New Sony DVDirect DVD Recorder ($229) to Come in September

Sony Electronics debuted its next-generation multi-function DVDirect DVD recorder, which can transfer both high-definition and standard-definition home videos and digital photos to DVD discs without using a computer.

The new VRD-MC6 model has a 2.7-inch color LCD screen for previewing video or up to six digital photos at a time, and its overall size is almost 60 percent smaller than its predecessor.

"Many customers still have their old home movies on tapes and are looking for an easy solution to archive their personal digital imaging content on DVD discs.  With the larger built-in LCD color screen in a smaller body, the new DVDirect model makes it easier for customers to transfer the content to DVD discs for archiving, enjoying and sharing with family and friends," said Shige Nakayama, manager of the DVDirect business at Sony.

The VRD-MC6 can transfer AVCHD quality videos to DVD discs in their native 1080i HD resolution when connected directly to a Sony hard drive or Memory Stick media-based Handycam camcorder. AVCHD quality DVDs can be played back on compatible Blu-ray Disc devices, including players and computer drives, as well as PlayStation 3 (PS3) computer entertainment systems.

It can also transfer standard-definition home videos to DVD discs without the need of  a computer from virtually any camcorder, VCR or digital video recorder. The new model includes Digital Video (i.LINK/FireWire/IEEE-1394), Composite Video inputs, and USB (for Sony hard drive, DVD and Memory Stick media-based Handycam camcorders). DVD video discs recorded in this manner are playable in most consumer DVD players.

In addition, the VRD-MC6 can directly record digital photos to a DVD as a slideshow or just for photo storage from any of the four popular digital camera memory cards. It supports slots for Memory Stick(R), Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick Pro Duo media, Secure Digital (SD/SDHC)) and xD-picture card media, or via USB from Sony hard drive, DVD and Memory Stick media based Handycam camcorders. Users can also import their own MP3 music files to serve as background music.

With automatic DVD menu and title creation, the new model offers four preset menu backgrounds along with the ability to import JPEG images to serve as the DVD menu background: automatic DVD chaptering every five, 10 or 15 minutes; and stop-timer recording.

Up to six hours of standard-definition video, up to 95 minutes of AVCHD video or up to 2,000 digital pictures can be recorded on a 4.7GB DVD+R/+RW disc. Over 10 hours of standard definition video can be recorded on 8.5GB DVD+R double layer discs which are compatible when using the DV or Composite video inputs only. The new DVDirect model maintains Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, as well as 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios with compatible camcorders.

The DVDirect VRD-MC6 will retail for around $229 at Sony Style stores and other major retailers around the country in September.