Tips to open AVCHD file

Can't open the AVCHD file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open AVCHD files as well as a list of programs that support AVCHD files.

AVCHD file extension

File Name High Definition Video Format
File Developer Sony, Panasonic
File Category Video Files

The AVCHD file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the AVCHD files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the AVCHD file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is AVCHD file?

The file with the extension AVCHD is the Video Files file type. It was designed by Sony, Panasonic. Additionally, the Video Files category contains 546 of other files. High Definition Video Format appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Mac OS, Windows. It is recommended to use VLC media player to handle this file. This is a program created by VideoLAN Project Team. There are also 3 alternative programs to handle the AVCHD file. You can use HD Writer in case VLC media player cannot be used.

How to open AVCHD file?

An often recurring problem with High Definition Video Format is that AVCHD is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that AVCHD files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the AVCHD file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install VLC media player

In this case, you should first verify that the VLC media player application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing VLC media player into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open AVCHD files.

Programs to open AVCHD file

Remember to download programs supporting AVCHD files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of VLC media player with AVCHD files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the AVCHD file to open in the VLC media player application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the AVCHD file with the VLC media player program.

Step 3. Update VLC media player to the latest version

If, despite the association of the VLC media player program with the High Definition Video Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the VideoLAN Project Team website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the AVCHD file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The AVCHD file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the AVCHD file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the AVCHD file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected AVCHD file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the AVCHD files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged AVCHD files. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Sony, Panasonic
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted AVCHD files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move AVCHD to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file AVCHD to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the AVCHD file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.