An Introduction to AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition)

Overview of AVCHD

Definition

What is AVCHD? AVCHD is a recording format used to record high-definition videos to recordable DVD media, hard drives, and memory cards. Maybe you are interested in this post – Common Memory Card Types: SD, TF, CF, MMC, MS, xD, and XQD.

The AVCHD format has been developed for high-definition digital video cameras, and high-efficiency compression coding technology can be used to record HD (high-definition) signals. It uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format to compress video data, and use DolbyDigital® or Linear PCM system to compress audio data.

Compared with conventional image compression formats, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format can compress images with higher efficiency. Besides, 3D (MVC format) and 1080/60p (1080/50p) video formats have been added as extensions to the AVCHD file format to create AVCHD Ver.

Read more: AVCHD VS MP4: Which One to Use? How to Convert? See a Guide! 

Functions

Now, let’s see the functions of AVCHD. Details are as follows:

1. Allow long video recording in HD

MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format is used for video compression, which can be used for highly compressed recording and long video recording.

2. Record high-definition video on various media

You can use the camera that is compatible with AVCHD to record the high-definition video to media that allows random access. Before recording, it will search for available space on the recording media, so you don’t need to worry about being overwritten.

3. The whole family can enjoy high-definition video

The entire family can easily enjoy HD video by connecting an AVCHD compatible camera to an HDTV or AVCHD compatible playback device.

Branding

You can know some AVCHD branding in this part. There are 4 brandings – AVCHD Lite, AVCCAM, NXCAM, AVCHD Pro.

AVCHD Lite

AVCHD Lite is a subset of the AVCHD format, which is announced in January 2009. It is limited to 720p60, 720p50, and 720p24, and it does not use multi-view video encoding. The AVCHD Lite camera replicates every frame of 25fps/30fps video captured by the camera sensor, producing a 720p50/720p60 bitstream that meets the specifications of AVCHD and Blu-ray Disc.

AVCCAM

AVCCAM was formerly known as “AVCHD with professional functions”, which is the name of the professional AVCHD camcorder from the Panasonic Broadcasting Department.

NXCAM

NXCAM is the name of Sony’s professional video product line in AVCHD format. NXCAM cameras provide 1080i, 1080p and 720p recording modes.

AVCHD Pro

Panasonic uses the name “AVCHD Pro” to describe a portable camcorder like HDC-MDH1, which combines consumer internal parts and controls with a shoulder-mounted body.

How to Play the AVCHD Video

This part introduces some AVCHD players for you to play the AVCHD videos.

1. Direct playback

You can play the video on TV from the camcorder via HDMI or component video cable.

2. Computer playback

Any media and target formats supported by specific computer hardware and software can be viewed on a computer monitor or TV. Now, you can use VLC Media Player to play the AVCHD file format and other file formats. It can be used for most modern operating systems such as Linux, macOS, MS Windows, and some mobile platforms for free.

Read more: 4 Hacks You Need to Know about VLC Media Player 

3. AVCHD disc

AVCHD videos recorded on DVD can be played on most Blu-ray disc players or PlayStation 3 game consoles.

4. AVCHD memory card

You can use some Blu-ray disc players, HDTV TVs, PlayStation 3 game consoles, and some other set-top box media players to play the AVCHD videos recorded on SDHC or Memory Stick cards

5. Blu-ray

Most Blu-ray disc players can be used to play AVCHD videos recorded on Blu-ray.

6. USB playback

Video files recorded on external storage devices can be used on some Blu-ray players, HDTV TVs, PlayStation 3 game consoles, set-top media players, and computers.

The End

In conclusion, this post tells you what AVCHD is and how to play the AVCHD format video. After reading the post, you will have a further understanding of HDCP. I hope the post can be a great help to you. Here comes the end of the post.