Sony's new DVDirect loses PC connectivity, gains AVCHD support
The next iteration of Sony's DVDirect--the VRD-MC5--is already on its way, even though we just recently reviewed the VRD-MC3. The new version adds some features and loses some, but in the end, it's ultimately a gain.
Unlike the VRD-MC3, the VRD-MC5 doesn't work as a PC-attached burner. In researching how people were using the product, Sony noted that PC-attached burning fell to the back of the list. After all, the VRD-MC3's burn speeds couldn't compete with those of standalone burners, as verified by CNET Labs' tests. But it does add support for AVCHD videos. The VRD-MC5 can transfer AVCHD videos to DVD discs in 1080i resolution, and the resulting discs can be played back on compatible Blu-ray players and computer drives. PS3's can also be used to play back the discs.
Aside from these two major changes, the VRD-MC5 offers most of the same features as its predecessor: DV, S-Video, and composite video inputs, as well as a single USB port for Sony hard drive, DVD, and Memory Stick Handycam camcorders (the previous model offered two USB ports). Minor improvements include the ability to import your own JPEG images to serve as DVD menu backgrounds and the ability to import MP3 music files to accompany slide shows (you can still choose one of the cheesy, Muzak-like songs Sony's preinstalled on the drive).
The VRD-MC5 will be available in August for $230, $20 less than the VRD-MC3.
MEIFR
MEIFR
- SONY VRDMC3 and VRDMC5
- by meifr August 14, 2007 3:02 PM PDT
- I have spent endless hours on line and on tele w/Sony reps trying to figure out how to 1) download my SR1 video to my PC and/or nt VRDMC3; and 2) Trying to transfer edited video to DVD on the VRDMC3. They know NOTHING! Even though the VRDMC# is supposed to be a DVD burner, my experience is that it is worthless unless own a non-AVCHD Sony camcorder. I have also tried to get Sony to tell me if the VRDMC% will be compatible with the SR1 camcorder (web site articles specifically list the newer model HD camcorders, but not the SR1), and unbelievably they tell me they do not know what compatability will be, and can't find out! I suggested a phone call to Japan where the MC5 has been out for months, but apparently Sony US phones can't call Japan. Does anyone know if the MC5 will be compatible with the SR1, so that I might be able to at least download my camcorderhard drive to some kind of DVD, even though I will apparently not be able to edit it with my PC
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(3 Comments)MEIFR