Review on Sony DVDirect DVD Recorder VRDMC5 by Brett Blazis

I had no problems getting started with this product, unlike the days when I downloaded a video onto my computer and then had to wait hours for it to be converted and burned to a DVD. Purchased primarily for copying old DV and VHS tapes to DVD, this unit is non-editable and primarily intended for burning finished video to DVD from the DV analog input or from a flash drive. Connect the video inputs, insert a DVD, select the format (pause while the format is written), press the red button and go. Formats include standard, long, and extended, where quality is balanced by length. There are other options, including HD capabilities, that I have yet to explore. The video can be viewed before exiting (closing the disc). The elapsed time is available and the video transmission can be paused if needed to cut out awkward sections. Both PAL and NTSC are supported - ideal for sending DVDs abroad. has no audio output, so audio monitoring is not possible. These flaws seem so trivial - it's hard to see how Sony failed to notice them. But for the price I paid I have no major complaints. The quality is excellent and I expected that from Sony.