Sharp Announces New Digital Viewcam With Exclusive Editing Capabilities

Extending its line of cutting-edge digital video products, Sharp Electronics today announced the VL-FD1U Viewcam -- a fully featured digital camcorder with enhanced image quality and unique editing functionality.
The compact, lightweight VL-FD1U measures just 5 1/2" (W) X 1 7/8" (H) X 3 3/8" (D) and weighs a mere 1.2 pounds (without the battery pack and cassette) and fits easily into a backpack, briefcase or purse so you won't miss any of the action. The VL-FD1U offers a 3.5-inch color touch screen that folds flat for added protection and carrying convenience.

"Sharp Electronics is committed to providing consumers with versatile and advanced digital video tools that are innovative yet uncomplicated and fun to use," said Robert Pleyer, product marketing manager, Video Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "From the board room to the birthday party to the family vacation, VL-FD1U's compactness and unique editing capabilities make it ideal for recording all types of activities."

New "Caseless" Design
The VL-FD1U is Sharp's first Viewcam to incorporate a lens cover that flips open and closed. Another feature unique to this model is Sharp's new reverse-swivel LCD view screen, which can be easily rotated 180 degrees into a closed position protecting the exposed LCD screen from scratches when the camera is not in use. Together, these features shield the unit from general wear and tear prolonging the life of the camera and virtually eliminating the need for a camera case.

Versatile Functionality
For convenient operation and editing, the VL-FD1U is equipped with touch screen operation and ink annotation input to allow users to write and "doodle" directly on screen. With a provided pen stylus, users can customize video footage using a variety of shapes and colors, along with preformatted titles and background designs to further enhance original movies. In addition, the VL-FD1U offers thumbnail indexing for quick and easy editing. Instead of searching an entire tape, footage is divided into snapshot images to allow users to instantly identify and return to specific video segments.

Sharp's Exclusive Digital Gamma Correction Playback Circuit
The VL-FD1U boasts Sharp's exclusive Digital Gamma Correction technology, that minimizes dark areas in a video by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portion of the image unaffected, significantly improving video quality.

Enhanced Picture Quality
Sharp's large, colorful LCD screen also offers low (one percent) light reflectivity for improved picture quality. By absorbing 99 percent of all reflective light, the VL-FD1U is the ultimate tool for recording well in all lighting conditions, both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, the VL-FD1U features a new 380,000 - pixel progressive scan CCD, while offering up to 500 lines of resolution for clear image reproduction.

Capture Still Images
The VL-FD1U's photo mode uses Sharp's Still Frame Technology to deliver high quality still images. Even fast moving objects can be captured faithfully, providing consumers with images clear and free from video noise.

Quick Connection to a PC
Transferring still images to a PC is easier than ever with Sharp's VL-FD1U Digital Viewcam. Utilizing IEEE-1394 (i-Link) technology, users can download video images from their Viewcam to a computer and vice versa, thus offering greater editing freedom. For quick, easy video connections to PCs, TVs and VCRs, the VL-FD1U has all output jacks--including DV, RS 232 communications port still-image transfer, S-video, composite video and an audio out -- built right into the main unit.

Video Capture Software
Users of Sharp's VL-FD1U have the option to purchase a PC Connection kit (suggested retail price of $129.00), which makes it easy to transfer digital images from a camcorder to a PC via an ordinary RS-232C connection to edit, process and create customized images. The package contains versatile software, including PixLab Browser, Photo Suite 8.0 and a special cable to facilitate the image transfer and connection. Once loaded, the PhotoSuite 8.0 software enables you to manipulate images using more than 20 special effects filters to make creative and personalized greeting cards, stickers or calendars, for example. Files can also be saved in various formats, allowing users to create screen savers and slide shows, or use the video images for business presentations and professional documents.

The VL-FD1U is also outfitted with the following key features:

• Long Play/Recording -- The unit offers up to 50 percent longer recording time in LP mode; for example, a 60 minute DV cassette will record for 90 minutes in LP mode
• Digital Image Stabilization -- To prevent uneven footage, the VL-FD1U compensates for unexpected motion and shaking associated with filming
• Zooming Capabilities -- The Viewcam boasts 10x optical 200x digital zooms for up-close image recording
• Self-Record Mode -- Sharp's LCD rotates 270 degrees so that the person recording the video can easily become the subject as well
• Still-Image Overlap -- As one image fades out, another image fades in, creating more artistic video images

Supplied Accessories
The VL-FD1U also is equipped with a variety of accessories, including an AC adapter/charger for easy connection to other audio visual equipment, pen stylus for use with ink annotation feature, battery pack, DC and AV cable, shoulder strap, lens cap, tripod adapter and two lithium ion batteries for extended viewing and recording.

The VL-FD1U will be available later this month for the suggested retail price of $1599.95.

For more information on Sharp's VL-FD1U and other Viewcam products, call 1-800-BE-SHARP. For on-line product information, visit Sharp's Web site at www.sharp-usa.com.

Source: Sharp