LOVE IT!

I have had this product now since mid 2006. LOVE IT! I have transferred nearly 100 VHS to DVD with no effort or trouble. Once I converted our library, I discovered how easily it works with a new mini-dvd camcorder. I pop the mini dvd in a DVD player hooked to the product and can now combine several mini DVD's onto one large DVD, I can perform simple edit functions and add a music soundtrack from my iPod too! I have an iPod and optional cord to show video / slideshow on TV -- instead, I run it to this product and make slideshows with music soundtract on DVD. Sure I could do all this on a computer, but why fiddle with software and the like when this machine does it all! DVD -- VHS -- iPod -- camcorder all run to this product fabulously and the DVDs it makes work in everyone's DVD player. LOVE IT!

LOVE IT!

I have had this product now since mid 2006. LOVE IT! I have transferred nearly 100 VHS to DVD with no effort or trouble. Once I converted our library, I discovered how easily it works with a new mini-dvd camcorder. I pop the mini dvd in a DVD player hooked to the product and can now combine several mini DVD's onto one large DVD, I can perform simple edit functions and add a music soundtrack from my iPod too! I have an iPod and optional cord to show video / slideshow on TV -- instead, I run it to this product and make slideshows with music soundtract on DVD. Sure I could do all this on a computer, but why fiddle with software and the like when this machine does it all! DVD -- VHS -- iPod -- camcorder all run to this product fabulously and the DVDs it makes work in everyone's DVD player. LOVE IT!

Archive your old video while you still can!

This is a simply amazing device. It is affordable, functional and nicely designed. I have waited many years to get this level of functionality for this low price. I have been editing my old 8mm video directly onto dvd and it works great. The picture quality is superb when copied from 20 year old 8mm videotape. Rave review in the NY Times "Circuits" section for March 8.

Archive your old video while you still can!

This is a simply amazing device. It is affordable, functional and nicely designed. I have waited many years to get this level of functionality for this low price. I have been editing my old 8mm video directly onto dvd and it works great. The picture quality is superb when copied from 20 year old 8mm videotape. Rave review in the NY Times "Circuits" section for March 8.

Excellent Value

I needed a simpler way to copy my VHS tapes to DVD and had spent lots $$ on other machines. The Sony unit is the most direct way to get the job done for a quite reasonable price. My other units have far more capability than I needed and at times produced DVD that were not able to be read on differnt vintage DVD players, the Sony unit has produced reliable and consistent DVDs that I've used on a wide range of DVD players. Like my other dubbing equipment, the Sony has features I'm not planning to use at this time, but the sheer simplicity of the Sony unit makes it a delight for speedy copying of home movies to DVDs.

How much easier can it get?

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!

Sony VRD-MC1

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.

Sony VRD-MC1

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.

Get the newer VRD-MC3 model

In great excitement, I carefully opened the VRD-MC1 box.

Then: Like a good boy I followed the Operating Instructions manual's advice to ensure I had the latest software/firmware from the Sony support site.

Ooops, when I got to the support site, I discovered there is a newer model: the Sony VRD-MC3.

So, without having even touched the VRD-MC1 device itself, I slipped the Getting Started and Operating Instructions manuals back into their plastic bag, and returned the VRD-MC1 to Amazon.

Then, I ordered a VRD-MC3. Which, sadly, does not currently ship direct from Amazon (sigh).

Among other things, the VRD-MC3 has a 2.5 inch LCD screen rather than the VRD-MC1's 2.0 inch LCD screen. And includes newer Nero burning software. And there are other differences.

More importantly in my way of looking at things, the Sony Support site info on how to update the software on the newer VRD-MC3 looks way smoother.

My bottom line: the VRD-MC1 might work great, but now that I know there is a newer VRD-MC3  more