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. Favorable comparisons of AVCHD against HDV and XDCAM EX solidified perception of AVCHD as a format acceptable for professional usage. Panasonic released the first professional AVCHD camcorder in autumn of 2008, followed by Sony in the first quarter of 2010.
In 2011 the AVCHD specification was amended to include 1080-line 50-frame/s and 60-frame/s modes (AVCHD Progressive) and stereoscopic video (AVCHD 3D). The new modes also allow higher system data rate than existing modes.
AVCHD and its logo are trademarks of Panasonic and Sony.
Read more about AVCHD: Overview, Video Formats, Audio Formats, Media, Branding, Playing Back AVCHD Video, Specifications