Word out of Tokyo is that the consumer divisions of Panasonic and Sony Corporation have jointly developed a new digital high-definition format called AVCHD, which enables HD recording and playback using 8 cm optical discs or solid-state SD memory cards. The two companies have begun preparations for licensing to extensively promote it throughout the consumer-electronics industry.
The AVCHD format records 1080i and 720p signals using an MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec, as well as a Dolby Digital (AC-3) or Linear PCM audio codec. New editing and playback systems will be developed to work with the new format.
For detailed specs, visit http://www.panasonic.com/pressroom/.