Media AVCHD

1 media

1.1 dvd
1.2 hard disk drive
1.3 solid-state memory card
1.4 non-removable solid-state memory

media

avchd specification allows using recordable dvds, memory cards, non-removable solid-state memory , hard disk drives recording media.

dvd

conventional 12 cm disc (left) compared 8 cm disc (right)

when avchd standard first announced, recordable dvd recording medium. reduce camcorder size, manufacturers opted 8 cm disc, called minidvd. recording capacity of 8 cm disc ranges 1.4 gb single-sided single layer disc 5.2 gb double-sided double layer disc.

pros:

dvds familiar consumers, considered user-friendly.
recordable dvds relatively cheap.
recorded disc can played in blu-ray disc players.
discs can used long-term storage of recorded video.

cons:

some argue longevity of recordable dvds may shorter expected.
rewritable dvds cost more write-once discs.
dvds must finalized play on set-top players (though dvd-rws can unfinalized again).
double-layer recording less robust single-layer recording.
to use both sides of double-sided disc must flipped over, because camcorders have pickup 1 side only.
avchd dvds can played on dvd/blu-ray players designed so.
the avchd specification limits data rate dvd-based avchd camcorders 18 mbit/s, no dvd-based avchd camcorder manufactured date capable of recording @ data rate higher 12 mbit/s (canon, sony) or 13 mbit/s (panasonic).
a single-sided single-layer 8 cm dvd can fit 15 minutes of video @ 12 mbit/s, 14 minutes @ 13 mbit/s.
dvd pickup mechanism susceptible vibration.
8 cm dvds cannot used in many slot-loading drives , may damage drive.

as capacity of memory cards grew , price dropped, dvds use recordable media declined. no dvd-based avchd camcorders have been produced since 2008. while dvds no longer used acquisition, remain popular distribution media. many authoring programs offer avchd profile recording high definition video on dvd. such avchd discs incompatible regular dvd-video players, play in many blu-ray disc players. conventional single-layer 12 cm dvd can store 35 minutes of video recorded @ maximum bitrate avchd specification allows dvd media—18 mbit/s.

hard disk drive

canon hg10 hdd-based avchd camcorder

a hard disk drive added optional recording medium avchd specification shortly after new video standard had been announced. presently, capacity of built-in hdds ranges 30 gb 240 gb.

pros:

higher capacity other media types, allows longer continuous recording.

cons:

sensitive atmospheric pressure. hdd may fail if camcorder used @ altitudes above 3,000 metres (9,800 ft).
vulnerable mechanical shock or fast movement.
all hdd-based avchd camcorders employ non-removable disks. transfer video computer camcorder must connected usb cable. camcorders require using ac power adapter operation.
the sound of moving magnetic heads may heard in recorded video when recording in quiet environment.
replacing damaged hdd requires disassembling camcorder , cannot done consumer.

solid-state memory card

canon hf100 camcorder partially inserted secure digital card.

many avchd camcorders employ secure digital or memory stick memory cards removable recording media. solid-state memory cards offer rewritable storage in compact form factor no moving parts.

panasonic , sony chose removable flash memory sole type of recording media in professional avchd lineups, avccam , nxcam.

until 2010, sony insisted on usage of own memory card format - memory stick. since 2010, sony has allowed using both memory stick secure digital cards in consumer , professional camcorders. panasonic other manufacturers of avchd camcorders use secure digital cards removable flash media. models accept secure digital high capacity cards (sdhc), while models compatible secure digital extended capacity (sdxc) cards, offer higher transfer speed , capacity.

pros:

compact , lightweight.
does not require time spin-up , initialization.
not vulnerable magnetic fields.
can withstand wider range of air pressure, humidity , vibration hdds.
can backed dvd viewing , long-term archiving.
can store mixed media content, including still images snapshot photos , still-frame captures.
the recording section contains no moving parts, operation silent; camera can made more compact , less prone mechanical damage in case of being dropped.
most new computers, many tv sets , blu-ray disc players, many personal portable media players have built-in card readers , can play avchd video directly card.

cons:

more expensive per minute of recording built-in hdd or dvd media.
not reliable long term storage , may wear out more rapidly expected, cards made mlc technology opposed cards using slc technology.
vulnerable electrical damage, such static discharge, , high temperature.
a bad memory card can cause data corruption, causing loss of 1 or more clips.

non-removable solid-state memory

some avchd camcorders come built-in solid-state memory either sole media, or in addition other media.

pros:

allows making camcorder smaller if no other media used.
always available recording, in case other type of media full or missing.

cons:

because recording media non-removable, recorded images should backed either computer usb cable transfer video or (if camera accepts them) flash card or dvd or blu-ray disc through externally connected burner. usage of ac power adapter may required.
non-removable media cannot shared, sent or stored separately of camcorder.
if damaged or worn out, non-removable media cannot replaced memory card.




^ cite error: named reference avchd_announce_20060511 invoked never defined (see page).
^ dixon, douglas (september 2003). dvd rot : dvd longevity , reliability . 
^ panasonic , sony expand hd digital video camera recorder format avchd , commence joint licensing . 
^ cite error: named reference backingupavchd invoked never defined (see page).
^ slc vs. mlc: analysis of flash memory (pdf). 
^ difference between slc , mlc? .