Sony Camcorder/Audio NW-HD1 Network Walkman Digital Music

The NW-HD1, Network Walkman Digital Music Player, Store up to 13,000 tracks in ATRAC3plus format. Up to 30 hours of playback, Transfer Internet Downloads and Recordings, USB Cradle for PC Connection and Recharging, Compatible with Sony s Connect Online Music Service SilverMODEL: NW-HD1 VENDOR: SONY CONSUMER FEATURES: Network Walkman Digital Music Player- Silver If your battery dies, so does your music. That is why Sony developed the NW-HD1 Hard Drive Digital Music Player. It features up to 30 hours playback with built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The other guy only gives you 12 hours, and that is not cool. But what about capacity? The NW-HD1 can store up to 13,000 tracks at 48kbps when using Sony’s ATRAC3plus audio format. Plus, it fits comfortably into the palm of your hand, and is easily carried in a pocket or purse. It comes with a USB cradle for PC connection and recharging, and includes accessories like headphones, carrying pouch and AC power adaptor.

* World’s Smallest 1.8″ 20GB Hard Drive Digital Music Player (as of June, 2004) Fits comfortably into the palm of a hand or is easily carried in pocket or purse.


* Compatible with the Connect music store Download music to your Sony portable audio device and select from an extensive library of over 650,000 songs with new tracks added each week. Install the Connect music store/Sonic Stage software on your PC and access music from your favorite artists. Browse, listen to samples and download songs for 99 cents or entire albums for $9.99 and up. http://www.connect.com/


* Up to 30 hours playback with built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery Internal Rechargeable Battery Provides Up to 30 Hours Continuous Playback (ATRAC3 Audio Playback) and can be charged in the supplied charging cradle. Quick charge feature allows battery to be charged to 80% capacity in one hour.


* G-Sensor Shock Protection provides impact protection.


* Store up to 13,000 Tracks At 48kbps when using Sony’s ATRAC3plus audio form


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Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition Memory Stick PRO Duo Handycam Camcorder With 12x Optical Zoom

The palm-sized Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition Memory Stick PRO Duo media Handycam camcorder is the world’s first camcorder to feature both Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology. With Smile Shutter, the HDR-CX12 can detect smiles and automatically capture still images, even while recording video. 1920 x 1080 Full High Definition video resolution and 10.2 megapixel still image recording ensure your memories are preserved in stunning detail. Thanks to the HDR-CX12’s small size and light weight design, it makes an ideal travel companion, so you can record that perfect moment, wherever you are. The HDR-CX12 records high definition video and still images directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo media (4 GB MS included), making it easy to transfer your memories to your computer or other compatible devices. You can also use the HDMI connection to enjoy high-definition video and 5.1 channel audio right on your HDTV.

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Sony NWZA818BLK 8GB Walkman Video MP3 Player

Jam out to your favorite music, watch crystal clear full-motion video and enjoy your photos on a beautiful color-rich screen with the NWZ-A818BLK Walkman(R) Video MP3 player. The slim-line player lets you see it all on its high-resolution 2″ QVGA LCD screen. It supports playback of MP3 and WMA DRM and non-DRM audio files downloaded from multiple sources, as well as non-DRM AAC content, giving you multiple options for downloading music the way you want.

Small enough to slip into a bag or pocket, the 2GB NWZ-S818BLK Walkman(R) Video MP3 player can store up to 5,050 songs, over 30 hours of video or hundreds of photographs, giving you the delight of multimedia entertainment anytime, anyplace. MP3/WMA/AAC Audio Codec Support 4 Clear Audio Technologies Utilizes 4 Clear Audio Technologies to reproduce crystal clear, CD-quality audio Time Machine Shuffle plays among songs from a randomly selected year Bi-Directional LCD Display

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Sony DCR-DVD108 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 40x Optical Zoom

Record directly to DVD with the DCR-DVD108. It’s compatible with DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R DL (Dual Layer) media formats. This affordable, high-quality camcorder is ideal for those looking to enter the realm of recording directly to a 3-inch DVD.

DCR-DVD108 Highlights

1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager 1/6-inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K effective pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance.

40x optical/2000x digital zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario- Tessar lens Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.

DVD format video recording The DVD recording format delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD. Playback of the DVDs couldn’t be simpler. After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the disc can play back in most DVD players, computers and even PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 video game consoles.

DVD-R/-RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) compatible The DCR-DVD108 is compatible with a variety of DVD formats, allowing the easy of use and simplicity found in DVD media. With DVD+RW media there is no need to finalize the disc (minimum recording time required). Simply remove the disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD player.

2.5-inch touch-panel SwivelScreen LCD Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high-resolution, 123K-pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles and provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback.

Memory Stick Duo media slot Capture still images up to 640 x 480 resolution directly onto Memory Stick Duo media, then transfer to PCs for emailing, printing or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices.

Visual index screen Shows thumbnail images of video clips and still images when playing back on your camcorder or DVD player, making your selection easier.

Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization An advanced version of Sony’s SteadyShot Image Stabilization system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some other image stabilization systems.

InfoLithium battery with AccuPower meter system Charge the battery at any time because, unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony’s rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subject to a life shortening “memory effect.” Sony’s exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Manual focus Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder’s auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.

Super NightShot Plus infrared system With Sony’s Super NightShot Infrared System, you can capture natural-looking video even when shooting in low light. Record subjects up to 20 feet away using the built-in infrared system, but without the overall monochrome color common with earlier low-light recording systems.

Stamina battery power management system Using the optional NP-FH1000 InfoLithium battery, the DCR-DVD108 can continuously record for up to 9 hours (LCD or viewfinder) on a single full charge, providing extra long battery life.

Scene selection modes Scene selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Snow, Sports, Spotlight, Sunrise & Sunset and Twilight.

Picture effects Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony’s Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Pastel, Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Pastel, Sepia.

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Sony DVP-FX820/P 8-Inch Portable DVD Player, Pink

Take the cinema on the road. Watch your favorite DVDs anytime you want with the DVP-FX820 portable DVD player. Boasting a swivel screen and rugged design, this device is perfect for people on the go.Watch movies anytime and anywhere you want with Sony’s cool DVP-FX820 Portable DVD Player. With a 6-hour battery life, an 8″ high-resolution swivel screen that provides a clear and crisp picture from any angle, 2 headphone jacks for sharing, and a car adapter that ensures your movies outlast even the longest road trip. And when you want more than movies, the FX820 plays your CDs or MP3s, and lets you view your personal photo albums. Control buttons are located on the screen bezel for ease of use. Skipping or fast forwarding a scene is so easy to do, either with the control buttons or with the dual-sensor remote control. This portable DVD player is so lightweight and compact that you can carry it anywhere you go. Though it is designed for adults, its durability is certainly built for kids.

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Sony XDR-S10HDIP HD Clock Radio with iPod Dock

It’s time to upgrade your clock radio! Combining high fidelity HD Radio technology and an iPod docking station, the Sony XDR-S10HDiP HD Radio with iPod compatibility is the first tabletop radio of its kind from Sony. Perhaps the most exciting feature is its iTunes Tagging capability, enabling the user to save song information with the touch of a button while listening to an HD Radio station.

How many times have you heard a song on the radio you’d really like to hear again? Wouldn’t it be great if you could tag that song and buy it? With an iTunes Tagging enabled HD Radio receiver you can. When you hear a song you like on your local FM HD Radio station, you simply hit the ?tag? button. The song’s info will be saved from your HD Radio receiver to your iPod. The songs will show up in a playlist called “Tagged” in iTunes the next time you sync your iPod to your computer. So you can click, download and buy the songs you want directly from the Apple iTunes Music Store. With this Sony XDR-S10HDIP HD Clock Radio with iPod Dock, you will be able to tag songs while you listen to your favorite music in pure crystal-clear digital sound. And if that isn’t enough, many HD Radio stations now are broadcasting additional digital channels called HD2 and HD3, all subscription-free.

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Sony DVPCX995V 400-Disc DVD Mega Changer/Player

Conveniently store your entire DVD library (or all your favorite CDs and Super Audio CDs) in the Sony DVPCX995V 400-disc, progressive scan Mega Changer–the perfect tool for organizing your media library as well as providing extraodinary high definition sound and video to your home theater. It up-scales video to high-definition (1080i/720p) resolution and transmits high quality audio through a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). It also features a redesigned Disc Explorer on-screen graphic interface, providing intuitive and easy access to the expansive disc library. With the ability to conveniently house and sort through 400 media discs, this cool player can eliminate the need for racks and racks of CD and DVD storage.

Technical details:
* 400-disc mega DVD and SACD changer; measures 17 x 7.8 x 21.1 inches (WxHxD)
* Up-converts video to high-definition (1080i/720p) resolution
* Compatible with SACD, DVD-RW/-R/+RW/+R, MP3, JPEG, CD-RW/-R, VCD and SVCD formats
* Outputs: 1 HDMI, 1 component, 2 S-Video, 2 composite, 1 coaxial audio, 1 optical audio, 1 multi-channel
* Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel output

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Sony DVP-NS90V HDMI/SACD 1080i Upscaling DVD Player

Superior technology from a single disc DVD player. The DVP-NS90V single disc DVD player packs impressive technologies that enhance your movie and music experience. Precision Drive System corrects a warped disc’s response for fewer image errors by adjusting the lens rather than the entire optical block for more accurate source playback. Other features such as the Precision Cinema Progressive technology detect image changes at the pixel level instead of at the scan line level like most traditional DVD players do. By measuring algorithms, the DVP-NS90V adjusts for pixel behavior resulting in sharp backgrounds with moving objects that are virtually free from motion artifacts. The DVP-NS90V also offers MP3 Playback ,when using MP3 encoded discs, so you can select the perfect music folder to round out your day.

Technical details:
* Precision Drive 3 System - simplifies the process of dealing with warped discs, by moving the lens instead of the entire optical block - for faster, and more accurate error correction
* Precision Cinema Progressive Technology - detects image changes at the pixel level, and optimizes the picture using special algorithms. Resulting in sharp backgrounds with moving objects that are virtually free from motion artifacts
* 720p/1080i Upscaling of video and delivery through an HDMI connection
* SA-CD Playback
* MP3 Playback

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Sony Cybershot DSC-T20 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot (Black)

Ultra-slim dimensions, sleek design and four fashion color choices make the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T20 camera a brilliant style accessory to capture and relive the magic of life. Its 8.1-megapixel resolution captures more detail for big prints and tight comps. The advanced Bionz processor powers new capabilities like Face Detection, in-camera retouching and red-eye reduction, D-Range Optimization, and 9-Point AF. The Sony Double Anti-Blur Solution lets you shoot sharp, clear low-light images without flash to preserve the mood — and new HD output lets you share memories with family and friends with spectacular high-definition clarity and impact on compatible HDTV screens

Technical details:
* 8.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
* Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens; 2.5-inch LCD display
* High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200) allows for shooting even in low-light conditions
* MPEG Movie VX Fine mode captures VGA (640 x 480) audio/video clips at high frame rate
* HD output; HD slide show with music feature

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Sony KDL-40V2500 40″ Bravia V-Series 1080p LCD HDTV

Pack in the sports, movies and games with an amazing backlit 40″ picture1, amplified and enhanced surround sound, and the convenience of sleep timer and picture freeze. Plug in your PC and up to 7 other components—including HDMI™—to create the full entertainment experience. And enjoy the quality and style that can only come from a Bravia™ TV.

Feature List BRAVIA Engine™ Full Digital Video Processor: BRAVIA™ V-Series LCD televisions use Sony’s BRAVIA Engine™ full digital video processor for crisp and clear images. Several special picture enhancement technologies are integrated into the processor to create better gradations and details, enhance contrast, dynamically improve color, and reduce image flicker.

Technical details:
* 16:9 1080p HD Resolution Panel (1920 x 1080)
* BRAVIA ENGINE Full Digital Video Processor
* Live Color Creation (WCG-CCFL) backlight
* ATSC Tuner
* HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) x 3

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Sony's Magic Wand - Walkman NW-S203FS

Sony's Walkman range has been a bit down and out for a while but they are trying hard to revive it. Most recently with the NW-S range of Walkmans, specifically designed for working out be it in the gym or on the pavement. It may look a bit like a test tube but it don’t let its minute size and phallic looks deceive you it packs a real punch.


Is it ready to use?

No. You have to install the Sony's very own sync software which is relatively easy to use but not nearly as seamless as it rival iTunes. The software will not run on Windows Vista which is a bit of a problem as now all PC's sold come with Vista.
After you have installed the software it will automatically scan your hard drive for music. Soon you will have your entire music collection on that one program. Now you can go on to create playlists and select what music you want on your Walkman.
Your Walkman is now ready to use, stacked full of your favourite tunes.

Is it easy to use?

As I previously stated the sync software provided, which is the only software the Walkman will work with is relatively easy to use but it could be better.
The Walkman itself is controlled by what I can only call a joystick on top of the device. The joystick moves up and down parallel to the device and clicks in at three stages, the first to select the ‘albums’, the second to select ‘artists’ and the final stage to lock all buttons on the device. It also moves side to side to select the track or option you prefer. It is not rocket science to use the Walkman but it lacks the pick it up and you know how it works of the iPod nano. This is understandable as it has a tiny little LED screen which only displays one line at a time.
Sony has included a cool new feature on the Walkman, which I admit, is a bit of a pain to set up, as you have to put in how much you weigh, how tall you are and the distance between steps when running and walking, which is not that easy using that little joystick. But it is all worth it as this little Sony Walkman comes with a built in G-Sensor which in ‘sport mode’ using what they call ‘Active Playlists’ is able using two playlists of your choice, to switch between the two playlists depending on whether you are walking or running. It also gives you a detailed summary of your run (or walk) after you reach your pre-selected goal, which can be set to distance, time or calories burnt.

Is it value for money?

When we received the Walkman about two weeks ago, here at Gadget.co.za where very surprised to find the amount of accessories we did in the box, the Walkman came with, as standard an arm strap and headphones (which I will comment on later), this may not seem so amazing but look what features it comes with inside it. The Walkman comes with a Pedometer (G-Sensor), an FM radio, stopwatch, calorie counter.
To get these features including the armband will cost you over R2 000 if you had to buy them as accessories to the Apple iPod as none of them come as standard. So the iPod nano 2gig with the same features as the Walkman 2gig would cost in total R3 614, approximately R2000 more than the equivalent Walkman NW-S.
Let’s not mention the fact it’s water resistant and it’s made out of aluminium.
The only serious criticism I have for the Walkman is their so-called ‘sports-style headphones’ have to be the stupidest things ever designed by mankind; they are massive so they only fit geriatrics, the cord is far too long and they keep on falling out when doing anything bedsides have tea . In their favour the sound quality decent though.
But starting at a relatively cheap R1 200 for a 1gig you can afford to get yourself a new pair of headphones.
In conclusion the Sony Walkman NW-S203FS is a brilliant piece of equipment that every runner should own, it works well, sounds great (with headphones that fit) and is very well prised. Unfortunately it does not have the cool factor of the iPod so it won’t create any dent in sales for Apple, but it should.