Sharp cuts cost of new digital devices
The electronics company hopes to increase the popularity of its products by introducing a new camcorder and MiniDisc player that cost less than their predecessors.
Sharp has begun shipping its $999.95 VL-SD20U portable digital camcorder and its $199 MD-MT15 portable MiniDisc music player, the company said today.
The new digital camcorder is designed to fit in the palm of the hand. The device features automatic brightness correction and a 3-inch LCD to view recorded images. It weighs a little more than one pound and can take still pictures as well as full-motion video. The VL-SD20U offers over three hours recording time, 10x optical zoom, and some visual effects such as image overlaps.
Sharp's camcorder connects to the PC using a high-speed IEEE 1394 connection to enable fast transfer of images, the company said. Sharp also sells an IEEE 1394 connection kit for $129, which includes image editing software for business and home use.
Sharp also today unveiled its new MiniDisc player and recorder, a portable device that plays the recordable two-inch discs. The new player represents Sharp's "commitment to growing the MiniDisc format," according to a statement by the company.
The new Sharp portable MiniDisc player features 10-second shock-resistant memory system, 100-character titles for personalized songs, and a 12-hour rechargeable battery.