Last updated on 2013-07-25, by David Brooks

What is AVCHD format？

About AVCHD Format

AVCHD stands for Advanced Video Codec High Definition, is first developed by Sony and Panasonic in 2006 to deliver high definition video on consumer camcorders. AVCHD is a form of video compression that allows the large data files created by HD video recording to be captured and saved on digital media such as hard disk drives and flash memory cards.

AVCHD uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVC) video compression codec or Dolby AC-3 (Dolby Digital) or linear PCM audio compression codec. AVCHD records video at a range of resolutions including 1080p, 1080i and 720p. Most AVCHD camcorders that advertise themselves as “Full HD” models will record HD video at a resolution of 1080i. By far all the well-received HD camcorder manufacturers provide AVCHD video supported products, for instance, Canon HF S200, Hitachi DZ-BD10HA, JVC GZ-HM1, let alone Sony and Panasonic who utilize AVCHD exclusively.

The advantage of AVCHD MTS/M2TS video

1. Recording HD image onto random-access media, including 8cm DVD discs, hard disk drives and removable flash media such as SD/SDHC memory cards and “Memory Stick” cards. This is crucial factor for why AVCHD format could weed out other type-based HD video recording formats, like HDV.

2. AVCHD utilizes MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVC) video compression codec and either Dolby AC-3 (Dolby Digital) or linear PCM (is used for the lossless encoding of audio data) audio compression codec. It permits AVCHD MTS video to feature Efficient Reduction in the Size of the data file, provide Sufficient Shooting Time while maintain the High Picture Quality of the HD recording.

3. Compatibility with Blu-ray Disc. Since the structure of AVCHD video is derived from the Blu-ray Disc specification, it has been designed to be compatible with Blu-ray Disc format and can be used for authoring of high definition video on DVD media, though not all Blu-ray players are compatible with AVCHD discs.

4. What makes AVCHD an Unique and Advanced Codec Compression (comparing with other Videos like AVC, MPEG-4, AVI, MKV, MOV, etc) is that it includes features to improve media presentation such as: Menu Navigation, Slide Shows and Subtitles.

The same case with DVD (somehow AVCHD video is similar to DVD movies, like vivid image and selectable language track), AVCHD video allows you to freely choose the audio/language tracks. If your native speaking is not English or you want to learn other language, it is definitely a useful feature far beyond your imagination.

Related Software

Leawo Video Converter (AVCHD Video Converter): an easy video and audio solution for any format conversions, with fast speed and excellent output guaranteed. Equipped with 3D conversion function, you can get 3D AVCHD video as output. This AVCHD Video Converter not only converts common videos to AVCHD video, but also converts AVCHD video to other video formats.

Leawo DVD Ripper (DVD to AVCHD Ripper): a useful DVD ripping program for users to rip DVD to video in various formats. So with it you can enjoy great convenience to convert DVD to AVCHD for appreciation. This DVD to AVCHD Ripper enables you to convert DVD to AVCHD with fast speed and excellent video quality. 3D AVCHD video as output is also supportable.

Related Source
AVI, MP4, VOB, MOV, MKV, Blu-ray, M2TS/MTS, Kmplayer, VLC player, Quicktime, iMovie, Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere

Reference
How to convert avchd to avi
how to convert avchd to mkv

External links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AVCHD
http://camcorders.about.com/od/camcorders101/a/AVCHD_Camcorder_Format.htm
http://www.videohelp.com/glossary?A#AVCHD