VLC will play a AVCHD file, but first you need one very handy free App: "Daemon Tools Lite"
Use DT to create a Virtual Drive then “mount” the AVCHD.ISO. It will appear as a new
DVD or BD drive on your PC. On mine I could not simply play this virtual disc with VLC
I have to RT. click on the new drive choose “open” then play the “BDMV” folder inside.
I do have another player that will play as soon as it’s mounted, just as if I’d put a
retail DVD in a drive, but I like VLC a lot more! This works great with any other .ISO
you are not yet ready to burn!