Sony Unveils New AVCHD Burner

Sony shows off its new AVCHD burner, compatible with select camcorders

Sony Electronics unveiled last Tuesday the VRD-MC5, a self-contained DVD burner that connects with select Sony AVCHD camcorders. This is the first burner in their line of DVDirect models able to support the growing format. Sony has already released seven AVCHD camcorders, but a computer and conversion software was necessary for converting videos to DVD for playback on home systems.

The VRD-MC5 offers USB, RCA analog, S-video, and Firewire inputs. The burner will also work with standard definition camcorders. The VRD-MC5 records various formats including DVD, HDD, DV, and Digital8, connected by either RCA or Firewire. The unit does not accept HDV input streams. AVCHD camcorders can only be connected to the burner through the USB port.

The unit comes equipped with a 2.5" LCD, navigation controls, and a large burn button. The burner allows for clips to be sorted and placed in a preferred order for burning on DVD+R/-R/+RW/-RW/+R DL discs. It also works as a still photo burner with card slots for MemoryStick Duo/PRO Duo, SD/SDHC, xD, and compact flash.

The unit has no video output, so it cannot be used a home DVD player. While the VRD-MC5 is able to transfer video to a full-size disc, the format is still AVCHD. Because of this, the playback device must be compatible with AVCHD.

Most models recording to HDD and flash memory should be compatible, the PlayStation 3 and a few DVD players are compatible for playback. No U.S. release has been set, but the unit will be available in Japan starting August 10. A retail price has not been set yet.
Reference:Nirav Sanghani,dailytech