.MOD converter

I have to edit a video for a client that is from a JVC camcorder.

My copy of Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 can not import .mod files.

Here’s what I need:
-a free converter that allows me to transform .mod files to .mpg or .avi (this is a voluntary assignment, so there is no money to pay for the converter)

-The video is currently stored on an external hard drive, and I need the converted video to go straight back to the external hard drive. There is not enough space on my laptop to hold the video.

Why does JVC suck so bad?