AVCHD(Advanced Video Coding High Definition)

What is AVCHD?

AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) is a file-based format for the digital recording and playback of high-definition video. Developed jointly by Sony and Panasonic, the format was introduced in 2006 primarily for use in high definition consumer camcorders. AVCHD and its logo are trademarks of Sony and Panasonic.

AVCHD vs Blu-ray Disc

At the file system level, the structure of AVCHD is derived from the Blu-ray Disc specification, but is not identical to it.

1. In particular, it uses legacy "8.3" file naming convention, while Blu-ray Discs utilize long filenames.

2. Another difference is location of the BDMV directory, which contains media files. On a DVD-based camcorder the BDMV directory is placed at the root level, as on the Blu-ray Disc. On the HDD-based Canon HG10 camcorder the BDMV directory is located in the AVCHD directory, which is placed at the root level.

Authoring

AVCHD is compatible with the Blu-ray disc format and can be authored without re-encoding on Blu-ray discs or DVDs, though not all Blu-ray Disc players are compatible with AVCHD video authored on DVD media, a format known as AVCHD disc.