Posts Tagged ‘Electronics’

DVD Recorder Buying Guide

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

With a DVD Recorder, you can have the recording features of a VCR except in a much more crisp, clear picture. Not only can you record your favorite TV shows straight to a DVD, you can also watch movies just like any other stand alone DVD Player.
There are a lot of things you may need to consider before buying the DVD recorder that’s right for you. Below you will find a list of things our product specialists recommend our customers to look for before making a purchasing decision.
Disc Compatibility: You should consider the types of discs the DVD Recorder is compatible with. Try to find a recorder that is compatible with a wide range of formats, including the DVD-R/RW format (which is compatible with most DVD players and computers).
Built-In VCR: If you have a large collection of VHS tapes and want to convert them to DVD, or simply want an all-in-one media player, consider a DVD recorder that comes with a built-in VCR.
Hard Drive: If you want to record television shows and view them at a later time, a DVD Recorder with a hard drive may be for you. A recorder with a hard drive allows you to record, play, and delete files without ever having to burn them onto a DVD. And if you want to keep the files you simply burn them to a DVD for archiving. Another thing to note, a hard drive gives a recorder the ability to function as a basic DVR (Digital Video Recorder).
Editing Capabilities: See if the recorder has any editing features available to make your DVD’s a bit more enjoyable. Of course no DVD Recorder can compete with a full on video editing software on a computer, but having the basic editing options can really enhance the quality of your videos.
Electronic Program Guides: Electronic guides such as TiVo® and TV Guide On Screen® provide you with simple ways to set your recordings and can do keyword searches to help you find what you want. A DVD recorder that supports these kinds of services will allow you to record your favorite movies or TV shows whether or not you are home.
IR Blaster: IR Blaster is a feature that comes on some DVD Recorders, which use the same type of signal as your remote to automatically change the channel on your cable box to the appropriate channel when a show or movie needs to be recorded. This way you can record your shows when you are gone even if your TV is set to another channel.
Available Inputs: You may want to connect a digital camera or camcorder to the DVD recorder, so check if the recorder has the appropriate inputs for the devices you want to connect.
Definitions:
IR Blaster (Infrared Blaster): An amplifier of infrared (IR) signals.
VHS (Video Home System): Widely used method of recording audio and video electrical signals onto magnetic tape for use with VCRs.
VCR (Video Cassette Recorder): A magnetic recording and playback machine. Generally used for recording and viewing full-motion video, but useful (when adapted) as a data backup device.
DVR (Digital Video Recorder): A video recording device that uses a hard disk drive or optical disk drive, instead of a VCR tape, to record programs.

Creative Labs Vado HD 720p – Small Wonder

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Plus offers you many unique features, yet none of them compare to the ability to slip easily into your pocket, purse of even the palm of your hand. You can connect it to HDTV when you have HDMI cable available. It offers one touch recording with 8GB of video storage a 2″ display as well as the capability of recording four hours at normal VGA resolution or 2 hours of HD video footage.It weighs only 3.5 ounces with dimensions of 0.6 x 2.2 x 3.9 inches. It is a small pocket camcorder. Do not be mislead by the appearance of its size. When it comes to capability, this small device comes with some really interesting features and is no larger than your regular size cell phone.Whether you want to record the first steps of your child or the most amazing skateboarding stunt anyone has ever seen, remember to keep your pocket camcorder on hand. This way you can record things on a moments notice or risk losing them forever. These camcorders do not need any bulky baggage to carry them along with you. You simply slip it into your pocket when you are not using it.After you capture your videos, you may want to share them with others, this is done by the simply push of a button. This pocket camcorder features real HDMI connectivity with the cable that allows you to view superior quality videos on an HDTV. It is one of a kind. When you feel you do not have the space to record you will enjoy using another of its awesome features, the wide-angle glass lens.Before you rush out and buy this awesome device, you need to know a few things like the system requirements of the Vado HD. They include Windows Xp or Vista Service Pack, USB port, 500MB free hard disk space, 512MB of memory, 16MB of video memory or more and Intel Pentium III or higher.If you think that you were born to be a photographer, the Vado will help you discover your hidden talents. You can make, edit and share your very own short movies or capture pictures in still mode with the Vado Central Software. Show your family your undiscovered talent on the family television by plugging in your Vado HD into an HDTV.Your holidays will never be the same when you have your own Creative Labs Vado HD 720p. If you thought you were attached to your mobile phone, think again, since the Vado is soon taking over!