Showing posts with label video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label video. Show all posts

Sony DVP-NS575P/S Progressive Scan DVD Player, Silver Review

Sony DVP-NS575P/S Progressive Scan DVD Player, Silver
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've had this player for about a week now and am reasonably happy with it. I bought this player to replace my 3 year old Sony DVD player that couldn't read my burned DVD-R or DVD+R media.
Not a problem with this unit -- I've thrown DVD+R, DVD-R, and DVD+RW disks at it and it's had no issues whatsoever, nor has it had any problems reading the several Netflix rental DVDs I've thrown at it. So far, so good.
The picture on my 4:3 tube TV is excellent, as you'd expect, although it seems slightly darker than what I'm accustomed to, even after fiddling with the various cinema modes.
Startup time to read DVDs is definitely longer than with my 3 year old player although if it buys you the ability to read almost any disk format, it's not a big deal if you have to wait 10-15 seconds to get started.
The multi-disk memory is an excellent feature, allowing you to remove a disk and play others and when you put the disk back in, the player will take you right back to where you left off.
The only disappointment so far is that when presented with a moving, intricate picture with fine lines, the lines tend to 'wiggle' as the picture moves. (This is noticeable in the rails and fine lines of the buildings in the opening of Mystic River as the camera pans across them). My 3 year old Sony did NOT have this issue but my understanding is that this is a very common issue with DVD players.
Given that this is an (...)$80-$90 player that will do progressive video (which I'm not using yet) and seems to be happy with whatever media you throw at it, I'd suggest giving it a shot.
October 04 update -- the "wiggling lines" problem I noted in Mystic River turned out to be very unusual -- I think I've only noticed it in one other movie out of the 50 or so I've watched since writing this review. It's not a big issue.

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Sony's amazingly affordable and feature-rich DVP-NS575P/B DVD player is everything a budget-savvy music and movie lover could ask for. The progressive-scan DVP-NS575P/B plays just about any disc out there--including DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW--as well as spins your digital photos and MP3 files burned to CD-R/CD-RW discs. It will also play discs recorded in the DVD-VR format (which grants more flexible recording and editing options than do standard DVD-RW/+RW or DVD-RAM formats).
Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive (PCP) system uses specialized algorithms to detect image changes at the pixel level, as opposed to the scan-line level, resulting in a picture more faithful to the film or video source.


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Sony Vegas Pro 9 Professional Video, Audio Software for Windows - Slip Sleeve Version (DVD Architect Pro software NOT included) Review

Sony Vegas Pro 9 Professional Video, Audio Software for Windows - Slip Sleeve Version (DVD Architect Pro software NOT included)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Sony "Vegas Pro 9" is the best mid to high-end video editing software on the market. The package includes Vegas Pro 9 and DVD Architect Pro 5, providing DVD and Blu-Ray authoring support.
We have produced over 24 professional instructional videos using Vegas (starting with Vegas 4) and could not be happier with the results. Every step from capturing the footage off our MiniDV Camcorders, importing M2T files from our HD camcorders, editing video, applying effects, and authoring the master DVDs is a smooth process.
Here are some general observations:
* The interface has a nice layout right out of the box, but is also easily customized to suite your personal editing habits
* The included plugins are top notch and compare nicely with some of the high dollar add ons for Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects
* Easier to use and learn than Adobe Premiere Pro
* Almost Unlimited Video and Audio Tracks (at least 32)
* Great interactive tutorials are actually useful
* Great chromakey (greenscreen) functionality
Home and casual video editors might also want to consider Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9, which has most of the same features (with a limited number of Video and Audio tracts), but is much less expensive.
Highly recommended!
CFH

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Sony STR-DE695 - AV receiver - 5.1 channel Review

Sony STR-DE695 - AV receiver - 5.1 channel
Average Reviews:

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Recently my 1992 vintage Sony STR-D595 receiver went on the blink. So I was ready to replace it with something as close to the state-of-the-art as possible (without breaking the bank).
The STR-DE695 definitely delivers with 6.1 channel and HD-Pass component video capabilities. I have only two real complaints with this receiver. The AM radio section lacks any real sensitivity. Only the strongest stations will come thru and that is assuming you have a decent antenna attached. (Unfortunately, this is a common compaint with many lower end receivers.) If you live in a rural area and rely on good AM reception, this receiver is not for you.
The other is the user manual. Though I read it cover-to-cover prior to using the receiver, there are many areas it fails to cover. The Universal multi-function remote is not explained very well though it does work well once you get used to it. I have several components from different brands and this remote can handle most of them all pretty well. (If your stereo components are more than 10 years old, you may find the supplied remote to not be all that effective.)
All in all though: great sound, great capabilities, for a great price! (I bought mine for $239 plus tax.)
Chris

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Canon VIXIA HF S20 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder - 2010 MODEL Review

Canon VIXIA HF S20 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder - 2010 MODEL
Average Reviews:

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I am a professional photographer that needed a camcorder for our first baby on the way. I wanted a camcorder that produced outstanding full 1080P HD video, good optical stabilizer and ease of use. Canon delivers. I was blown away by the quality of the video shot in full auto mode. The colors, vibrance and razor sharp focus completely convinced me that my hard earned cash was well spent. The dynamic stabilizer is amazing. At wide angle, I shot a video one handed while walking my dog. Usually this results in severe motion sickness. Reviewing the video was incredible- very smooth, no jarring. At full telephoto (10x) some movement was noticeable....until you press the Powered IS button located on the bottom left of the LCD. I call it my virtual tri-pod. The Powered IS locks down the image. Completely acceptable, but more, amazing how well it works.
The LCD panel is gorgeous. It's a mini HD monitor. It's a touch panel that works. You can control everything from exposure, focus, aperature, shutter speed, video gain, and more. What's really cool is the Touch and Track feature. Say you have someone or something (works on objects too) that you want to keep in focus and property expose- just touch the person or thing on the LCD and a box forms around it. It's so sensitive you can touch someone's eye and the camera puts focus priority on the eye, vs the nose. This even works with my dog. Really impressed by that.
As for ease of use, the Auto mode is exactly that. Turn it on, point it and record. The camera is very intelligent and almost always selects the best settings for your subject. This is perfect for someone that doesnt really know a ton about photography/videography but wants to be able to capture life's precious moments. For more advanced users, there are various settings that will give you hours of fun playing with.
It has a pop-up video light which works well in a pinch. The hot shoe allows for more sophisticated lights and mics.
One gripe I do have is the battery performance. True, the LCD eats power, but come on, the standard battery only lasts 40-50 mins tops. Canon should include a larger capacity battery. Canon should also include a wall charger so when you shell out more money for a bigger battery, you can charge that while still using your beautiful camcorder.
So, to sum up, you will not be disapointed with the quality and ease of use of this camera. Make sure you get a bigger battery and getting a Hoya filter to protect your HD lens is a great idea.

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%3Cp%3E Canon%27s VIXIA HF S20 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder%2C with a 32GB internal flash drive and two SD memory card slots%2C offers Canon%27s most sophisticated feature set to date blurring the line between consumer and professional%2E Canon%27s superlative proprietary imaging technologies help deliver video and 8%2E0 megapixel photos with incredible detail and lifelike color%2E Touch %26amp%3B Track allows you to achieve sharp focus and precise exposure for any subject%2C simply by touching the generous 3%2E5%22 High Resolution Touch Panel LCD%2E Native 24p Mode perfectly matches the frame rate of film%2E And 5%2E1%2DChannel Surround Sound ensures your audio complements the stunning realism of your video%2E%3C%2Fp%3E

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