If you want to make "normal" DVD videos of camcorder footage ,
the video file off anything you record from will need to be converted to mpeg2 ( DVD standard)
A standard definition Tape model records DV AVI
A Standard definition HDD model, mpeg2 ( which may not need reeencoding for DVD)
Hi definition Tape ;HDV records a variant of mpeg2 but as m2t .. on the PC: mpeg2 1080i/50
Hi definition HDD records AVCHD ..
Normal DVD players will simply not play anything else apart from Mpeg2 ( not the hi def variety) , although many now play divx ( mpeg4) in the same way as they read jpeg files and mp3s
If you want to record in Hi def and play it as such
You need one of
1) A PS3
2) An HD DVD player and software to turn the AVCHD to a "mini "HD DVD
3) Xbox360 HD DVD add on .. If you can convert the files to WMV HD you can play them
or
One of several media players which can play Hi def files as such
and
Certainly You can play to your TV off an HTPC ( Home theatre PC) with capability to play hi def media and files
rhubarbe Knows about these things
do you see the AVCHD format staying or dying? and will 1080i be beaten?
See
"]THESE POSTS
AVCHD is an advanced mpeg4 format which was designed to get Hi def without big size and reliance on tape
Is it for you? Only you can answer that Some ideas to make you decide lie somewhere in Marks answers and this one
If you did buy an HDR -SR5E it can still record in SD quite well but don't expect to watch your Hi def off a "normal " DVD