Sony Unveils New DVDirect DVD Recorder

The VRD-MC1, priced at $299, will allow users to burn video and photos from memory cards and camcorders directly to a DVD without needing a computer.

Sony today announced a new DVDirect DVD recorder which allows both digital photos and home videos to be recorded onto discs without a computer. The VRD-MC1 is expected to be available early next month for $299.

The VRD-MC1, which can burn content to DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, CD-R and CD-RW discs, records content in two different ways. The first makes use of the device’s DVI/s-video/composite video inputs to copy videos from sources like VCRs and camcorders. The other way incorporates the VRD-MC1’s memory card slots to copy digital images and the like from Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Compact Flash, Secure Digital and xD cards.

Other features of the VRD-MC1 include the ability to print photos directly to compatible PictBridge photo printers, a 2” color LCD screen for previewing video and images and connectivity with a computer via USB for more advanced DVD projects.

“Home movies and digital pictures tend to end up languishing on tapes or memory cards,” said Bob DeMoulin, marketing manager for branded storage products in Sony Electronics’ IT Products Division. “The new DVDirect recorder is an ideal solution, allowing those precious family memories found in both home videos and digital pictures to be recorded onto convenient DVDs for enjoying, sharing, and preserving.”