Sony today debuted its next-generation multi-function DVDirect DVD recorder which cantransfer high-definition home videos and digital photos to DVD discs without using a computer.

The new VRD-MC5 model can now transfer AVCHD quality videos to DVD discs in their native 1080i HD resolution when connected directly to a Sony hard drive or Memory Stick Handycam camcorder. The resulting DVD can be played back on compatible Blu-ray Disc devices, including players and computer drives as well as PlayStation 3 (PS3) computer entertainment systems.

The VRD-MC5 recorder can also transfer standard-definition home videos to DVD without the complexity of using a computer from virtually any camcorder, VCR or digital video recorder. The new model includes Digital Video (i.LINK/FireWire/IEEE-1394), S-Video, Composite Video inputs, and USB (for Sony hard drive, DVD, and Memory Stick Handycam camcorders).

In addition, the VRD-MC5 can directly record digital photos to a DVD as a slideshow or just for photo storage from any of the five popular digital camera memory cards. It sports slots for Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Pro Duo media, Compact Flash, Secure Digital (SD/SDHC), and xD-picture card, or via USB from Sony hard drive, DVD and Memory Stick Handycam camcorders. Users can also import their own MP3 music files to serve as background music.

The re-styled DVDirect recorder has a built-in 2.5-inch color LCD screen for previewing video or up to six digital photos at a time. With automatic DVD menu and title creation, the new model offers four preset menu backgrounds along with the ability to import JPEG images to serve as the DVD menu background: automatic DVD chaptering every 5, 10 or 15 minutes; and stop-timer recording.

The DVDirect model VRD-MC5 will be available in August for about $230.