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Article Sample: The Role of HD in Home Video and Photography

Make no mistake about it: high definition has gone mainstream. High definition (HD) TVs are in millions of households, and HD content is available as television programming, movies, and even the Internet. Even better, you can make your own HD content with the new crop of HD-capable camcorders, and certain cameras allow you to view your digital photographs in the clarity of HD on a compatible television.

Chances are, you're at least somewhat familiar with how high definition applies to TV and movies. But what about the role of high definition in camcorders and cameras? If you're ready to step up to shooting video in HD, or want to view your photos on an HDTV, then read on to learn how high definition fits into the world of home video and digital photography.

What Exactly Is HD?

When you watch something in HD, your senses are treated to a visual and auditory experience that far surpasses normal TV viewing. The rich, detailed images and crisp digital audio are easy to see and hear, but it's not always so easy to decode all the terminology you might encounter when shopping for HD technology. Thankfully, when it comes to camcorders and cameras, you really only need to understand how resolution relates to high definition.

Resolution refers to the quality of the image displayed on your TV. The basic components of a video or still image — the pixels — are small dots of color arranged in a grid horizontally and vertically. More pixels give you higher resolution, and that means better image quality. It's the difference in resolution between HD and standard definition (SD) that defines the vastly improved quality of the high-def image. Standard definition typically displays close to 720 x 480 pixels, whereas HD currently comes in three resolutions: 1280 x 720, 1440 x 1080 and 1920 x 1080 pixels. Often, you'll see HD resolutions referred to using only the number of vertical pixels: either 720 or 1080.

One very important note regarding resolution: the image quality you eventually see is determined by both the resolution of the actual content, as well as the resolution capabilities of your television. This is a key point to remember particularly for camcorders. Even if you own an HDTV, your camcorder must be able to record your movies at an HD resolution. Otherwise, they will not truly appear in HD on your HDTV.

HD Camcorders: The Ultimate in Picture Quality

If you own or you're considering purchasing an HDTV, then why settle for a mere standard definition camcorder that can't take full advantage of your television's capabilities? HD camcorders record professional-quality video with vivid colors and striking clarity. For the best picture possible, Sony offers a range of "Full HD 1080" camcorders that can record more than four times the detail of standard definition. From the gleam in the eyes of newlyweds to the glint of sunset reflecting off the Eiffel Tower, you'll enjoy details that other camcorders simply can't capture.

HD camcorders make the most of your HD television's capabilities, but they're still compatible with standard definition televisions. Sony® HD camcorders can "downconvert" HD content for playback on conventional TVs or, at your option, they can record and play standard definition video. Sony also offers you a choice of two types of HD camcorders:

  • HDV™ camcorders: These record high definition onto the same MiniDV cassettes used in conventional, standard definition camcorders. MiniDV cassettes are compact, affordable, and available almost anywhere, including drug stores and supermarkets. Top models offer extensive creative control, perfect for film schools and serious amateurs. An HDV version of the i.LINK® interface1 enables you to copy recordings onto a computer for PC-based digital editing. And a growing number of video editing software programs now support Sony HDV camcorders.
  • AVCHD™ camcorders: These record high definition onto 3-inch (8-cm) DVDs or an internal hard disk drive, depending on the model. DVDs recorded with the AVCHD system can play back on the camcorder, on compatible Blu-ray Disc® players, and on such Blu-ray Disc compatible products as BD-enabled PCs and the PlayStation®3 system.2 AVCHD camcorders also offer the USB 2.0 interface for rapid copying of material onto a computer for digital editing with compatible software.
HD-Capable Digital Cameras: True-to-Life Photo Display

HD televisions aren't just for watching television and movies — they're also great for viewing your digital photos. Although most current digital cameras enable you to view your pictures on a television set, their output capability is almost always standard definition. Displaying digital photos in standard definition almost always results in lost image quality between the camera and your television.

That's why many of Sony's new Cyber-shot® digital cameras are enabled with HD signal output that lets you view your photos in Full HD 1080 clarity and detail on compatible HDTV screens. Not only can you share single images, but Sony cameras with HD output also include a built-in slideshow function that can play back a series of images, complete with dynamic transitions and your choice of music (stored in the camera or downloaded from your PC). Once you've viewed your photos on a large HDTV screen, there's no going back. It turns your digital pictures into a cinematic experience your friends and family can truly enjoy.

Complete Your High Definition Entertainment World

Understanding how high definition improves your home movie and digital photography experiences brings you a step closer to discovering the true potential of HD. The clamor for high definition may have started with televisions, but HD beyond the TV — including camcorders and cameras — opens up a whole new world of jaw-dropping, eye-popping entertainment. It's time to enjoy the breathtaking realism of HD in all of your digital content.

Additional Information
  1. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary depending on the software applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other. Please refer to the documentation that comes with any device having an i.LINK connection for information on compatibility, operating conditions and proper connection.
  2. Do not use AVCHD recorded DVDs in conventional DVD players. A conventional DVD player or recorder may fail to eject an AVCHD recorded disc. A DVD recorder may erase an AVCHD recorded disc without warning.

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