Going HDD

Sony DCR-SR100

So, I finally decided on the make of the digital camcorder that the center should buy: the Sony Handycam DCR SR series.

The DCR series is Sony's hard disk drive series. These camcorders use no tape, save video directly to a hard disk drive, and can export video directly to a computer for fast editing via a USB 2.0 port. No conversion from Mini DV or DVD required.

There are 3 model numbers that I'm considering (in order of preference): DCR SR100 (~$850, released 2006); SR200 (~$850, releasing Mar 2007); and SR62 (~$650, releasing Mar 2007).


Sony DCR-SR62, so pretty!

Pros and Cons: Should I try and get the DCR SR100 now? Although current prices are much higher, ~$1000, than if I try to pre-order the 2007 models, even the SR200s. However, those don't hit stores until March. And maybe by then the SR100s, what's left of them, may go down. I'd actually prefer the SR100, because it still has a viewfinder! Meanwhile, the DCR SR62 is pretty reasonable, but its lens is a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, not the better T* lens that the 100s and 200s have.

Hmm ...

Mii and You!

So, for me, one of the most fun and addictive things about the Wii is the ability to make your own avatars, Mii characters.

After Roger and I created our requisite Mii doppelgangers (Roger in blue, and me in orange), we quickly added our own cast of celebrity favorites, including Big Papi, and characters from 30 Rock and Anchorman. (My brother set up the cast of Arrested Development and The Office on his own Wii, as well as one for the beloved Beard Papa.) Below are a few articles about the Mii channel:

Mii addiction:
http://tbo.com/life/MGB5AK4HFWE.html

Celebrity Mii contests:
http://www.kottke.org/06/12/celebrity-mii-contest-results

Online Mii generator:
http://www.joystiq.com/media/2006/10/mii.swf

Mii Plaza:
http://miiplaza.net/

More TV

Roger and I watch entirely too much television. In addition to all the sports that we watch (NFL, MLB, Sportscenter, ... and the occasional tennis and college basketball), we have an extensive list of primetime shows that we follow:

• 30 Rock*^
  
• Grey's Anatomy*
  
• How I Met Your Mother
  
• Heroes (this is mainly me ... for now!)
  
• The Office*
  
• Passport to Europe (on the Travel Channel)*
  
• Scrubs*
  
• Six Feet Under (reruns on Bravo)
  
• Ugly Betty*

Unfortunately, all the asterisked ones are on Thursday night, at about the same time. We usually tape the NBC shows and catch the ABC shows or Passport live. It's sad ... we need a DVR!

^(I "heart" Liz Lemon!)

More camcorders ... and a Vermont joke

So, in the process of doing more research on camcorders, I came across this review from my "new best friend" -- David Pogue from the New York Times.

Not only does he do a nice review of the Canon HV-10, but he wraps it up with a pretty good joke about Vermont.

Canon ZR800

Canon ZR800

We are thinking about changing the format for Radio Tuck from just podcasting to vodcasting. So, I'm shopping around for good quality, not-too-expensive digital camcorders for the center. Something that will be easy-to-use, and can easily transfer files, but still be able to record good video, and good (at least decent) audio.

I'm not very adept at electronics shopping, but I checked the regular sites: CNET, NY Times (which has a partnership with CNET apparently), camcorderinfo.com, pictureline.com, gizmodo.com, etc.

Top contender: the new Canon ZR800, which released last month.

As I want to be able to edit the taped interviews, I'm mainly looking at Mini DV camcorders, even though the trend seems to be more DVD camcorders for the budget shopper. And I don't need HD camcorders, since these interviews will mainly be used for the web only. The ZR800 also offers an input for an external microphone, as audio is a priority for me -- and the higher models only rely on the built-in.

I'm also considering the Canon Elura -- which, I've been reading, is a great camcorder, but has been discontinued by Canon -- and, maybe, the Panasonic PV-GS300, but that would be a little pricier.

We'll see which make and model wins!

The Newest Member of the Family

The Dude

We have a Wii. After enjoying my brother's Wii over the holidays - playing Tennis, Bowling, Baseball, and Boxing - Roger decided we needed one for our home. And here he is! Fresh from the Nashua Target store, all happy and glowing blue.

Roger named it "The Dude" in honor of Jeff Lebowski.