Just bought a Sony HD Handycam HDR-CX160 and want to connect to Mac Lion

I just bought a Sony HD handycam (HDR-CX160) w/40 GB HDD. The camcorder records in AVCHD format. However; Leopard on my computer doesn't seem to recognize it. I have to use Sony's PMB for Windows to import .mts files in the handycam to .m2ts on my computer.m2ts files are too not supported my OS X or iMovie. Someone told me that the best way to get around this issue is to convert it into MPEG-2 stream and export it to a Mac, and it works fine. But, I am confused with this. I know AVCHD uses Mpeg-2 codec, but exporting to a mpeg stream will diminish the quality? I shoot videos in Full HD(1920X1080p) and dolby 5.1 but I feel kinda hosed not being able to reap the full benefits of HD.

For Mac users, they are no longer worried that Sony Handycam AVCHD Video cannot be compatible on Mac with a best Sony Handycam AVCHD Converter for Mac, which can convert M2TS, MTS, etc videos to most popular formats, such as MOV, MP4, AVI, 3GP, FLV, MPEG-4, MP3, etc. And then you can import converted AVCHD MTS or M2TS files to Mac applications, like iMovie, FCP, FCE, iDVD and more for editing as you like. How to convert and import Sony Handycam video to Mac iMovie, FCP, FCE for editing and enjoy? Now, the following quick guide can help you.

Step One: Input Sony Handycam Video to Mac
After you copied Sony Handycam video files to Mac or PC, then you can launch Mac AVCHD Converter. Click "Add File" to add target AVCHD MTS video for converting.

Step Two: Select Output Video Format for Mac
Click the small down arrow at the very right of the "Profile" to open the Profile drop-up list to choose MOV, MP4,or DV as output video format for Mac iMovie, FCP, FCE, iDVD, etc.

Step Three: Start to import Sony Handycam video to Mac iMovie Convert Sony Handycam Video to Mac
Press "Start" button to convert selected AVCHD MTS files for Mac. When the conversion finished, you can enjoy them on Macs or PCs.