Ultra Cool Gadgets

Sony’s HVL-HIRL video light serves two functions in one device. It works as an infrared NightShot light and 3-watt video light for Sony camcorders that fits easily as HotShoe accessory. The NightShot function works up to 23 feet, and the Super NightShot up to 66 feet. The light is powered by the camera battery, so it automatically shuts off when the handycam is put in standby mode. When it becomes dark, the HVL-HIRL has automatic and manual settings for variable light intensity. Light dimensions are 1.5 by 2.38 by 1.59 inches, and weight is 0.9 pounds. Also includes accessory pouch.

Technical Details:
Works as infrared ray light and 3-watt video light for NightShot
Fits easily as HotShoe accessory for Sony Handycams
NightShot works up to 23 feet, Super NightShot up to 66 feet
Automatic and manual settings for variable light intensity
Includes accessory pouch

Customer feedback:

1. This light is great! I keep it mounted on my video camera and I never miss a shot due to low light. The light really improves indoor shots. The IR light is an added bonus for capturing night shots that the built in IR just can’t reach.

2. I’m a member of a paranormal investigation group so IR nightshot is a must. What came with my camera (Sony HDR-HC5) was good but not as good as it could be with this attachment. I can already tell a drastic increase in the night shot capabilities. This is definitely recommended by me if you need to do anything in low light such as film paranormal anomolous activity or even just tape drunk uncle Jimmy running around the yard at night.

Expand your camcorder’s lighting possibilities with the Sony HVL-HFL1 combination video light and flash. Just attach it to your compatible Handycam camcorder’s accessory shoe to get brilliant light for shooting in dark situations, or a flash for still photography. The HVL-HFL1’s auto function feature automatically turns the video light on whenever the lighting is poor. It is powered by the camcorder, so there is no need for an external battery. A handy storage pouch is included to protect the light whenever it is disconnected from your camcorder.

Technical Details:
Combination video light and flash for compatible Handycam camcorders
Power is supplied by the camcorder; no need for external batteries
Provides bright lighting for shooting in dark places
Built-in flash for still photography on a camcorder
Compact, lightweight and easy to store

Customer feedback:

1. I just received the HVL-HFL1 (video light and flash). It is small, light and compact but since I ordered, I realize the HVL-HL1 (video light only) is available and is about $100 less. Since the DVD-403 comes with a flash (albeit small), I am going to return and reorder the HVL-HL1 which is about $40. The video light was the main reason for ordering this for me. If you do want the flash capability, it does look well built and stylish (and did I say small). I guess the small size is a benefit of using the camcorder battery (rather than built in).

2. Works in well 5 to 20 ft away. There is no ajustablity for close recording. the light shots over the top of subject for video at 5 ft or less. the flash feature is perfect.

Broaden your field of view with these high grade lenses.They offer unmatched ease of use, making them the accessories of choice for reducing distortion and boosting image detail in a wide angle format.

Technical Details:
0.7x wide-angle converter lens for 37mm/30mm diameter camcorders
Certified High Definition picture quality
The lightest conversion lens for HD
Easily squeeze and attach lens

Customer feedback:

1. I own a Sony HDR-XR520V (as of March 2009 Sony’s top consumer HD camcorder) and this lens fits perfectly without any adapters. It’s a bit heavy and bulky but it gives you great shots that look professional. Perfect for ‘Letterbox’ recording. It does not support additional filters though and recommends that you do not use them with it either. I would like to see a filter marketed that could be attached over this lens by a rubber ring. Or (even better) a rubber ring adapter that could be used to attach any different filter with standard threads.

2. Having recently purchased this lens, I wanted to share my opinions on it. My camera is the Sony HDR-XR520V. My biggest reason for wanting this lens was so I could fit more in the picture when I filming indoors. It works beautifully for this, I now have a lot more in the frame. The picture is clear all the way around. There is some slight barrel distortion around the edges of the picture, but it’s only noticeable with straight lines, and it’s very slight. I’ve read in places that the lens is heavy and uncomfotable to use one the camera, but I disagree. Yes, it does add some weight, not enough for me to be concerned though.

ClearStream antennas represent a breakthrough in size and unmatched ultra efficient design and directionality. Advanced design software allows these 20″ x 28″ antennas to be smaller and powerful across the core UHF DTV spectrum offering consistent high gain. This advancement in antenna efficiency allows up to 98% of the available broadcast signal to actually reach the incoming antenna cable rather than being lost to impedance mismatches. The ClearStream4 quad-loop design receives all core DTV channels available with a range up to 65 +miles. There is also additional capability on higher level VHF frequencies. They are engineered for extra strength and durability, using anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance and are easy to assemble.

Technical Details:
ClearStream antennas represent a new breakthrough
Video-antennas
Uni-Directional Antenna; 91XG

Customer feedback:

1. I’ve been using a DB4 antenna for about a year and a half, and it was OK. It was connected to a 4-port amp, which outputs to a pair of HDHomeRuns. Out of the ~15 HD stations in my area, I could get a good signal on ~4 of them at a time (depending on how the antenna was pointed), marginal on 3-4, and the rest were totally unusable. I finally got tired of this, and was about to purchase a DB8, when I noticed this little beauty. I figured I couldn’t go too far wrong, and ordered it. After 5 minutes for assembly and 5 minutes to mount it in the attic (just guessed which direction to point it — the wide beam on this antenna is wonderful), 13 of the 15 stations get near-perfect reception (>90% signal, >90% SNR); the other two are good (>70% on both). WOW – what an improvement, especially for an antenna that is only slightly larger than the DB4!

2. Absolutely the best antenna for DTV reception on the market! I upgraded from a DB4 in hopes of getting reception out of market and it easily locked in all the local stations at a distance of 40 miles, But I was blown away at how well it captured many stations from a town over 100 miles away. I live on a hill so that obviously helps and your mileage may vary, but I never had as much consistent long range reception with any other antenna. Another plus, it’s no larger than a DB4.
One tip: The position of the binding posts used to attach the buss bars do not leave much room to tighten the wing nuts, so connect both sets of tapered loops with the buss bars, first, before assembling the rest of the antenna. That should make things easier.