DC DXG-301V Digital Video Recorder with MPEG4 & Digital Still Capability Review
DC DXG-301V Digital Video Recorder with MPEG4 & Digital Still Capability Feature
- 3.2 Megapixel CCD
- 4x Digital Zoom
- 1.8 inch LCD
- SD Slot
- 4 AA batteries
DC DXG-301V Digital Video Recorder with MPEG4 & Digital Still Capability Review
Sony DCRTRV22 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Color Viewfinder & Memory Stick Capability Review
Step-up Value
Here's a Sony feature that adds value to this digital camcorder and differentiates it from other models in the Sony lineup.
MPEG Movie Mode: Originally found on step-up Sony Digital Still Cameras, Sony presents another camcorder first--MPEG Movie Mode for select Handycam Camcorders. Capture MPEG digital video and store it directly to your Memory Stick Media. Movie length ranges from 5 seconds to the length allowed by the capacity of your memory stick with MPEG Movie EX. Take the "Best Of" scene recorded on video tape, for example--the groom kissing the bride on the wedding day, convert it to an MPEG Movie and share it with family and friends via the Internet. |
Image Stabilization
Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization keeps your images smooth and steady without degrading picture quality. The technology uses motion sensors, which tend to be more accurate than most other systems used in the camcorder market.
Optics
The professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens ensures light capture will be well-contrasted and clear. The 1/4-inch CCD sensor yields a gross 680,000 pixels and records images accurately in vibrant color and sharp resolution. The TRV22 has a robust 10x optical zoom that fits most purposes, but for extra distance the camera can reach 120x through the digital zoom. Several autoexposure modes allow for automatic operation while achieving ideal images for the situation.
More Features
You can record video in low- to no-light situations with Sony's NightShot system, which uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye. With the function on, subjects up to 10 feet away can be seen in total darkness. You can also use the color slow shutter for color night shots instead of the regular green night-shot hue.
Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV22 a long operating time. To keep you informed of current battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining right in the viewfinder.
The TRV22 features a 2.5-inch color LCD and a color viewfinder. The menu is accessed via a touchscreen display on the LCD, reducing the clutter of buttons on the camera. You can take digital stills and record small MPEG1 movies using the included 8 MB Memory Stick.
The USB streaming feature can turn the TRV22 into a video conferencing tool or a Webcam, and the standard IEEE 1394 connection can be used for digital video editing on a computer.
MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers a digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.
Contents
This package includes the TRV22 camcorder, power adaptor and in-camera charger, InfoLithium rechargeable battery, 8 MB Memory Stick, wireless remote, AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, two AA batteries, and USB drivers.
Despite its surprisingly small size, DCR-TRV22 is packed with performance features such as a touch-panel 2.5-inch SwivelScreen LCD display for easy access to the entire camcorder menu and super SteadyShot picture stabilization. Measuring in at approximately 28 percent smaller and 22 percent lighter than last year's models, these super-compact unit is designed to fit comfortably into a small bag and an active lifestyle.
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Nextar MA206-5BL 512 MB Digital MP3 Player (Black) Review
Storage-wise, the unit offers 512 MB of flash memory, enough for up to eight hours of MP3 music and 16 hours of WMA audio. The unit's seven-band equalizer, meanwhile, lets you customize your audio options, with natural, rock, pop, soft, classic, jazz, and digital bass boost settings. Add in an E-book viewer--which lets you catch up on your reading in TXT format--and you have everything you need for on-the-go entertainment. Other details include a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery; a sync lyric function that displays the lyrics to your favorite songs while you listen (requires LRC files); an intuitive, icon-based menu system; a USB 2.0 interface; and an attractive black housing. The MA206, which runs for roughly five hours per charge, measures 2.51 by 1.06 by 0.6 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a 90-day warranty.
What's in the Box
MP3 player, stereo headphones, USB cable, software CD-ROM, user's manual.
Nextar MA206-5BL 512 MB MP3 Player DRM Function Black. Digital MP3 Player, Support MTV format, Support MP3/WMA/ASF digital music, Built-in rechargeable LI-ION battery, 7 bands mode EQ system, Multi play mode (Folder repeat, repeat one, repeat all, random, INTRO ), OLED with true color display, A-B repeat playing and recording, Direct USB2.0 full-speed plug, JPEG Picture Viewer, E-book feature, DRM10, Synchronic Lyric during playing.
Griffin Technology 4020-TALK iTalk Voice Recorder for iPod Review
Design and Setup
Griffin has been designing Apple accessories since 1992, so it's no stranger to the sleek styling encouraged by Steve Jobs and crew. And the iTalk--with its smooth, white housing and slick, silver-colored speaker--fits in perfectly. It also pays tribute to the Apple ethos by requiring no setup: just plug it in and start recording (the recording functions appear automatically on the iPod screen). Once the device is connected, a user relies on the click wheel to record, pause, play, save, and delete files. The iPod then stores the files in a Voice Memos folder within the Extras menu. Each time you sync your iPod to iTunes, the files transfer into an iTunes playlist also called Voice Memos, where you can listen to them on your computer or transfer them to other multimedia programs (they're saved as WAV files).
The iTalk includes a couple of features that help it stand out above competitors' products. The first is an automatic gain control, which instinctively adjusts the signal level to achieve the best possible recording. The second is a multifunction pass-through jack located on top of the unit. This lets users plug their headphones directly into the iTalk rather than removing the device to access the iPod's headphone output. Users can also connect an external microphone to the iTalk to enjoy additional recording options. In addition, the iTalk archives the date and time of the recording--a plus for people working on date-specific material.
Features and Performance
At its best, the iTalk performs solidly. The recordings are clear and easy to decipher, and the microphone picks up sounds from all over the room. We tested the iTalk's microphone at distances of a few inches, a foot, 5 feet, and 20 feet, and each time it performed admirably. It also picks up TV speakers and some ambient noise, depending on the situation. Playback quality is mixed, however. It's decent through the built-in speaker when played at high volumes (the sound can be somewhat scratchy), but very good through the headphones. Anybody using the iPod to transcribe recordings should definitely use the latter, as the audio is much crisper.
Unfortunately, the iTalk isn't always at its best. For unknown reasons, it often fails to play recordings it just made through the built-in speaker. The files play for a few seconds, and then the menu inexplicably returns to the recording screen. Occasionally, you can play the file by trying again, but other times the file stubbornly refuses to open. The same files often played just fine through the headphones, indicating that the problem originates in the speaker rather than the microphone. However, anyone using the iTalk for important recording tasks--something more than archiving grocery lists, say--should test the iTalk thoroughly to verify that the files are recording properly. Users should also be aware that the iTalk doesn't actually start recording until three or four seconds after the light turns on, which is somewhat aggravating at first, although you adjust quickly.
The problems with the built-in speaker extended to other forms of playback as well. Griffin touted the iTalk as a great way to listen to audiobooks without headphones, but it refused to play Jon Stewart's America (the Audiobook). Many users have complained that the iTalk often locks up their iPods, especially if the iTalk is installed when the iPod turns on. We suffered through a single lockup, which required a quick reset, but didn't experience the problems described by other users. It's possible that the latest iPod software updates have resolved the freezing issues, but the glitch appears at least common enough to mention.
The iTalk is a mixed bag overall. The concept is terrific, and when Griffin releases the next generation of iTalk, it'll likely be a great buy. But in the meantime, users should proceed with caution. If you can afford to re-record your memos on the occasions that playback fails--or if you can test the microphone to make sure the speaker is the only source of the problem--the iTalk can be quite handy. However, if reliability is a major concern, such as when recording one-time lectures or interviews or archiving song ideas, iPod owners might want to take a pass. --Rivers Janssen
Pros
Cons
What's in the Box
iTalk microphone/speaker, user's manual.
GRIFFIN iTalk -- Finally, an iPod Voice Recorder done the right way, with integrated mic and loudspeaker and styling that makes your iPod look even more heavenly! Plays back recordings through amazingly loud and clear integrated speaker, or optional headphones Pass-through headphone jack allows you to monitor voice recording, or listen to music without having to remove iTalk Download recordings to your computer for archiving or playback With iTalk - your iPod will listen to you! Supported iPod Models - 3rd-Generation (4 Horizontal Buttons) / 4th-Generation (Click Wheel) / iPod color / iPod photo
EXELON ENTERPRISE SERIES, H.264, 16 CH Standalone DVR, 480/480 @ D1, 16 Ch Audio, HD (1080p) Display, Dual Stream, DDNS, VGA / HDMI video output, i-phone support, DVD-RW, 1TB HDD Review
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