Sony and Panasonic Debut New Video Capture Format: AVCHD
AVCHD is a new High-Definition Camcorder video recording format that has been developed in a joint effort by longtime camera makers Panasonic and Sony. AVCHD stands for Advanced Video Codec High-Definition. AVCHD tries to fix some of the minor points of contention in the MPEG-2 format. Technically, it’s a new MPEG variation, officially dubbed MPEG-4/H.264. AVCHD was designed for extremely efficient video compression—an essential consideration when designing a HD video camcorder. HD video requires much more storage capacity than you regular Standard Definition video.
In this capacity, Sony and Panasonic have succeeded. You can now record 1080i video using camcorders that utilize AVCHD format. Another great feature about AVCHD recordings—you can record HD video on a standard DVD or other media. This means that you can record High Definition content without the need for High Definition media like HD DVD blanks or Blu-Ray discs. This keeps cost down significantly.
There are a few snags when it comes to AVCHD. Because it is a new and densely packed format, few standard DVD players will play it. This is because there needs to be significant processing horsepower available to the player in order to decompress the video information. This doesn’t mean you can’t play your recorded video directly from your Camcorder—most of these new HD capable Camcorders have an HDMI or other suitable connection option for transmitting a High Definition signal. But if you don’t want to connect your camcorder to your HD television, your options are more limited.
Both companies include software with their HD ready digital Camcorders that allow you to play AVCHD format material at its highest resolution. It also provides a way to edit that material, albeit at lower playback speeds. If you’ve bought an AVCHD equipped camcorder that records to DVD media, you currently need a Blu-Ray player to run it correctly. Not HD DVD, mind you. The HD standards are different between the two, and the HD DVD players just aren’t up to snuff. Keep in mind that this is a very new format, so look for many more devices carrying playback capability for it in the future.
This is truly a remarkable format and technological innovation for these two companies. If you are a Blu-Ray owner or a video nut that refuses to loose a thing, then seriously consider cameras that shoot in the AVCHD format. You’ll be glad you did. We’ll have postings later in the week showcasing Panasonic and Sony Camcorders that feature the AVCHD format, so stay tuned!
Related Links: Sony HD Camcorders, Panasonic HD Camcorders, Blu-Ray Players
I have got a Sony HDR_SR11 . looks fine, but the PC can not read the file and I can not find a way to capture the film from the Sony to the PC. Only the PS3 (Sony PlayStation 3) can read the format. I am trying to find a way to get a AVCHD player or……… I dont know.