AVCHD
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Sony's VAIO F, N, and L updated for spring
Nothing signals the onset of spring quite like a VAIO in bloom. So take a whiff of these seasonal updates from Sony. The all-in-one, media savy Vaio L (pictured) kicks things off. The 15.4-inch L-series receives a new aqua coat of paint and meager Celeron M processor jump from 1.73GHz to 1.86GHz. The 19-inch variety also received an update bonus with AVCHD recording off its internal Blu-ray Disc drive direct to a slightly hunkier 320GB disk. The updated 15.4-inch Vaio F series meanwhile, features a faster 1.66Gz T5500 Core 2 Duo processor and bigger 100GB disk. Last and most certainly, least comes the Vaio N fashion laptop which takes a 20GB bump in disk size (now 100GB) while remaining true to its Celeron M 430 and Intel 943GML Express graphics underpinnings. All hit Japan starting April 21st. Read -- Vaio N and Vaio F Read -- Vaio L
Panasonic's "world's smallest" 42-inch 1080p plasma now in production
Panasonic just went live with their 2007 plasma lineup in Japan. While missing the big 58-incher prepped for big-azz US living rooms, they've notably taken the "world's smallest" 42-inch 1080p plasma from prototype to full-blown production status. The TH-42PZ700 1920 x 1080 panel ships on April 27th for ¥430,000 (about $3,602) with side-mounted speakers or ¥20,000 (about $168) less if opting for the single, under-panel speaker. The Japanese models also feature new AVCHD playback direct off SD (and SDHC too, we presume) cards in support of Panny's lineup of 3CCD HD camcorders. Rounding things out are the US-bound, 50-inch 1080p TH-50PZ700 and three lesser PDPs from the PX70 series ranging in size from 37- to 50-inches.
Panasonic's HDC-SD3 and HDC-DX3 bring the H.264
You know that pair of Panasonic 3CCD AVCHD camcorders recently announced for the US? Yeah, the HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1. Well, you might want to give a tug on your wallet reins cowboy 'cause Panny just announced their HDC-SD3 and HDC-DX3 (pictured) HD camcorders. Besides bringing new desktop software to the show, these 1080i (1920 x 1080 now achieved without any tricks) recorders are fully H.264 capable for superior image quality. Like the pair before them, the SD3 and DX3 are feature identical except for the fact that the SD3 records to SDHC cards (4GB card in the box) while the DX3 records to 8-cm DVDs. Expect both cams to pop in Japan on April 25th: the HDC-SD3 should go for ¥150,000 ($1,269) while the HDC-DX3 will demand a tad less at ¥140,000 or about $1,185 by the time they arrive in the US after a few month lag. Check a picture of the SD3 after the break.
Panasonic's two 3CCD HD camcoders announced for US
Finally joining a party already attended by big names such as Sony, Canon, and Sanyo, Panasonic has announced that its first two consumer HD camcorders -- which we initially spotted back in November -- are set for an impending US release. Since you all have memories like a steel trap, we're sure you'll recall that both the HDC-SD1 (pictured) and HDC-DX1 share almost exactly the same feature set -- 1080i video capture, 2.1 megapixel stills, 12x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, five built-in mics, and those three image sensors -- with the only difference being that the former records to SDHC cards while the latter writes to dual-layer DVDs. Best of all -- and unlike their Japanese counterparts -- both the SD1 and DX1 will be priced exactly the same: $1,300 when they hit shelves in the next few days.
Panasonic's "professional" AG-HSC1U 3CCD AVCHD camcorder
AVCHD isn't just for the consumer kiddies anymore, Panasonic just announced its upcoming AG-HSC1U, which Panny claims is the world's smallest 3CCD professional HD camcorder. There's not much denying this thing is small -- a mere 1.12 pounds -- but we're having trouble pinning down the "pro" features on this thing. The main difference, other than the slick grey / black paint job, is the inclusion of a 40GB HDD with the package, which can offload video off of the included 4GB SDHC card to let you keep on shooting. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like you can record straight to the hard drive, a feature found on some higher-end HD cameras. Most everything else sounds pretty familiar, like the three 1/4-inch 16:9 CCDs, since it's all in the AG-HSC1U's "consumer" counterpart, the HDC-SD1, though the HSC1U does bump the aperture to f/1.8. The good news is that Panasonic's pricetag isn't too outlandish: a mere $600 more than the SD1 -- a lot to pay for a 40GB HDD, but not too bad for a pro HD cam, whatever that means.[Thanks, Randall]
Panasonic HDC-SD1 and DX1 3CCD AVCHD camcorders on the way
We've already seen plenty of these little guys, but Panasonic has finally busted out its first AVCHD cameras in Japan, and announced launch dates and pricepoints for a US release. Just in case you need a little refresher, AVCHD is that fancy new HD format joint-developed by Sony and Panasonic that allows for recording to solid-state storage and DVD discs. Panasonic's release covers both of those abilities, with the HDC-SD1 featuring an SDHC slot for recording of around 1 hour of 1080i on a 4GB card, while the HDC-DX1 does mini-DVDs, at about 40 minutes a pop. Both cameras feature 3CCDs and 5.1 surround sound recording via 5 built-in mics. We should be seeing these things stateside in March, with the HDC-SD1 going for $1,500 and the HDC-DX1 for $1,400.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Panasonic's HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1 AVCHD 1080i camcorders loosed
Say good morning to the first production run of Panasonic's AVCHD 1080i 3CCD camcorders. That's right, Panny took the drab yet so, so sexy CEATEC prototype and turned her out with some shiny new paint as the HDC-SD1. Fortunately, it's still packing that 12x optical zoom Leica DICOMAR lens in addition to a 3-inch LCD, 1.5-hour battery, and HDMI (1.2a) for output and control with Panasonic's VIERA Link universal remote. The camera utilizes those three 1/4-inch CCDs to record video to SD/SDHC cards for up to 90/60/40-minutes with 13/9/6-Mbps compression, respectively, when toting the bundled 4GB SDHC card. It'll even grab a 1.5 megapixel snap while simultaneously recording if you have the urge. On sale in Japan for ¥180,000 or about $1,531 starting December 1st. Oh, and Panny also announced their HDC-DX1 model which shares the same specs but records to 8-cm DVDs instead for ¥160,000 (about $1,361) starting December 15th. More pics of both 3CCD cams after the break.[Via Impress]
Another Panasonic AVCHD 1080i camcorder
CEATEC is pumpin' out the HD goods fast and furious now. Here's the latest AVCHD camcorder prototype from Panasonic. Although clearly different from the first Panny AVCHD recorder we peeped last week, it shares much the same specs including 3CCDs capable of capturing video at 1080i to SD/SDHC cards. This fully functional prototype, however, brings a Leica DICOMAR lens with 12x optical zoom, image processing LSI, and HDMI out. No word on pricing or ship date but hey, flaunt 'em if you gotta 'em Panny. More snaps after the break.
Sony's BDZ-V7 and BDZ-V9 Blu-ray and hard drive recorders
Blue laser shortage or not, Sony's hoping to avoid the delay bug with its first Blu-ray disc recorders, just announced at CEATEC 2006 for early December release in Japan. Both models will record two TV programs at once via their two digital and one analog tuners. Backing up video to Blu-ray discs is limited to 25GB -- no 50GB BD-R/BD-RE writing or reading here -- but it will play cartridges from the old Blu-ray recorders, as well as the new AVCHD discs. With the right NTT cellphone you can schedule recordings from anywhere, but at home owners will enjoy the slick PSP-style XMB crossbar menu like other Sony products. The high-end BDZ-V9 is the only choice if you must have 1080p output, DLNA streaming to connected PCs or compatible displays and video conversion to MPEG-4 to transfer directly to a PSP. All the connections you'd expect are a go, including HDMI out, plus i.Link and USB inputs to hook up digicams and make as many sentimental James Blunt-soundtracked slideshows as you can with the included x-Pict Story HD software. The BDZ-V9 will set buyers back a cool ¥300,000 ($2,543 US) or so on December 8th, with the value-priced BDZ-V7 only expected to go for ¥250,000 ($2,119 US) when it hits on December 19th. They may not have the 4x Blu-ray recording of Panasonic's lineup or the soul-crushing bulk of Toshiba's 1TB RD-A1, but with a simple menu system and joystick based remote control Japanese gamers who didn't get one of the 100,000 launch PS3s will still bring Blu-ray to their living room this year.[Via Impress]
Panasonic prepping their first AVCHD cam
Not a lot of info yet, but Akihabara just got wind of Panasonic's first camcorder to support the AVCHD codec they co-developed with Sony. The 3CCD camera will include a 4GB SDHC card, for 85 minutes of 6Mbps video, or 55 minutes with 9Mbps compression. Otherwise we're in the dark, and this picture we've got looks like a prototype or concept version of the cam at best. Still, we're guessing Panasonic can't be too far off from release, since Sony has been parading around their own AVCHD offerings for quite some time now.
AVCHD format explained
AVCHD is all the rage these days. The format was announced back in May and Sony just produced two new camcorders that take advantage of the new format. But what the heck is it? PC World has a great article up explaining where it came from and how it works. It seems like a great format to us, but my goodness, (everyone playing needs to take a drink, right WallyB) do we need another format? In this case, it seems so. AVCHD doesn't take up that much more room then normal miniDV and is much higher-res. We think it sounds great from that front but it doesn't play in just anything though; the PS3 and Blu-ray players can display the content though. There are plans to license the technology so if this does turn out to be somewhat successfully, AVCHD compatible DVD players are a sure bet. Check out the article; it's not that long nor overly complex.[Via DVguru]
Sony unveils HD options with HDR-UX1 AVCHD cam alongside HDD unit
AVCHD, the new recording format from Sony and Panasonic for saving HD video to 8-centimeter mini DVDs, is making its first appearance in Sony's new HDR-UX1 upper-class consumer cam. For the most part the camera mirrors its SD siblings, with a side mounted disc drive, sizable 3.5-inch fold-out LCD, 4 megapixel stills and 2.3 megapixel shots while recording video. The snazz here is that the new AVCHD cam uses dual-layer mini DVD-R discs, making room for a full hour of 1080i video. The HDR-SR1 mirrors the functions of its UX1 brother, but replaces the DVD drive for a 30GB HDD, but still manages long recording times with the AVCHD codec. Both cameras have a mic inputs and manual focus rings, making them more appealing to the discerning prosumer than most Sony cams of late. Of course, all this new format action and prosumer appeal comes at a price: the HDR-UX1 should drop in September for around $1,400, while the HDR-SR1 should appear in October for $1,500. [Via Camcorder Info]
Sony to announce a AVCHD camcorder on Wednesday
Sometimes we forget that there are so many codecs to record high-def with, but AVCHD is something real new as it was just announced back in May. This is a format developed by, you ready for this, Sony and Panasonic to be used in consumer level high-def camcorders. The format can record onto 8cm DVDs in the MPEG4 AVC/H.264 compression system which will give you a whopping 20 minutes of recording space. It seems that DVguru found out through CDFreaks that Sony is going to release a camcorder that takes advantage of this as soon as Wednesday. So who wants to buy into another Sony format right off the bat? Anyone...
AVCHD format will enable 8cm DVD-equipped HD camcorders
Sony and Panasonic-parent Matsushita have teamed up to develop an encoding format based on MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 that will enable future camcorders to capture HD footage directly to standard 8-centimeter DVDs. Called "AVCHD," the new format is able to handle numerous resolution/frame-rate combinations, including 480i at 60fps, 720p at 24, 50, or 60fps, and 1080p at 24fps (or 1080i for 50fps and 60fps configurations), and can encode audio in either 5.1 channel AC-3 or up to 7.1 channel Linear PCM. The advantages of this format over the current HDV scheme used with MiniDV cassettes aren't exactly clear -- although you are getting random scene access thanks to the nature of optical discs, recording time is cut down from around an hour with MiniDV to only 20 minutes at the AVCHD "average setting." Even worse, DVD players will require special software in order to read discs containing content encoded in the new format, and even then, they will obviously only play back at a maximum resolution of 480p.[Via PCWorld]
