There is one high definition format that can be recorded on a standard DVD disc, or MiniDVD disc, available for U.S. consumers, known as AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition). AVCHD is a high definition (HD) digital video camera format recording 1080i and 720p signals onto miniDVD discs, miniDV tape, Hard Drive, or digital camera Memory Cards, by using highly efficient compression using a format known as MPEG4 (H264). In addition to its use in camcorders, AVCHD editing and recording is also supported in PCs via some DVD burning software products, such as Ulead MovieStudio 11 Plus and 11.5 Plus.

AVCHD was developed jointly by Matsushita (Panasonic), and Sony Corporation. AVCHD recordings made on MiniDVD discs can be played back on some Blu-ray disc players. However, AVCHD recordings cannot be played back on current standard DVD players. Also, standard DVD recorders are not currently equipped to record DVDs in the AVCHD format, but since this technology has been implemented on some DVD camcorders and in PC video editing programs, if Sony, Panasonic, or others wish it, it could certainly be added to the recording format mix of a standard DVD recorder. However, the cost to add such a feature to a DVD recorder would certainly increase the price of such a recorder for the consumer. For a more in-depth look at this new digital video recording format, check out the Official AVCHD Specifications Page.