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Sanyo has released a new model for their Xacti handheld camcorder series, the Xacti CG9. Boasting of a 9.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 40MB of internal memory, a 5x optical zoom and H.264 video codec. Sanyo is touting the Xacti CG9 as an entry level video camcorder. Hence the move from the usual Xacti CCD to CMOS, probably to enable Sanyo to put a competitive price to the Xacti CG9 since they are targeting the entry-level video camcorder users. But still, the CMOS sensor will produce decent quality videos and high quality still images as well. The Xacti CG9 also boast of 60/fps video recording capability.

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Back at the Podcast and Portable Media Expo, Samson (not a typo) showed off its new pocket audio recorder, the Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder.  The device has two condenser microphones that are positioned for stereo audio recording.  According to TG Daily, the H4 is “slightly smaller than a paperback book” and decked out with buttons and switches along its sides.  If you’re not down with using the internal mics, the H4 has inputs for your standard XLR or 1/4” external mics.  You can record 24-bit/96 KHz audio at up to 320 kb/s sampling rate.

The H4 records in WAV or MP3 format straight onto any SD card.  The battery life is around 4 hours (way more than enough for your average podcast).  Look out for it this week, because the Zoom H4 is shipping for $300.

[Photo courtesy TG Daily]

Read [TG Daily]

Sony’s new HDD DVD Recorders were introduced to the European market in two models, the RDR-HX725 and RDR-HX925.  The recorders are compatible with DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD-RW/DVD+RW Recording (dual RW compatibility).  The 725 uses a 160 GB hard drive, can hold up to 40 shows per month, and allows the user to pause live TV.  The 925 model has a 250 GB drive for storing more programs.

Sony’s IQ recording system is new for this device, and according to Sony, “(It)encapsulates all of Sony’s ‘Intelligent’ and ‘Quality’ recording features such as DV terminal (i.LINK) for one-touch dubbing, Set-Top-Box Control, Pause Live TV, Chasing Playback, easy to use GUI and HQ+ high quality recording mode for Top picture quality… It’s really that simple: 1, 2 and 3!”

Check out the product page.

Read [Pocket-lint]

The new Sharp DV-ARV22 is a 3-in-1 recorder for your living room. It has a 250 GB hard drive, VHS slot (with record functionality) and a CD/DVD player/recorder. The DV-ARC22 can dub at high speeds between the three sources. It has HDMI outputs, Firewire and Ethernet inputs, and has an easy to read front panel (orange light shows recording and a blue light is playback). Finally, it will be available in Japan (no word stateside) on March 15 for 150,000 Yen ($ 1300).

Read [New Launches]