Camtasia (Windows): Importing AVCHD (MTS, M2TS)

Problem

You receive the following error: "Your system is missing the components DirectShow needs to decode AVCHD files."

Solution

Camtasia 9 and Later on Windows 8.1 and Windows 10

If you are running Windows 8.1 and later, Camtasia 9 does not require a 3^rd party AC-3 audio filter. Camtasia 9 uses the audio decoder provided by Windows.

Camtasia 8 and Windows 7

You must install AC-3 support to import AVCHD files into Camtasia. Camtasia 8.4.0 supports decoding the MTS (or M2TS) container, H.264 video, and PCM audio. Please note that using certain encoding/decoding technology and/or formats in some countries may require the payment of applicable license fees.

To install AC-3 support, complete the steps below to use AVCHD files in Camtasia.

Install Camera Software:

The camera software may include codecs required for Camtasia to decode and open the files produced by your camera. After installing the camera software on your computer, close and re-open Camtasia. Try importing a video from your camera into Camtasia.

Change Camera Settings to PCM Audio Format:

PCM is uncompressed, high-quality audio. This format produces larger file sizes and may reduce the maximum recording duration on your device. PCM does not require an AC-3 decoder in order to play the files produced on your camera.

Install 3^rd Party Software to Decode the AC-3 Format:

Download and install the AC-3 Filter from here.

Convert Video File Format:

Convert a video to a file format supported in Camtasia. To learn more about conversion tools and supported file formats, see this article.