Samsung Adds Hybrid DVD-Flash Memory to DVD Lineup

January 7, 2007 –  Today at CES, Samsung announced their first hybrid DVD/Flash memory camcorder the SC-DX10 ($629 MSRP), in addition to two new DVD camcorders the SC-D173 ($369 MSRP) and the SC-DC575 ($449 MSRP).

 

Designed to act as a backup when the DVD is full, the 4GB flash memory of the SC-DX10 only allows for a brief recording time. Hitachi already has a hybrid DVD/hard disk drive (HDD) camcorder in Japan and Europe (the DZ-HS301) which includes an 8GB hard drive. Sales of that model were very high in late 2006, and it looks as though Samsung may hope to capitalize on the popularity of this new type of camcorder. However, it is unclear if customers will take to the new camcorder when models boasting much larger hard drives are not much more expensive.

 

The SC-DX10 captures video with a 1-megapixel CCD sensor, includes a 34x Schenier lens, and can capture still images. Samsung is featuring Schneier lenses in a number of their new models this year.  

 

Samsung also announced two new standard DVD camcorders to replace last year’s models. The SC-D173 is affordably priced at $369.99, features a 1/6” 680k pixel CCD, and a 34x optical zoom. The more expensive SC-D575 (priced at $449.99) has a 28x zoom and a 1-megpixel image sensor. It also includes a 4-in-1 media card slot so the 1-megapixel still images captured can be saved to Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MMC and SD cards. As well as writing to DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW discs, it also supports mini dual layer DVD+R discs that can hold up to 55 minutes of video.

 

The SC-DX10 has a retail price of $629 (MSRP) and is not scheduled to hit stores until August 2007. The SC-D173 retails for $369 (MSRP) and will be available April 2007. The SC-DC575 retails for $449 (MSRP) and is scheduled for a May 2007 release.