[Chevypower]

There are semi pro HDV camcorders, but HDV was around before AVCHD. HDV is MPEG 2 based, and is only 1080x1440 (non-square pixels), HDV is very susceptible to dropouts, being at standard DV tape speed on standard 6mm mini dv tape. The workflow is a pain, as I have been experiencing on FCP. Our next semi-pro camcorder purchase will be either the Sony PMW-EX1 or the EX3, which are also MPEG 2 based, but 35mbps 1080x1920, and uses solid state recording, so non-linear workflow, which is a lot nicer than working with tapes.
You can only watch your Blu Ray files (MPEG 2 or AVC) that are recorded on standard DVD on Blu Ray players as you said. It will access it like a data disc, and won't play the movie automatically. If you are using a PS3, you load the disc, then go down to BD Disc on the menu, and find the movie file. If you burn it to BD-R, it will play automatically.