Two new disc-based Sony HD camcorders launched

Sony continues to define the future of the Camcorder with the launch of two new High Definition models and a new standard for HD video recording.
AVCHD was developed to provide a way of recording 1080i HD video to various media. Both the launch of the camcorders and the creation of AVCHD demonstrate Sony’s commitment to High Definition and its pivotal role in this rapidly developing sector.
The new Camcorders reflect two emerging trends. The first is the gathering momentum behind High Definition as the world begins to move towards HDTV as the next mainstream TV standard. The second is the rise of the disc-based camcorder offering near instant access to any part of any recording.
In addition to the speed and convenience of random access disc data storage, these new High Definiton camcorders use the AVCHD format for outstanding quality results. AVCHD combines the hugely efficient MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video codec and 5.1 channel Dolby Digital audio system to give you the true benefits of HD: 16:9 widescreen, multichannel digital audio and resolutions up to 1080i. Discs recorded in AVCHD will be playable on selected devices with AVCHD support, including PC DVD drives, Blu-ray Disc player/recorders from Sony & AVCHD supporting CE manufacturers.
While there are key similarities between the two models, there is also an essential difference, which allows users to choose the one which suits them best. The HDR-UX1E is unique: the first ever High Definition camcorder to record to an 8cm DVD, literally archiving as you film, using an inexpensive, durable medium. The HDR-SR1E also employs the new AVCHD format for High Definition recording, but captures the AV stream to an internal 30GB hard disk rather than 8cm DVD.
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