AVCHD

(Advanced Video Coding HD) A high-definition AVC video format for camcorders created by Sony and Panasonic that debuted in 2006. Designed to replace DV magnetic tape recording, AVCHD camcorders store video on hard drives or flash memory and come in consumer, prosumer and professional models. Although based on the Blu-ray format, which supports menu navigation and subtitles, not all Blu-ray players can play back an AVCHD movie. If they do, they may play only lower-resolution videos up to 17 Mbps (the highest AVCHD bit rate is 24 Mbps). AVCHD movies use the MPEG-2 Transport Stream (MTS) file extension.

Audio and Video Resolutions
AVCHD uses interframe coding in the H.264/AVC video format, 5.1-channel Dolby AC-3 audio (64-640 Kbps) and 7.1-channel linear PCM audio. Camcorders support several H.264 resolutions and frame rates, which include 1920x1080 and 1440x1080 (60i, 50i, 24p); 1280x720 (60p, 50p, 24p); 1280x720x30p (AVCHD Lite); 720x480x60i and 720x576x50i. AVCHD also supports the xvYCC color space (see xvYCC). See H.264, AC-3, interframe coding, HD formats and camcorder.

Professional Camcorder

Sony offers a full line of AVCHD camcorders from consumer to professional such as this HDR-AX2000. It records 24 fps and has XLR sockets for plugging in studio-quality microphones. (Image courtesy of Sony Corporation.)

Consumer Model

Panasonic camcorders run the gamut from entry level to professional. Although this low-cost HC-X900M was designed for the masses, it includes a LEICA lens. (Image courtesy of Panasonic Corporation of North America.)