Burn straight onto a disc or choose the hybrid HDD model.

Digital video camera technology is constantly changing. The transition from analog to digital has been slow, with tape still being the standard. But, while the Mini DV tape may be the most popular recording media today, many experts tip that within a few years most of us will be recording direct to disk. Already several companies are producing DVD-based camcorders and with the introduction of Blu-Ray disks in coming years it seems the days of tape may be limited.

Impressive and free antivirus and antispyware package

Impressive and free antivirus and antispyware package

New combo drive writes Blu-ray discs 'considerably faster'.

Impressive and free antivirus and antispyware package

Impressive and free antivirus and antispyware package

Impressive and free antivirus and antispyware package

Impressive and free antivirus and antispyware package

Impressive and free antivirus and antispyware package

Some substantial new abilities, including support for the new wave of high definition optical discs.

Impressive and free antivirus and antispyware package

Impressive and free antivirus and antispyware package

Impressive and free antivirus and antispyware package

You still get a lot for your money, but HD optical burning only extends to data discs

Nero 7 Premium Reloaded adds mostly esoteric features to regular disc burning.

8cm Blu-ray BD-R write-once and BD-RE rewritable discs due in September.

The marker has been laid down. Sony's pulled off another AVCHD stunner that will be hard to beat this year

A new interface, smart albums, guided editing and photo merging keep Photoshop Elements ahead of the pack

AVCHD support and some useful new effects keep this as the leading entry-level video editor.