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Graphic by: Jenny Conner |
The new Sony DVDirect (pronounced "DVD Direct") is outstanding for two reasons.
First, the device allows you to burn DVDs directly from a VCR or camcorder, as
well as standard, "computer attached" burning. Secondly, when attached to a
computer, the burner allows double layer burning on DVD-RW discs.
Because the burner connects directly to video output devices like VCR's and
camcorders, there is much less to buy set up. The DVDirect connects to a VCR or
camcorder with the standard audio and video inputs (a composite video (yellow)
jack, red/white audio jacks, and s-video. Just plug them into a video output
device, push the record button, and in a few short minutes you have an instant
DVD!
When hooked up to a computer in the conventional fashion, the DVDirect
allows double layer burning, which allows up to 8.5GB of data to be stored on
any single sided double layer disc. In addition, the burner will burn 4X DVD- RW, 48X CDR and 24X CD-RW. Unfortunately, these options and the double layer
burning are only available when the device is connected to a computer. Sony
ships the DVDirect with Ahead's Nero burning software, currently the best for
burning DVD's.
The DVDirect will start shipping in November and sells for about $300.
Unfortunately, the DVDirect doesn't work with Macs yet, but a version of Toast
is already in development so that Mac users can utilize the DVDirect very soon.
Here's a chart of the specifications:
Stand-Alone Recording Mode
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Supported Media for Stand-alone Operation: DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer), DVD+RW
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DVD Recording Mode: DVD+VR
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Supported Video Format: MPEG2
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Automatic Chaptering: 5, 10 or 15 minutes
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Auto-start/stop recording with most camcorders/VCRs
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HQ (single layer: 1 hour, double layer: 2 hours)
SP (single layer: 2 hours, double layer: 4 hours)
SLP (single layer: 6 hours, double layer: 12 hours)
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Supported Sound Format: DolbyÆ Digital (AC3)
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Composite video (yellow RCA jack) x 1
Analog audio 2ch (red and white RCA jacks)
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Computer-Attached Recording Mode
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Supported Media Types & Speeds:
DVD+R DL: 2.4X CLV (max.) writing
DVD+R: 16X CAV (max.) writing
DVD+RW: 4X CLV (max.) rewriting
DVD-R: 8X Z-CLV (max.) writing
DVD-RW: 4X CLV (max.) rewriting
DVD-ROM reading (single layer): 16X CAV (max.)
DVD-ROM reading (dual layer): 8X CAV (max.)
CD-R: 48X P-CAV (max.) writing
CD-RW: 24X Z-CLV (max.) rewriting
CD-ROM: 48X CAV (max) reading
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Interface: Hi Speed USB 2.0
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OS Support: Compatible with Microsoft WindowsÆ 2000 / Windows XP
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Burst Data Transfer Rate: High Speed USB 2.0: 480 Mbit/s max
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Random Access Time: 140 ms (CD-ROM), 135 ms (DVD-ROM)
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Buffer Under-run Error Protection Technology: Sony Power-Burn conformed
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Compatible Disc Formats: DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD-R, CD-ROM, CD-DA, Video CD, Photo CD (multi-session), CD TEXT, CD Extra, and others
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Recording Methods (CD): Disc at Once, Track at Once, Session at Once, Packet Writing
(DVD): Random Access Write (DVD+RW/DVD-RW/CD-RW), Sequential Write (DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW/CD-R/RW)
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Dimensions: 164 x 66 x 234 mm (H x W x L)
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Sony DVDirect Burns DVDs...Directly!