2006-03-02

Sony's DVDirect VRD-MC1


I've got my eye on Sony's DVDirect VRD-MC1 now right. Here's a writeup from PCWorld:
Sony's latest iteration of its DVDirect costs more than either of the other models in this group: At $300, it's substantially more expensive. But you're getting notably more functionality for the money, even though the specs for this drive are very similar to those of the others I looked at for this column (16X DVD+/-R, 8X DVD+R double layer, 4X DVD-R dual layer, 8X DVD+RW, and 6X DVD-RW).

DVDirect VRD-MC1For starters, this is the only external drive I've seen to date that's intended for use in stand-alone mode, independent of a PC. It's also the only drive of the bunch with a digital video input as well as composite audiovisual and S-Video connectors. And it has memory card slots for reading and dubbing direct to disc from Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick, Secure Digital, xD Picture Card, and CompactFlash media. The DVDirect VRD-MC1 can create photo slide shows on DVD-R media from images on a flash card; it can also output images to a PictBridge-compatible printer connected to the unit via USB.

The DVDirect VRD-MC1 is the only drive in this group with a 2-inch color LCD screen, located on top. The display is especially convenient for previewing the beginning or end of the video you're recording, be it from live TV (broadcast or cable) or from a VCR or camcorder.

The DVDirect VRD-MC1's one weakness is its lack of a video output for playing back captured video or digital images on a TV. Another nit to pick: Sony placed the video inputs along the left side of the front panel, which simplifies access to cables, but also makes for a messy appearance if you keep those cables plugged in all the time.
I've seen a lot of writeups on this unit, also saw it on "I Want That!" which is in general a very dangerous show to watch (for my wallet anyways). I've tried to convert our VHS tapes to DVD or just digital, but the USB adapter I have doesn't work well... should've known it was too good a price to be high-quality...


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