Sony VRD-MC1 DVDirect External USB 2.0 Multi-Function 16x DVD Recorder

I had tried to use my Mac computer to transfer my home movies of the last few years to DVD so the kids could watch. It was so hard to get it to work that I gave up, totally frustrated. Too slow, too many steps...Then a friend recommended this machine, after I walked into his house and saw him recording HIS old video to DVD. This machine makes it unbelieveably simple. It can transfer all formats: miniDVD tapes, old video tapes - and does so in real time (so you can edit if you choose, or just walk away and go do something else while it transfers). the menus are simple, you hardly need the manual. This is one of the best consumer electronic products I've ever bought, no kidding! All of my old family videos, some of which I haven't seen for years, now reside on DVDs kept near the TV for easy viewing whenever my kiods, or my wife and I , want to review where we've been and where we're going...Highly, highly recommended!

After years of trying to work with VCDs and SVCDs, I finally purchased the Sony VRD-MC1 to burn my analog tapes into DVD. Problem solved! This system works great as a stand-alone - hooked up to my analog camcorder or the VCR. It also works incredibly well connected to the computer via USB 2.0 cable. It has the full functionality of a DVD Drive for the computer and then some. I probably will not use the menu system or photo slide show feature on the burner, opting to do all this through NERO 6.0 instead. But, the versatility of the system is excellent.

It didn’t come with the connecting cords to hook up my Sony movie camera to make DVDs and I can’t find one that fits !! Please where can I get it and what size of plugs etc ? I can’t use this great machine because irate wasn’t complete with cords to fhook into my camera

The other reviews do a nice job of describing recorder. BUT, what is not said is that it does not support the 16:9 format. This is out of step with Sony's new camcorders. Sony agent said they do not support 16:9 and no of no plans in the works to do so.

I have purchased over two dozen of these units. This is the best unit for the price. There are a few things that are a real plus one is the small screen on the unit. This allows you to be certain that your feed is being input. Also the card slots are a plus. Two things to be aware of. If you are using the unit in colder temperatures the unit will need to sit and warm up before use. Apparently there is some type of a dew sensor built in. Also if you are transferring images from a card you have to look at the manual to determine what type of disc is required. Not a one disc does all unit.

Brought this Sony VRD-MC1 to transfer DV tapes to DVD...was hoping to getting an easy to use recorder. So far, I'm not very happy with the unit. The good: It is easy to use, it records great, and quality of the copies is just as if I was watching from the DV tape, no loss in quality during transfer. Now the Bad: the problem I am having is the DVD-R does not play in all the different DVD players I have. The electronic industry does not make it easy for consumers... I don't understand why they have to have so many different formats out there. What were they thinking???? When they decided to have DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW why the (-) and (+)? Why can't they just have one common format! For the DVD to play on my players, the only format that will work for me is the DVD+RW, I have spent a small fortune so far on the different types of disc to find the one that will work. I know, It may not be the VRD-MC1's fault and it is my other DVD players at fault but the issue I have is that a friend of mine has the older Sony model recorder that this model replaced and his DVD-R plays fine in my machine. And the kicker is...it wouldn't play in the most expensive player I have...a BOSE system! It will play in the cheaper machines but not the BOSE. Go figure.If anyone knows a trick to getting this thing to work please chime in! And by the way, I am finalizing the disc as instructed. I have tried to call Sony support and they are useless, I was transfer twice and put on hold for 45 minutes before I gave up! I have an email support tag going on that I have not heard back from yet, very bad taste in my mouth on Sony products with the last two purchases I have made. Sony has fallen from my list as a vendor to turn to for electronics...not only are the products starting to be inferior but there support SUCK! I am giving this a poor rating due to Sony's support!This is one reason why I do not like purchasing over the internet...Amazon was great with price and I got the produce in the time frame stated but when you have issues, you are kind of stuck! If I brought this from a store I would have returned it by now! By the time I get this issue/problem solved...it may be too late to return to Amazon.

I bought this to transfer some video from a Hi8 video camera, it can't get any easier. I have a Sony camera which plugs in (4pin mini) to the recorder hit a button and transfer that's it. I also had some pictures on an XD card all from the same event and added them to the recording. One touch to close the DVD disc and it's done. Images and video played back with very high resolution. All of this without a connection to a PC no software nothing. If you go hook it to a pc the included software loads perfect. This is a great device.

Ordered this product for my brother after he used my earlier version of DVDirect. I love mine, but my biggest complaint was that I never was completely sure that it recorded until I played it when I was done. No more. My brother always knows what it is recording and has transferred many of his home videos already. I also like the added flash card readers so if needed could be use as a large storage bank when on a long trip. I like my earlier version, but Sony improved DVDirect with some quality features.