I realize that none of the editing software out there support AVCHD yet.

However is there a way to convert the AVCHD .M2TS clips into AVI files?

Before HDV was incorporated into Premiere and others, one could easily convert HDV footage into AVI using a lossless codec like HUFFY or if Hard Drive space was low into an intermediate codec like MJPEG. One could then then edit theses AVI clips in any software.

So if there is a way to similary convert AVCHD clips into AVI then one would be able to edit using any editing app RIGHT NOW without waiting for AVCHD to me implemented.

Anyone know a way?

Canopus have announced a new tool that converts AVCHD to a usable format on the Canopus-only timeline. Supposed to ship any day now. It converts the file to the proprietary Canopus HQ codec.
Hopefully we'll see a converter sometime soon from CineForm as well.

Elecard Converter Studio will do the job. However, converting HD with this is a pro application (per Elecard) and the software can be expensive. For example, the home version only converts standard def for $239.

Canopus have announced a new tool that converts AVCHD to a usable format on the Canopus-only timeline. Supposed to ship any day now. It converts the file to the proprietary Canopus HQ codec.
Hopefully we'll see a converter sometime soon from CineForm as well.

What product is this? I can't fnd any information on the Canopus web site. Thanks.

For some reason, the US website doesn't have anything, although a quick Google of AVCHD +Canopus turns up dozens of english results. Or, there is this one (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.canopus.co.jp/catalog/edius_pro/avchd_converter_enquete.htm&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DCanopus%2B%252BAVCHD%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26safe%3Doff%26rls%3DGGLD,GGLD:2003-45,GGLD:en%26sa%3DN)

For some reason, the US website doesn't have anything, although a quick Google of AVCHD +Canopus turns up dozens of english results. Or, there is this one (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.canopus.co.jp/catalog/edius_pro/avchd_converter_enquete.htm&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DCanopus%2B%252BAVCHD%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26safe%3Doff%26rls%3DGGLD,GGLD:2003-45,GGLD:en%26sa%3DN)

Thanks. This is good news.

One week now. Any update? :(

Two weeks now! Any update???

I realize this will eat a hard drive alive but would black magic's new intensity card fit the bill?

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/intensity/

Maybe it will allow you to bring the footage in as DVCPRO HD....