Sony VRD-MC6 DVDirect DVD recorder

Sony’s back with a new DVD recorder in the form of the VRD-MC6 - the next generation multi-function DVDirect DVD recorder which is touted to transfer both high-definition and standard-definition home videos and digital photos to DVD discs without the need for a computer acting as a middleman. What makes the new VRD-MC6 model so special? While we’re going to look at it in further detail right after the jump, let me share with you an open secret - the device comes with a 2.7″ color LCD display that is handy for previewing video files, and you can also use it to check out up to half a dozen digital photos simultaneously. In addition, the wonders of modern technology and miniaturization has made it nearly 60% smaller compared to its predecessor.

According to Shige Nakayama, manager of the DVDirect business at Sony, “Many customers still have their old home movies on tapes and are looking for an easy solution to archive their personal digital imaging content on DVD discs. With the larger built-in LCD color screen in a smaller body, the new DVDirect model makes it easier for customers to transfer the content to DVD discs for archiving, enjoying and sharing with family and friends.” The VRD-MC6 is able to transfer AVCHD quality videos to DVD discs in their native 1080i HD resolution when hooked directly to a Sony hard drive or Memory Stick media-based Handycam camcorder - surely you didn’t expect anything less than that from Sony! AVCHD quality DVDs can also be played back on compatible Blu-ray Disc devices, and these will include other players, computer optical drives and PS3 consoles.

Other features include the ability to transfer standard-definition home videos to DVD discs, Digital Video (i.LINK/FireWire/IEEE-1394) connectivity, Composite Video inputs, and USB support. DVDs recorded this way can be played in most consumer DVD players without any problem. Alternatively, you can use the VRD-MC6 to record digital photos to a DVD as a slideshow directly , as it supports Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick Pro Duo media, SD/SDHC and xD-picture card media formats. Expect to pick up the DVDirect VRD-MC6 for approximately $229 this September.

iHome iHM10B Portable MP3 Player Speaker System

It seems with back to school creeping closer and closer, more companies are releasing new sets of speakers to go with students as they had into college. Just like several of the others that have been seen, these come in everything from black to the brightly colored. They also feature colors that match your iPod Nano. These keep things pretty small and minimal, so they could easily be tucked back at the corner of your desk or dresser. That makes them a nice addition for students stuck in a dorm this coming semester.

It appears that they are all out of black, but they do have pink, purple, silver, red and blue. It will not only play your iPod, but you can connect any other audio devices you have. The device is battery operated and requires 4 AA batteries. They don’t mention if it can be plugged in, but one would hope it would come with that option. You can purchase it online for $24.99.

TV TrickleSaver saves money on your electrical bill

Making an attempt to be a little more eco-friendly isn’t always the easiest. Especially if you’re not overly into it, you’re just willing to pop in those energy saving bulbs when you can and shut off appliances and lights when you’re not in the room. While it’s great that you shut off the TV when it’s not in use, that still leaves the gaming consoles and DVD player up and running. With those type things they usually have lights that stay on even when it’s on standby. Well this handy gadget would help you to make sure all of that shuts down too.

Just shut off the TV and it will sense that the TV is shut off and shut off the electronics plugged into the device. No extra effort is required on your part, which makes this an extremely nice gadget to have around. Especially if you have a 360 you tend to forget to shut off. This would shut it off and you’ll decrease the chances of getting the infamous RRoD. It will cost you $34.95, but would in the long run save you money on your electrical bill.

LATEST : Canon Printers

When Canon isn’t making a virtual reality dinosaur exhibit, they have other things to do, like making printers. In fact, they have made three new printers.

The PIXMA MP560 has duplex printing, photo correction, and Wi-Fi. There is also a USB port for printing directly from external storage. For example, it can do 4 by 6 inch prints in grayscale at a rate of 9.2 images a minute and 6 images per minute in color.

The MP490 (pictured) has a 1.8-inch LCD screen and memory card slots. It is also good for printing photos, and has Auto Photo Fix II software built directly into it. It can deliver 4800 x 1200 maximum color dpi, as well as very fine monochromatic prints as well.

The last is the SELPHY CP790 Compact Photo Printer that can hold the paper and ink cassettes, as well as the AC adapter, cable, and optional battery pack. It is made for printing photos on the go, and has built-in creative options like frames, calendars, and other things for that personal touch. It comes with a 3-inch LCD screen to maximize on photo viewing.

All three models of these Canon printers should be available later this month. The MP560 will run about $150, the MP490 is about $100, and the CP790 runs about $180.

In-Desk USB 4 Port Hub

This is probably one of the most well thought out USB hubs I’ve seen. A lot of desks come with holes built into them so that you can run cords through it. Well this hub fits neatly into that hole, so it doesn’t take up any extra space on your desk. It would be a little more tricky to run cords through that hole, that’s really the only down side of the hub sitting there. However, if you don’t use it or you’re willing to take the extra time to get the cords and the hub to work together it’d work out just fine.

Since this does sit down directly into your desk that also means one less cord you have running across the surface. The USB cord for the hub just drops directly below it, so that it can conveniently be plugged into your computer. This is made for a 2” round grommet hole, so you can measure to make sure this will work alright. It has 4 different ports for your USB devices. You can purchase the hub for $12 from USB Geek.