Sony DVDirect Standalone HD DVD Recorder – No PC Required

If you want to transfer high definition home videos and digital photos to DVD discs without having to fire up your PC then the next-generation VRD-MC5 DVDirect DVD Recorder - now with HD support - from Sony should fit the bill nicely.

Capable of burning AVCHD quality videos to DVD in 1080i HD format when paired with a Sony hard drive or Sony Memory Stick, the restyled VRD-MC5 comes with a 2.52 colour LCD to allow for video previewing, automatic DVD menu and title creation (with the option of importing custom JPEG backgrounds), PM3 import for optional background music, automatic DVD chaptering and stop timer recording.

Sony’s device supports 4.7GB DVD+R/+RW discs - which will hold up to 95 minutes of standard definition video footage or up to 2000 photos - or DVD+R 8.5GB double layer discs, for up to 12 hours of video (though this format is only supported when using DV, S-Video or composite video inputs).

Further highlights include inbuilt Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound compatibility and support for 4:3 and 16:0 aspect ratios.

Admittedly, if you are looking for a device that will assist in your creativity the Sony DVDirect VRD-MC5 has little to offer over a full, PC based editing suite. But, for those looking for a simple, convenient means of mastering DVDs who don’t rely on fancy editorial, post production effects Sony’s latest DVDirect standalone DVD recorder is sure to prove appealing.

The Sony DVDirect VRD-MC5 is listed for release in August and will carry a price tag of $230.

[Source | Coolest Gadgets]