Sony today announced its new DVD recorder line including a hard disk drive model with High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a dual deck DVD recorder and VCR, and DVD recorder with slim-line styling.

The highlight is RDR-HX715 DVD recorder with a hard disk drive and HDMI, which delivers high quality uncompressed digital signals to other HDMI-equipped components such as Sony's Grand WEGA LCD rear projection high definition televisions. The unit incorporates a 160GB hard drive and broad media read/write compatibility with DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW and +R Double Layer disc compatibility for longer recording time.

"Our leadership in the DVD recorder category allows us to continually develop new features to improve the quality and simplify the recording of digital video," said Philip Abram, vice president of marketing for Sony Electronics' Home Audio and Home Video Division.

The RDR-HX715 DVD recorder has an i.LINK IEEE-1394 digital interface/Digital8 input and a component output along with the HDMI output.

It also features a TV Guide On Screen interactive program guide, making it easy to find and record programming without monthly fees. Other highlights include Intelligent Scene Chaptering that provides easy scene search and editing by indexing chapters at transition points and D-Matrix Noise Reduction System, which uses a combination of three types of noise reduction technologies to deliver excellent recording and playback levels.

Also, Sony's Quick Response graphic user interface improves the response time of the recorder's user's menu operation through simplified commands and faster processing. The unit also features Sony's new Fast Playback with Sound, so you can play video at fast forward speed with recognizable audio playback.

The new RDR-HX715 model will be available in September for about $700.

DVD Recorder Plus VCR For Easy Home Movie Dubbing

Also new to the Sony DVD recorder line is the RDR-VX515 combination DVD recorder/VCR, successor to the industries leading RDR-VX500, based on NPD January, 2005 dollar share. The unit combines the versatility of a traditional VCR and the high quality capabilities of a DVD recorder. Featuring one touch dubbing, which makes it easy to archive old home VHS tape footage to new DVDs, the unit also offers an i.LINK IEEE-1394 digital interface/Digital8 input, for simplified digital recording of home movie footage from a camcorder to a DVD.

The combo unit also features progressive scan output for DVD, component video output and S-Video output for DVD and VHS playback. The unit can also play multiple DVD format variations including DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW and +R Double Layer discs, as well as JPEG and MP3 digital files from CD-R/RWs.

It will be available this summer for about $400.

Redesigned Single-Disc DVD Recorder

Sony's stand-alone DVD recorder, the RDR-GX315, features a new slim-line chassis and compatibility with +R double-layer DVD discs for longer recording time. The quick response graphic user interface allows for easy operation and access to advanced functions. The unit also features front panel i.LINK IEEE-1394 digital interface /Digital8 compatibility for easy personal camcorder content transfer.

It will be available this summer for about $300.