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SxS memory cards will connect directly to computer systems through the high-speed PCI Express bus, which PC manufacturers have been building into primarily portable systems since 2004, although they were only widely adopted last year.

By using PCI Express, rather than the dedicated readers or slots

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that other memory card formats such as CompactFlash, SD and xD require, SxS will be fast enough to cope with applications the large file sizes demanded by applications such as digital video. Sony has already said it will include SxS memory card support in its XDCAM EX series of professional camcorders

PCI Express has a maximum data transfer speed of 2.5Gbits per second and SanDisk and Sony have also optimised the technology protocol for controlling communication between hardware and SxS memory cards to enable high-speed transfer of large file. The target transfer speed of SxS memory cards is 800Mbits per second.

And because SxS uses ExpressCard/34 modules that are just 34x5x75mm, they will enable the production of camcorders that are smaller and lighter than existing models without sacrificing storage capacity.

Cards will be available from both companies later this year.