Camcorder & Computer Video articles from April 2006

Camcorder & Computer Video archives from April 2006

More cams in the mix.(Upfront)
April 1, 2006... This year is turning out to be a better year for camcorder users simply because there are more options in terms of format, pricing and feature sets. When in the past our choices were limited to Mini DV and analog models, these days you've got...

Cam protection.(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Take your DV or HDV cam with you in style with the new Camporter from Petrol. It's designed to fit most DV/HDV camcorders, such as the Sony DCR-PD170, Panasonic DVX100A/B and more. The bag features dual-padded wing flaps that open wide for...

Tough exterior.(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... If you're looking for more durable CDs and DVDs that won't scratch easily, check out this new line of media from Primera Technology and Imation. These TuffCoat discs have an AquaGuard surface, which the companies say make the discs highly...

Blu light.(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Check out Primera Technology's new Bravo XR-Blu Disc Publisher, the world's first burn and print system that supports Blu-ray Disc recorders and media. Users can load up to 50 single-layer discs at one time, plus it features a built-in blue LED...

Instant video transfer.(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)
April 1, 2006... Copy your videos into your iPod instantly with InterVideo's new iVideoToGo. There is only one window to complete all tasks, and only three steps to get your movies from your PC into your iPod. It supports AVI, MPEG, WMV, DVD-Video, MP4, DivX,...

Preserve your memories on DVD.(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)
April 1, 2006... If you're thinking of going into the business of producing funeral videos, get your hands on this new DVD, called Funeral Videos--Business Everlasting. Produced by Memory Vision and taught by Alan Naumann, the DVD advises users on how to create...

Do-it-yourself duplication.(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)
April 1, 2006... Affordable disc duplication is now within reach with Disc Makers' Pico, a single-drive automated CD (16X) and DVD (48X) duplicator at only $699. Measuring 7.1 by 15.75 inches, the Pico features 25-disc capability, a built-in Card Disc adapter,...

Speedy transfer.(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Lexar's new pro line of CompactFlash and Secure Digital flash memory cards (from lGB to 8GB) are speed-rated at 133X, making them perfect for the high-speed transfer of digital images and other data. Included in the package are Lexar's Image...

Pure Magix.(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Video editing doesn't have to take a lot of time and effort. With Magix Movie Edit Pro 11, you've got a choice of tools like Story Maker, which can get you started editing in just a few clicks. New features include double-layer DVD burning, DVD...

All-in-one editing.(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Here's a new do-it-all editing software package that lets you edit, enhance, create, print, protect and organize your digital images. Photo Finale 4.0 has one of the fastest red-eye removal tools out there; with just one click it automatically...

Ultra-versatile reader.(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)
April 1, 2006... No matter what camera and memory card you're using, Kingston's new 15-in-1 hi-speed reader can accept it. It's designed to support 15 of the most popular types of cards, including CompactFlash, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, MultiMediaCard and...

Just blog it!(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)
April 1, 2006... Video blogging, or vlogging, is easier to do than you think. With Serious Magic's Vlog It, users have the option of making a vlog in three simple steps, complete with newcast-style themes. Each theme includes coordinated graphics, titles,...

Full-featured audio station.(ZOOM IN: First Look At Video Gear And Accessories)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Sony Media's new version of ACID Pro 6, its professional music creation and production application, is better than ever. Version 6 features multi-track audio and MIDI recording, the capability to lay out multiple media files per track, and MIDI...

Sony's smaller, more affordable high-def camcorder.(Camcorder Insider)
April 1, 2006... Nothing stays the same, and in this industry especially, wait six months and something new always happens. Last year, Sony introduced two of the most popular single-chip, high-def cams--the HDR-FX1 and HDR-HC1. And, true to form, the...

High-def DVD: Blu-Ray and HD DVD.(New Tech)
April 1, 2006... They're finally here... well, almost. The hype and "format war" around high-definition DVD players have been going on for years, but the first products have been announced, and should be available this spring. The idea is good: a new format,...

New Camcorders 2006: it's all about choices.(Cover story)
April 1, 2006... When it comes to camcorders in 2006, there's a lot to talk about. It seems every manufacturer has a lineup of new models representing the latest features and formats. Although Mini DV is still strongly represented, it's obvious that large...

Panasonic VDR-D100: DVD for under $500!(COMCORDER REVIEW)
April 1, 2006... Panasonic expands its commitment to DVD camcorders in 2006 with the introduction of two models, the VDR-D100 and the VDR-D200. The VDR-100 is a basic model, getting you into the Mini DVD format at an affordable price of only $499 (list). It's...

Endless storage: blu-ray vs. HD DVD.
April 1, 2006... DVD has definitely overtaken the once-dominant VHS format. When you compare the two, VHS tapes appear so clunky and archaic. It's no wonder video rental stores dropped VHS like a hot potato. Although digital video recorders, or DVRs, are a...

Sound advice: add music, sound effects and soundtracks to your video.
April 1, 2006... Without a doubt, adding a musical soundtrack to your videos can transform mundane footage into an exciting and entertaining cinematic experience. That music is an integral part of virtually every video production today is indisputable; you've...

Making muvees! Almost automatic editing.(muvee Technologies, autoProducer 5)(Product/service evaluation)
April 1, 2006... There are those among us who think endless hours in front of the computer massaging every last minute of their video or crafting intricate and infinitely creative multimedia slide shows is not a bad way to spend a weekend. We like those people,...

Going beyond the iPod: portable media player options.
April 1, 2006... We're into a new year, kicked off by the Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas in January. This year's show was focused on two totally opposite product categories big displays and small screens. We want our video big for the home theatre,...

How to be a digital filmmaker.
April 1, 2006... With camcorders getting better all the time, there is no reason you can't shoot a pro-like movie with your camcorder. It may not be quickly optioned by Hollywood, but you can enter your digital film in the Sundance Film Festival or in one of...

Sanyo Xacti HD1: tapeless, High-Def recording for under $800.
April 1, 2006... Sanyo has taken the consumer camcorder market by surprise and introduced an incredibly small high-definition (HD) camcorder that records on Secure Digital (SD) cards instead of tape. It's called the Xacti HD1 ($799 MSRP). The HD1 actually does...

Sony DVDirect: transfers your videos from camcorder to DVD.
April 1, 2006... Sony's new DVDirect VRD-MC1 is truly for those who want a no-fuss way to transfer their home videos from their camcorders directly to a DVD. Essentially, once it's connected to your camcorder, you can watch your video being recorded onto a...

Next-gen flash drives: bigger capacity, more user-friendly.
April 1, 2006... What could be blander than memory and discs? They're just different kinds of portable storage for your digital data. There certainly was a lot of excitement around sexy high-definition displays and portable media players kicking off the New...

How to shoot sports videos.
April 1, 2006... If you ever wanted to combine your passion for sports and for making money, then this article is perfect for you. Shooting sports videos can be lucrative, and if you already own a camcorder, then you're halfway there. There are two ways to...