NewSoft, a software company that probably wishes it had chosen a less "soft" name, has introduced new hardware products. One of them is a device for converting analog video and audio to DVD with real-time capture and real-time burn that sells for "just $59.95," the company said.

"In two easy steps, NewSoft’s Presto! Digital Converter transfers audio and/or video from any playback device with AV-out or S-Video-out, to be simultaneously recorded to standard DVD without going through the computer’s hard drive."

After establishing the connection between the video source such as a VCR or camcorder using the “S-Video input” or “Composite video input” end of the included cable, the Presto! Digital Converter user connects the cable’s USB 2.0 connector into any standard DVD burner-enabled notebook or computer. 

The included software offers users one button recording with the option to choose either the Convert Mode, which converts the entire contents of the videotape to DVD, or the Record Mode, which enables users to record multiple video segments from videotape to DVD.  To find the desired clips, users can scan for the desired recorded moment using the software’s preview window.

Presto! Digital Converter Features
•  One click burn without going through the HDD
•  Real-time capture and real-time burn
•  Video preview window
•  Supports DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW and DVD+R Double Layer Recording
•  Add additional content to DVD+RW discs