Sony Electronics expanded its DVDirect DVD recorder family with two new models ? the video- and digital photo-capable VRD-MC3 and the video-only VRD-VC30 recorders.

Both sport ?computer-free? synchronization with Sony?s new Hard Disk Handycam camcorders.

The next-generation DVDirect recorders also enable real-time recording of home video footage, digital still images (VRD-MC3 only) and TV shows from digital video recorders to DVDs, all without the need for a computer.

The VRD-MC3 and VRD-VC30 recorders allow for quick high-quality video transfers from a digital camcorder via a Hi-Speed USB using Handycam cameras or Digital Video (DV) interfaces.

By connecting to the new Sony DCR-SR80, DCR-SR60, DCR-SR40 camcorders, users can simply push the ?DVD burn? button on the HDD Handycam Station, and the new recorders will automatically detect the camcorder?s newest contents and immediately burn them to DVD.



For easier sharing and archiving users can also consolidate several mini-DVDs into a single full size DVD by directly connecting, via USB, to Sony DVD Handycams.

The VRD-MC3 model also enables computer-free recording of digital still images directly from flash memory cards to DVD so you can store photos or create a slideshow for playback on a home DVD player or PC DVD ROM drive.

Additionally, the new DVDirect models can transfer television shows directly from a digital video recorder to a DVD, allowing users to create a backup, free up space on their DVR for additional recording or take their content with them for playback on a portable device.

The multi-function VRD-MC3 recorder has a 2.5-inch color LCD with a wide-view filter ? three times wider than the previous model ? for easy previewing of video and images when used in stand-alone mode.

The VRD-MC3 recorder features slots for five of the most popular digital camera flash media cards, including Memory Stick and Memory Stick Duo storage media, Compact Flash, Secure Digital (SD), and xD cards. The recorder also keeps the JPEG files in their original high-resolution format, and is PictBridge-compatible, making it ideal for printing individual digital pictures and backing up files.

Both models also incorporate Hi-Speed USB, digital video (i.LINK/FireWire/IEEE 1394), and analog S-video and composite video inputs, enabling direct connection of a DVR, camcorder or VCR to transfer tape-based videos to DVD.

The new models maintain Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, as well as 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. Both units can also burn up to 12 hours of high-quality hardware-encoded MPEG-2 video on DVD+R DL double layer discs and up to four hours of video or up to 2,000 photos (VRD-MC3 only) onto supported standard, single layer discs.

Both DVDirect recorders come with the Nero Essentials software suite to be used when they are attached to a PC via Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) for consumers who like to customize their home movies and digital pictures.

The included software applications help create copies of home movies and slideshows, as well as DVD discs with customized menus and other advanced features. The bundle includes DVD-video playing, backup, disc label creation and drive tool software.

In computer-attached mode, the VRD-MC3 and VRD-VC30 models can burn DVD+R and DVD-R discs at 16X max. Both also support 8X DVD-R DL/DVD+R DL/+RW, 6X DVD-RW, 40X CD-R and24X CD-RW maximum recording speeds.

Both DVDirect recorders will be available in October for about $250 (VRD-MC3) and $200 (VRD-VC30).