SanDisk and Sony announce SxS Memory Card Specification for professional Camcorders

[Nikos Kartalis]

SanDisk and Sony announced that the two companies have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the intention of developing the SxS (S-by-S) memory card specification, with high-speed transfer technology compliant to the ExpressCard industry standard.

SxS memory cards will leverage the technology strength of SanDisk and Sony, who have a long and successful history of co-developing and promoting flash memory products. With this high-performance and high-reliability memory card, both companies are targeting workflow improvements for professional camcorders and non-linear video editing systems.

The SxS memory card specification uses flash memory and complies with the ExpressCard industry standard, and the card connects directly to computer systems through the high-speed PCI-Express bus. ExpressCard has been rapidly adopted by PC manufacturers to replace the legacy PC Card form factor, giving the SxS memory cards broad support in post-production hardware.

Sony will adopt this high-speed SxS memory card specification in its "XDCAM EX" series professional camcorders. SxS memory cards from SanDisk and Sony are expected to be available later in 2007.