Share ware
Convenience is king for users of JVC's slim GZ-MS100AH camcorder (below). The device, which records to a 16-gigabyte SD memory card instead of a hard disk, does more than shoot crisp, clean video. It also makes sharing videos simple for YouTube users. First install the provided CyberLink software on a Windows-based personal computer. Press the YouTube upload button and the trigger to ensure the length of video recordings is no more than 10 minutes (the same time limit for YouTube clips). This helps speed up, or dispense with, post-editing. After recording, connect the camcorder to a personal computer via a USB cable and press the upload button. A few more mouse clicks and the video is ready for everyone to see online. The JVC Everio GZ-MS100AH camcorder, with a high-performance Konica Minolta lens, costs HK$3,480.
Get into the groove
No computer is needed when copying music from your precious vinyl records to a compact disc with Japanese electronics firm Teac's GF-350 turntable and CD recorder system (right). The process is simple: load a blank digital audio CD in the drawer-type recorder, place your record on the turntable, press record and lower the tone arm. Everything old is new again. Designed with a black case with wood-grain texture, the device has built-in stereo speakers, a headphone jack, 32-track music memory and a remote control. Available at Fortress, the 10.2kg Teac GF-350 unit, which also has an AM/FM tuner, costs HK$2,580.
A better view
Sony covers all the bases, in terms of video signals, with its DST-HD100H digital terrestrial television receiver (below), a useful piece of equipment with which to watch high-definition action from the Olympic Games. Designed with a sleek chassis and a stylish blue-light on the front panel, it supports all high- and standard-definition TV broadcasts in Hong Kong. It also fully complies with the mainland's digital terrestrial TV standard, GB20600-2006. Users will find the menu functions - including support for interactive services - are well laid out and navigation is easy with the remote. The Sony DST-HD100H receiver is priced at HK$2,380.
