Tags: camcorder, easy, home, roxio

Home cinema systems: Are kits or components right for you?

Whether you want to buy a home theatre in a box or go the components route, you'll need to decide which way is best for you right from the start.

A budget camcorder is not without its compromises, but these three camcorders should satisfy most casual videographers out there.

JVC Everio GZ-HD5

The HD5 features a 60GB hard disk, high-def 1920x1080 recording and a 10x optical zoom lens. Unfortunately, it records in JVC's MPEG2-TS format, rather than the more popular AVCHD format.
JVC Everio GZ-HM200B

There's no built-in memory or hard disk capacity with the HM200, just two SD/SDHC card slots. You do get a 20x optical zoom lens and AVCHD recording, though.
JVC Everio GZ-MG630

Recording on to a 60GB hard disk, the standard-def MG630 features a 35x optical zoom lens.
JVC Everio GZ-MG680

A standard-def hard disk-based camcorder, the MG680 features 120GB of storage and a 35x optical zoom lens.
Canon Legria HF21

Sporting 64GB of on-board flash memory, the HF21 should have plentiful space for its 24Mbps high-def footage. It also features headphone and microphone jacks, as well as 15x optical zoom lens.
Canon Legria HFS11

With its 64GB of built-in flash memory, the HF S11 has plenty of space for recording 24Mbps 1920x1080 high-def footage. It also features a 10x zoom lens, microphone and headphone jacks, and stereo sound recording.
Kodak Zx1

Kodak's rugged portable video camera will appeal to outdoor shooters, once they get over the unit's strange controls.
Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10EXBK HD Dual Camera

Sanyo's entry-level portable camcorder is very portable indeed, but suffers with some design and implementation flaws.

Camcorder basics

Thinking of buying a camcorder? Just got one? Let's take a look behind the specs and see what you've got in your hands.
Getting to know your camcorder
What storage should I get in my camcorder?

There are many types of camcorders on the market, and all take different types of storage. We look into what's available, so you can decide what's best for you.
Perfectly calibrate your LCD TV

Want to adjust your flat-panel TV to get the best image for your DVDs? Here's how.

iRiver's Wave Home

There's been a little bit of buzz at CES here about the iRiver Wave Home, which marries a networked multimedia device with a communications hub to form a kitchen/home office-friendly gadget.
VTech enters the home-audio market with music-streaming device

In an interesting move, VTech, the makers of wireless home phones, has entered the home-audio fray with the IS9181, a Wi-Fi-enabled internet radio receiver.
Samsung's 'world's first' camcorder not exactly a breakthrough

Samsung is always good for at least one "world's first" product at CES, but we have to say the recent camcorder announcement is a bit of a "meh".
Oregon Scientific's thrill-seeking camcorder

Action lovers need not worry about capturing their high jinx anymore with the ATC3K.

How to take video in total darkness

All sorts of interesting things happen in the dark, but how do you take a video of them? These tips will help you shoot video in even the darkest places.
Build the perfect baby video

With the imminent arrival of a new baby, your life will become a whirlwind. If you're planning to capture the whole experience on video, plan carefully and you'll have a priceless record of those fleeting early days.
How to build a wireless network

CNET.com.au's step-by-step guide to using a wireless router to share an Internet connection and build a wireless network at home.
CNET.com.au's quick guide to buying a home theatre projector

Our quick guide helps you identify the key features that matter most when shopping for a projector.

Live Interior 3D Standard

Home and office interior design software.
Homerun Battle 3D for iPhone

Play in a home run derby to beat your own high score or against other players online.
ShareTool

Extend Bonjour across the Internet securely.
Digital Audio Editor

Record music or voice, edit with a set of effects, mix it with other audio parts.

Get (laptop) smart before you buy

Win the numbers game and get the laptop that's perfect your needs as well as your budget!
Microsoft Windows® 7. Your PC, simplified.

Windows® 7 has been designed to be more reliable, more responsive, and to make the things you do every day easier.
Whereis® maps

If you’d like to get to know more of Australia, and do it safely, then check out Whereis® maps.