When I began writing for PVR Wire a few months ago, a friend of mine said, "wouldn't it be great if PVRs weren't just for your TV, but you could use them to record everything you see during the day and then play it back later?" Theoretically you would never have to ask associates for a business card, because you could just transcribe their name and phone number later in the day. Of course, I think it would probably take all day to review the tape, and I dismissed this as another of my friend's silly ideas.
Well, it turns out he's not the only one with silly ideas. A company called ActionDVR has come up with a system that lets you carry a portable recording station with you all day. The setup consists of a small camera and microphone that you can clip to your hat or wherever else you'd like it, and a 1.5-pound recorder that attaches to your belt or slips into your bag. You can record up to 8 hours of high quality MPEG-4 video.
The $1095 device is targeted at hunters, fishers, and other outdoor sporting-types right now. It's also available for police or military use. But if it catches on, maybe personal video recorders will one day replace the need for business cards, or even for paying attention to conversations.
1. Though this is a good idea for hunters, I highly doubt it will be used to gain and keep track of contact information. No matter how technologically advanced we become, the need for printed material such as business cards will always be present.
What if that person is having a bad hair day, or is simply not in a good mood? That will carry over to the recording.
Business cards are compact, easily transferable and most importantly, tangible. When you look and feel a business card it conveys a message and a feeling. It's almost impossible to duplicate these feelings by recording someone.
Nowadays, you can find the business card you want and never leave your home or office. Sites like www.mind2print.com, and many others, offer custom design or pre-designed business cards for a low price.
Posted at 7:41AM on Nov 14th 2006 by PrintGuy