Sony ups size, speed of camcorder storage
updated 03:55 pm EDT, Tue August 12, 2008
Sony ups HD storage media
In order to help users of its professional HD camcorders, Sony has introduced three new, larger media storage devices, the company announced on Tuesday. The company introduced a 32GB version of an SxS PRO Memory Card, a 16GB CompactFlash memory card, and 60GB version of its Hard-Disk Unit, the PHU-60K. The SxS PRO is the first 32GB solid-state memory card in the business, Sony boasts, and can transfer data at up to 800Mbps. The card is compatible with Sony's PMW-EX1 and PMW-EX3 HD camcorders.
The new SxS card will hold 100 minutes of 1920x1080 resolution high-definition video shot at 35Mbps, or 140 minutes at 1440x1080 and 25Mbps video. As it has no moving parts, the solid-state flash cards can withstand over 1,500G of force.
The PHU-60K hard disc is compatible with the same PMW-EX1 and PMW-EX-3 camcorders, boosting their recording time up to 260 minutes in 25Mbps SP mode or 200 minutes in 35Mbps high quality mode. The 1.8-inch drive interfaces with computers via a USB 2.0 connection. The drive is protected from drops of up to about 5 feet by a 3-G sensor that parks the head of the HDD to prevent scratching or scoring, with content stored in buffer memory.
The 16GB Pro CF cards are made to work with the electronics maker's HVR-S270U and HVR-Z7U HD camcorders, adding up to 72 minutes of recording time to each. The 306x write speeds allow for a quick transfer of files when editing video.
The 32GB SxS PRO card will launch in September and carry a price tag of $1,500, while both the 16GB CF Pro and PHU-60K are currently available, priced at $399 and $1,000, respectively.
