again iMovie 08 has been so drastically dumbed down, what's the point?
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Eric 0 pts
September 6, 2007 12:23 PM
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Well, being a first time Mac user (and loving it) I haven't experienced the old iLife series. All I know is I took footage with my new camcorder, could upload it to my Mac and edit it easily and make a DVD from it with now problem and it looked great.
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Chris Hyams 2 pts
September 6, 2007 1:44 PM
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Does iLife 08 include the drivers to download directly from the HDR-SR1 without having to resort to what I did? That would make things simpler. And iLife 08 can convert MTS files, so it would be a one-stop shop for a Mac user.

As for iLife 08 being crippled, it is, but it works alongside with iLife 06, so you can have both.

Probably a simpler option than what I used for my one-time project.
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Eric 0 pts
September 6, 2007 1:48 PM
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I don't know much about specific drivers (sorry for being ignorant about it). All I know is that I hooked this camera (sony hdr sr1) into the usb port, opened iMovie 08, it saw the camera ans xferred the files. In a few minutes I was editing.
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Chris Hyams 2 pts
September 6, 2007 1:56 PM
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Well that's the answer. Sounds like iLife 08 is the way to go.
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Aaron 0 pts
September 25, 2007 8:24 AM
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Hey, just found this at apple:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305919

iMovie ’08 and Sony HDR-SR1 and HDR-SR7 compatibility
iMovie ’08 and the Sony HDR-SR1 and HDR-SR7 camera support AVCHD (high-definition) and MPEG-2 (standard definition) content when the following guidelines are followed:

Sony HDR-SR1 & HDR-SR7 Content Power Mac G51 Intel-based Mac
HD mode - (AVCHD Only) No Yes
SD mode - (MPEG-2 Only) Yes Yes

When the Sony HDR-SR1 and HDR-SR7 cameras contain both HD (AVCHD) and SD (MPEG-2) content, iMovie ’08 will be able to import the SD (MPEG-2) content. However, to import the HD (AVCHD) content to an Intel Mac, you must first erase the SD (MPEG-2) content on the camera.


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Zareh (zvazquez) 0 pts
October 22, 2007 5:59 PM
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Well, now I am little bit confuse.

I have my HDR-SR1 and I use a PC to download the HD movies to it. I know that as early adopter I will have to leave with some restrictions. Right now I do not have too much time to really edit and put videos together, but what I want to accomplish is only display the videos through my old G5 Mac mini.

This is the scenario, I have an old Mac Mini G5 that I use as media center on my living room connected to a 1080p TV. What I want to do is use the Mac Mini to play AVCHD videos recorded on the HDR-SR1. If I copy the HD videos over the network from my PC to my Mac Mini, I am not able to play them.

Does anybody know which could be the best option for me, even if I have to buy an special player for Mac G5 to see those HD videos on my Mac Mini I will be happy.

Let me know which player I can use or how can I use QuickTime (if there is a way)

Thanks in advance for your help,

Zareh
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Maggie 0 pts
December 4, 2007 6:57 PM
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So can I use hdr-sr1 with final cut express hd? How do I go about this? I am confused by all this.
Must I use voltaic? or is there any other method. Or must I use imovie '08?

thank you!!
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Darren 0 pts
December 21, 2007 6:39 AM
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I'm not sure what Eric above is talking about. I have the HDR SR1 camera and plugged it into a Powermac G5. Although the OS saw the camera, it was unable to play an .mpg video. I have Leapord installed with all the latest updates. I could play HD video but I did have to DL Voltaic to do so. I really didn't like the idea that in order to play HD video to the mac from the Sony, the file turns into about 4x the size once converted with Voltaic. Insane! There has got to be an easier way.

Does Final Cut Studio 2 have any troubles with the Sony cam? Either be it SD files or AVCHD files? I'd like to be able to edit both. I don't edit strictly in HD.
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0ctane 0 pts
December 21, 2007 7:59 AM
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One big advantage to Voltaic is that it works with PowerPC-based Macs while iMovie08 will only allow conversion of AVCHD content on Intel-based Macs. You do not *have* to go buy a new Mac in order to edit AVCHD content.
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Darren 0 pts
December 21, 2007 9:08 AM
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That is correct. Use Voltaic to view your AVCHD files on the Mac. But my issues are viewing just plain ol' mpegs on the Mac. Mpegs from other cameras work fine in iMovie08...try to dump it down from the Sony, and therein lies the problem. iMovie08 doesn't even "see" the Sony hooked up to capture images. I don't get it. Anyone chime in on this one?
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mikie (michael772) 0 pts
January 8, 2008 5:35 PM
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Happy New Year! i hate my HDR-SR1 and i resolve to destroy it if necessary! very unhappy with sony Vegas Platinum running on my brand new Vista Dell. choppy video and audio. how are you supposed to edit that? i returned the dell and am currently considering a Mac lapptop. Anyone have anything further to report about iMovie or FCP and AVCHD?

Icurrently have all the video that i shot on my remote hard drive in Mpeg2 (m2ts) format. will iMovie '08 or FCP recognize this?
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lisa 0 pts
November 28, 2008 2:21 AM
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