The DVP-NS300 is Sonys entry-level DVD player, but still boasts the comprehensive set-up controls of the more expensive models. It also carries Sonys TV Virtual Surround and a Block Noise Reduction system to improve picture quality. On professionally encoded modern DVDs the effect of this is negligible, but it does help with some of the early DVDs which were poorly encoded, helping to reduce artefacts.

The first thing that strikes you about this player as you pull it from its box, is that it ..

Plummeting prices have meant DVD recorders are now starting to become a practical replacement for the humble VCR. Philips DVDR70 is a perfect example, giving amazing picture quality, up to six hours of recording on one disc and the ability to re-record as often as you like, using reusable DVD+RW media as well as slightly cheaper, single-use, DVD+R discs.

Installation is quick and easy, with a single-sheet Quick Install Guide provided in the box so you dont even have to open the manua..

The first 40-speed CD burner on the market, the Plextor 40x12x40, offers some of the faster drive times around.

Plextor are well known for producing some of the highest quality CD drives, and has been doing for many years. This know-how gave them the edge being first to market with a 40-speed CD writer, but this isnt the only new feature to make it into the drive. Plextor claim the new black tray used by the drive reduces errors while burning, and new drive electronics aim to improve burning..

The Olympus C-1 has all the key functions of a brand-name digital camera, but at a price previously reserved for imitations. Olympus was one of the first companies to see the potential of digital photography and now has a wide range of cameras from fully-professional SLRs down to happy-snappy cameras like the C-1. You can liken the C-1 to a typical compact 35 mm film camera, the type you might take on holiday with you to capture the best moments with the minimum of setting up.

The C-1 follows..

Philips CDR 775 audio CD recorder brings high-speed recording and hard-wired convenience to a new level of affordability. The deck works equally well as a recorder and as a player, thanks to its abundant hook-up options. It doesnt muster the stellar quality from its analogue outputs that youll find in pricier CD recorders and players, though the digital outputs sound fine.

The CDR 775 is equally happy receiving data from either of the two established means of digital audio transmission (opti..