Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 Digital Video Recorder

Average customer rating:

Outstanding device.....once you figure it out

I'll stick with my Super VHS VCR..... thanks.

Bit of a headache

Not for recording from your TV

Headache Free!!

Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 Digital Video Recorder

Manufacturer: Neuros Technology
ProductGroup: Wireless
Binding: Wireless Phone Accessory

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Product Features:

Digital video recorder for capturing live TV, movies, and home videos from any source

Plays back footage on iPod video, Sony PSP, smartphones, and other handheld devices

Records directly to CompactFlash memory cards, memory sticks, or microdrives

Works just like digital VCR (no conversion necessary); syncs video with iTunes

Credit-card-sized remote; measures 4.6 x 3.42 x 0.71 inches (W x H x D)

ASIN: B000COYZR8

Amazon.com Review

Video is no longer limited to TV screens, but has made its way onto a myriad of handheld devices. Using everything from an iPod to a Sony PSP, from a smartphone to a PDA, people of the 21st century are going mobile with their video. If you're already a part of this mobile revolution, the Neuros MPEG-4 Video Recorder 2 could be the one device you need to simplify and control the process of getting the video you want onto your handheld. If your fear of complex technology has kept you away from the video on the small screen, take heart, the Neuros has you covered.

Download the Neuros demo video (Quicktime or Windows Media).

View a comparison of the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 to other solutions.

Watch your video on a broad range of video-capable devices.

What It Does
As the name suggests, the Neuros Recorder 2 replaces the original Neuros Recorder. Improvements include better video quality, easier to use menus, and a slot for Sony Memory Stick Pro (the device also supports CF, SD, and MMC memory cards). The job of this device is simply to help you record and move video content from your TV, DVR, or DVD player onto your handheld. Acting like a small digital VCR, it can record all of your favorite TV shows and encode them into the format of your choice in real time. It does the same thing with DVDs, storing the recordings on whatever memory card you have in place. All you have to do is pop the memory card into your PDA, Sony PSP, or smartphone and enjoy your show or movie on the go. It works beautifully with iPods also, requiring only that you load the video into iTunes on your computer, sync, and go.

Design
With its shiny silver and black finish, and small and sleek design (4.6 inches x 3.42 x .71 inches; 4.9 oz.) the Neuros will blend in with any entertainment system. The front holds the memory card slots, along with power and recording indicator lights. A/V connections are made from the back. Note that the Neuros has no harddrive, but relies on whatever memory cards you want to use for recording, which you must supply yourself.

Setup and Operation
Getting the Neuros up and running requires almost no learning curve. All you need to do is connect one of the included A/V cables to your Cable Box, DVR, or DVD player and the other to your TV. The Neuros then uses your TV screen for all menu controls. With its credit card-sized remote it's a cinch to move through the menus needed to set up the device. Within ten minutes we were capturing TV programs in iPod format. And here the user-friendliness of the Neuros really shines. All you have to do is scroll through a list of choices based on what handheld device you want to use for viewing--smartphone, iPod, or PSP, for example--and the Neuros encodes it properly for you. You don't have worry your little head about things like framerates, bitrates, or codec types, which leaves you more time at the gym to watch the latest episode of "Lost" while you get fit on the treadmill. It even includes programmable and timed recording, so that you don't have to be there when the device is doing its stuff.

Video Quality
Although you can use the Neuros to watch captured video on a TV or desktop computer, it is not designed for this purpose and will appear grainy and pixilated on a large screen. On a small screen, however, video looks great. And the range of choices for encoding video it provides is ideal. Note also that the Neuros cannot handle High Definition video, and because high quality, big screen viewable video is not in its job description, it uses a normal A/V cable only. Forget about S-video, component, or better connections.

Do It Yourself and Save
If you buy media for your PSP on expensive UMD disks, or download video from the iTunes store, this device can save you money. You're already paying for cable TV and DVD rentals, so why spend more money every time you want to watch on the go? If quick and easy handheld analog video is what you are after, this little device may just fit the bill.

Pros

Easy to setup and operate.
Wide range of pre-set formats make encoding a snap.
Can be programmed to record while you're away.

Cons

No hard drive. Must supply your own memory cards for recording.
Compressed video suitable for small screen viewing only.

What's in the Box
Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2, standard A/V RCA interface cables, 110-240V AC/DC power supply, remote control, user manual driver, and bundle software pack.

Amazon.com Product Description

So you thought you'd found the ultimate in entertainment freedom with your video iPod? How great is it to be able to catch your favorite television show on your way to work, or check out the latest music video before your big meeting? It's great, all right, if you don't mind shelling out a few bucks for shows that you can watch for free on TV.

Don't fret! The days of having to pay to watch shows on your iPod or other handhelds are over, thanks to the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2. With the Neuros, you can record live TV, your favorite movies, and even sporting events for playback on your Sony PSP, iPod, PDA, smartphone, notebook or other portable device. No conversion hassles, no fees, no problems!

As Easy as a VCR
If you've ever used a VCR, you'll quickly see that the Neuros is a snap to use. Using the standard A/V RCA interface cables, which are included, you simply connect the Neuros into the source you want to record from--such as a cable box, satellite dish, DVD player, camcorder or VHS player--and press record. The Neuros will begin digitizing your show. The Neuros works just like a free-standing VCR, but instead of recording onto VHS tapes, it records directly onto digital memory cards (MS Duo/ProDuo, CF, and Microdrives) so that you can then play your video directly on your PSP, laptop or other handheld devices.

For iPod playback, it's a cinch. After recording your show to a memory card, you insert the card into your computer's card reader and then load the video into your iTunes iPod playlist. You don't have to convert, transcode, compress or do anything else. Just load the video onto your iPod, and away you go. It's that simple. Really.

The Neuros also offers many of the conveniences of a VCR, such as the ability to program up to five recording schedules (once, daily, weekly, or monthly), and a one-click recording feature from the remote. But unlike a VCR, the five-ounce Neuros fits into the palm of your hand, so it can blend unobtrusively in with your home theater system, ready to record at a moment's notice.

Video Wherever You Please
With the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 and almost any handheld, you'll never have to miss your favorite late-night television show or news program again. Just set the Neuros to record at a certain time, go to bed, and when you wake up you simply insert the card into your handheld, and you're ready to go. Ideal for the morning commuter or cross-country traveler, the Neuros lets you watch your favorite programs on the way to work or on your next flight.

But the Neuros lets you do a lot more than watch television shows with your handheld. Because you can plug the Neuros into just about any video source, you can use it to digitize your home movies, show off your kids' baseball games or dance recitals to your colleagues, and even capture last night's video game highlights for playback. You can even use the Neuros to transfer a slide show of your vacation shots for playback on your television. The possibilities are endless. But regardless of how you use the Neuros, the bottom line is that there will never be any fees or conversion hassles when you want to hit the road with your favorite video.

What's in the Box
Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2, standard A/V RCA interface cables, 110-240V AC/DC power supply, remote control and user manual driver and bundle software pack.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding device.....once you figure it out.......2007-12-15

I love this recorder. I've been using it to put my VHS/DVD movies onto my laptop, ZUNE, and Sansa View (need conversion software for the ZUNE and Sansa).

It's simple to use (once you figure it out)and the video quality is fine for smaller screens.

Those are the positives, NOW the negatives...

The instruction manual is POORLY written and omits info. The box the recorder came in had an extra paper and it turns out it had the info for changing the recording resolutions. Without that sheet I doubt I'd figure it out.

The menu screens initially were confusing. I had to figure them out on my own.

There's a small green LED inside the unit that is hard to see. I initially thought the unit was dead but it's in there. The red recorder light is easier to see.

The remote is the ONLY way to control this recorder. If you loose it the recorder is useless.

Having said all that.....

After several attempts and some deciphering of the manual I've figured it out and now find it easy to use. All that needs to be done is get to the correct menu screen, start the VHS or DVD, and hit the record button on the remote.

(I haven't tried to record TV and I haven't used the timer record)

If you decide to get this, remember it takes some time to figure out since the manual isn't well written and the recordings are not for larger screens.

I'll stick with my Super VHS VCR..... thanks........2007-12-03

This "record on a flash card" seemed cool initially, but it didn't work as well as advertised. The video looked poor on my television, and the cost of the Flash card was prohibitively expensive (~$100) so I could only afford one "blank" for recording.

Worse: That card only held 4 hours, while with my Super VHS vcr I'm used to recording upto 11 hours on a single tape. With better quality (~600x480) and no annoying digital artifacts.

Worse: Once that blank flash card was full, I had nothing else to record my favorite shows (see previous point about expense). I have all kinds of blank vcr tapes laying around, thus enabling me to record 5 or 6 during the course of a week (and watch when time allows), and with minimal expense.

The one thing this device does do well is convert to Ipod format. Except..... I already have access to Ipod videos via my computer's internet connection that I can download & transfer. For free.

Oh well.

This gadget's going to auction. Too bad I did not realize its limitations prior to purchase.

Bit of a headache.......2007-12-01

Unfortunately, this item only has input/output to RCA so I had to do a lot of rewiring just to get it up and running. The menus are very confusing, the manual isn't much help. A quick guide would have been nice. The picture quality is very grainy on the television, but I'm sure it will be fine on my PSP

Not for recording from your TV.......2007-07-17

Even though this item claims to record from your TV, it does not, however, the Vendor I bought it from was one of the best I've ever dealt with!!!! I'd recommend J&B Store for purchasing ANY merchandise, they were professional, reasonable, and fair regarding buying items from the Internet that you think can do one thing from the bogus advertisement, but cannot. They were quick about refunding my money, and it was a pleasure to do business with their company.

Headache Free!!.......2007-06-20

Finally a product that works as expected! I easily record shows off my Tivo or Dvd. Image quality is fantastic on a Psp, even on lowest setting. Not really intended to be played back on a big screen. I get four hours of video per gigabyte on my memory sticks. Highly recommended for all Psp users.

Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 Plus Digital Video Recorder

Average customer rating:

confused?
Recorder 2 Plus
My best investment
Works Great! Perfect for Ipod and Treo

Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 Plus Digital Video Recorder

Manufacturer: Neuros Technology
ProductGroup: Wireless
Binding: Wireless Phone Accessory

Hardware & Accessories | Specialty Stores | Video Games

Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Accessories:

Product Features:

Compact digital recording device for capturing TV, DVD, or PVR video footage
Automatically converts recordings into playable files for iPods, PSPs, laptops, PDAs, etc.
Storage slot for CF, MMC, SD, MiniSD, MicroSD, MS Pro, Duo, Pro Duo, and Microdrive cards
Records at 30 fps with 640 x 480 resolution; multiple resolution/compression options
Includes remote; measures 4.6 x 0.71 x 3.42 inches (W x H x D); 1-year parts warranty

ASIN: B000HLZKH0
Release Date: 2006-08-20

Product Description

The Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 enables you to effortlessly capture video content for the Sony PSP from any analog video source, including cable or satellite television, DVD players, VCRs, camcorders, and PVRs such as Tivo. The video content is saved as MPEG-4 video files, eliminating the hassle of proprietary file formats. Using Memory Sticks and Compact Flash (CF) or Microdives as the storage medium, you can record content on a card for viewing on your PSP or TV, or then transfer onto your PC, Laptop, PDA, SmartPhone or Portable Media Player like the Neuros 442 or iPod. Roughly the size of a PDA device, the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 hooks up to your existing home-theater system, and allows you to view video and still photos on your TV or listen to MP3 audio files. Watch on an iPod too: Transfer the recorded file to your PC via a USB card reader (purchased separately) and add it to iTunes, then sync your iPod. Take it with you! Video Play Capabilities - MPEG-4 SP with MPEG-1 Layer 3 (MP3) audio,30fps up to D1 resolution DivX 3.11@ CIF Resolution; DivX 4.x,5.x,30fps up to D1 resolution Quicktime 6; MPEG-4 AAC-LC stereo, MP4 format at up to D1 resolution ASF, AVI, MP4 file extensions MP3 and AAC audio capabilities Storage Card Compaible - Memory Sticks - Duo and Pro Duo / Compact Flash - Type I and Type II / Hitachi Microdrives with CF type II interface With 1GB memory card, it can record up to 111 minutes VGA quality or up to 250 minutes QVGA quality Upgradeable firmware for future expansion Size - 4.6 inches x 3.42 x. 71 inch / Weight - 4.9 oz Note - CompactFlash - MicroDrive - and/or Memory Stick Storage card required but not included

Amazon.com Product Description

Want to watch your favorite TV show or movies on your iPod video, PSP, or mobile phone without hassling with an online subscription service? Turn to the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 Plus, which works like a mini digital VCR but eliminates all fees, hassles, and file conversion. The Recorder 2 Plus--an enhanced version of the original Recorder 2--is easy to use, as it plugs into any existing home theater component via simple RCA cables. Once connected, it records from any analog video source, including cable or satellite TV, DVD players, camcorders, VCRs, and PVRs such as TiVo. And because the Recorder 2 Plus uses compact memory cards as the storage medium, you can play back the resulting video files on your TV or easily transfer them to the digital devices you already own, such as PSPs, iPod videos, laptops, PDAs, and SmartPhones.

The applications of the Recorder 2 Plus are virtually endless. You can watch your favorite late-night talk show or morning news show on your commute or during your lunch break, enjoy the movies of your choice during a cross-country flight, capture your video game highlights and e-mail them to friends or opponents, or digitize your home movies for viewing with friends. Everything is at your fingertips.

The quality of the recordings depends on the quality of the original content and signal, but the Neuros Recorder 2 Plus captures its footage at 30 frames per second with a 640 x 480 resolution (close to DVD quality). Users can then save the content via one of several resolution/compression options. The resolution methods include VGA for TV playback; WQGVA for the PSP; QVGA (15 and 30 frames per second) and QVGA 3GP for handhelds such as the PSP, iPod, SmartPhones, PDAs, and Pocket PCs; and QCIF and QCIF 3GP for mobile phones. The compression options, meanwhile, consist of superfine, fine, normal, and economy. Note that the superfine and fine settings are only available for the VGA resolution.

Operating the Neuros requires almost no learning curve, as the device uses your TV screen for all the menu controls. With its credit-card-sized remote, it's a cinch to move through the menus and select the handheld device you want to use for viewing. Simply choose the iPod or PSP, for example, and the Recorder 2 Plus encodes the recording into the proper format, so you don't have to worry about details like frame rates, bit rates, or codec types. The device even offers programmable and timer recording functions, just like a traditional VCR.

The Recorder 2 Plus records onto the following memory cards: Secure Digital (SD), MiniSD, MicroSD (Transflash), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Compact Flash (CF) type I and II, Memory Stick Pro, Duo and Pro Duo, and Microdrive. Other details include a JPEG photo viewer with a slide-show option, a one-click record feature from the remote, and upgradeable firmware. The Recorder 2 Plus measures 4.6 by 0.71 by 3.42 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a 90-day warranty on labor and a one-year warranty on parts.

What's in the Box
Recorder 2 Plus system, standard A/V RCA cables, power supply, remote control, software CD-ROM, user's manual.

Customer Reviews:

confused?.......2007-12-18

I brought it so I could record TV shows on a sd card and watch on my palm. However I have not learn to work it yet? I don't want to give it a bad rating, however I'm pretty good with equipment but haven't been able to work this device yet?

Recorder 2 Plus.......2007-07-13

The recorder works just fine, but I found the manual not as clear about some of the operations as I would have liked. It took me over an hour to figure out how to complete some of the operations, and I've been working with electronic products for over 30 years. That's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I use this recorder with my home survellience system, as I have 2 cameras monitoring my home when I am gone. I have to use it in the 640 resolution because my monitor is a TV set, and in this highest resolution it will only record for 5 hours. But that's better than the 2 hours I was getting when recording to my DVD recorder.

My best investment.......2007-03-08

Works great!!!!!! Is so easy to use and install. Now I'm watching all my favorite programs on my spare time.No more hassle of converting files just put the sd card record and watch it on my PDA.

Works Great! Perfect for Ipod and Treo.......2007-01-10

Originally picked up a V-Mate from Sandisk, but the Neuros outperforms in terms of features and video quality.

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