SanDisk Launches High-Definition Video Flash Card Line

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Consumers who own camcorders that use flash memory cards instead of tape will now be able to select the right storage media for their cameras with the debut of a video card line from SanDisk. As the first of a new category of storage media, SanDisk Video HD cards will be available in SDHC (high-capacity) and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats, and will be identified by minutes of recording time as well as by capacity. SanDisk unveiled the high performance video card product family during a press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show, where the company is exhibiting at Booth 30768 in South Hall 3 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

SanDisk Video HD cards exceed the performance required by high definition camcorders, making them suitable for 1080 High Definition recording. They also feature a fast read speed, making for efficient transfer speeds to a personal computer and giving them a "best in class" performance for video cards.

The concept of launching a new product category is being driven by the proliferation of HD-capable flash-memory-based camcorders and hybrid camcorders that contain both hard drives and card slots. Offered by manufacturers such as Sanyo, Sony, Panasonic and JVC, many of them are under $1,000 and come in compact sizes that make them easy to carry.

The market for flash-enabled camcorders is expected to grow in popularity. Research company IDC predicts that by 2011, some 37 percent of global camcorder shipments will be models that record onto memory cards, and well over half of camcorders will feature HD video capture. "With HD video quickly penetrating the category, it will be critical for vendors to provide seamless recording experiences", said Christopher Chute, research manager of IDC's worldwide digital imaging practice. "The SanDisk Video HD card is well-positioned to service this expanding market by simplifying the memory message for consumers", he added.

The SanDisk Video HD cards are expected to be available starting in March for North America and shortly afterwards for Europe. They will be offered in 60-minute (4GB) and 120-minute (8GB) times – on the HD Standard setting – for both SDHC and Memory Stick PRO Duo formats.

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