Claimed to be "The
INTRODUCTION
easiest way to create and playback compact, standard
MPEG-4 video files," the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder
records to and reads from CompactFlash or SecureDigial
memory cards. Is this device just a flash memory
reader on steroids, or could it be a great companion
to the video and audio components in your theatre
cabinet? Read on for the full evaluation.
The Neuros MPEG-4 recorder is the somewhat
WHAT’S HOT
equivalent of a very fancy CF/SD reader, or perhaps a "digital VCR."
You can expect such a device to act as a speedy transfer medium for
the two mentioned flash memory formats, but it will also playback MP3/WAV
audio, and most video and video formats. The core feature of this
product is its ability to record and encode any video source (from
a camcorder, DVD player, VCR, TV, or any other source using component
RCA A/V) into .ASF video. This product could be very useful for those
wanting to digitize their analog home movies, or to record TV programs
in decent quality onto a CF or SD card. And since there is a good bit
of control on the quality and resolution of video capture, you are
able to take your video along on your Pocket PC conveniently, especially
when using the enclosed Video ToolBox 2 software to manage the file.
I recommend having a 1GB CF or SD card for use with this product, which
will ensure 1.5 hours of "super
fine" video
capture (check out the conversion
table).
PRODUCT FEATURES
The box is bright orange.
In
the box: the black and white user manual,
two miniplug to RCA cables, software (drivers
and Video ToolBox), USB cable, IR remote, power
adapter, quick start guide, and the device itself.
The
recorder sports a shiny black plasticy coating,
which picks up fingerprints easily (think black
iPod), but looks sleek. The size is small (4.6"
x 3.42" x .71"), and even pocketable at
4.9 oz.
The
front of the device, from left to right, has the
IR receiver and green power light (residing behind
the IR receiver), CF and SD slot.
The
rear of the device, from left to right, has the
DC power port, AV out and in, a TV/PC switch (effectively
an on/off switch), and the USB port.
And the bottom has rubber feet.
The
Neuros recorder happened to match perfectly with
my component cabinet – the shiny black casing
should match any decor.
The
IR remote is very small and has a good range. I’d
like to see a multi-directional pad on the remote
instead of a pair of left/right and up/down buttons
spaced apart, since there are times when moving
in any four directions is desirable, and having to
look down to properly aim for a dirrection button
can become annoying.
Once
the Neuros recorder is connected to a video input
on a viewing device, you can use the visual menu,
which allows you to play/record video, view images,
and play music.
When
you go into video player mode, you can view file
info by selecting it, and it will tell you the
date taken, and the length of the video. Also note
the CF icon in the corner, noting that the device
is reading from a CF card.
In the video record settings, you
can select the quality, resolution (max 352×240),
and record advance.
When
you go to record video, the date will display on
the bottom (time travel is now possible!), and
centered on the screen is the amount of time you
can record at the selected resolution and quality.
And
when you hit record, a red record icon appears
in the upper right.
When viewing images, you are able
to manipulate the file by zooming, rotating, panning,
and inverting colors. You can also view levels of
the image to note the light balance.
I’m not quite sure why you’d want
to invert the colors of a photo on a television screen,
but in case you do, Neuros has got you covered.
You can also mass manage photos by
deleting them all, or using certain ones for a slideshow.
VIDEO SAMPLES
This
sample videos were recorded direct from a DVD player
(a clip from Fight Club), and are in .ASF format,
so you may need a codec to
playback the audio. I could have converted the
files to more common formats using the included
software, but wanted to maintain the raw quality
for your testing pleasure. Right click the below
links, and hit save as.
Normal Quality 672kbps
Super Fine Quality 850kbps
type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
The included B&W manual It’d Since I had a tough time labeling this device.
HELP SUPPORT
is thorough and friendly enough for anyone to comprehend.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
a 512mb SD or CF card to get an appreciable amount of recording time.
BUGS AND WISHES
certainly would be a great choice for those wanting
to archive their home movies, or spontaniously record
a TV show, but the recorder lacks some control that
would make it better suited for this purpose, like
an auto stop record. Before the TiVo days, we used
to record programs on VHS using the VCR+ code system,
which would tell the VCR when to turn on or off for
recording. With the Neuros Recorder, you must be
present to stop it recording.
be great to have some sort of connection or option
that would allow recording to a mobile hard disc.
If you’ve got a lot of high capacity SD or CF cards
laying around, then this device could be a good
way to utilize them. But if not, it requires an
extra expense (average $75-80) for a 1GB CF or
SD card.
the Neuros Recorder is using composite A/V as
its input, the quality of sound and video is mediocre,
as seen with the sample videos on page 1.
PURCHASING
Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder is available for the reasonable price of $139.88
from JR.com. But don’t forget the SD or CF card, which could bring
the price to the high 100s, unless you are already equipped.
PROS
A way to
finally use those idle CF/SD cards!
Image playback
Small footprint
design
CONS
Records
in real time, can be slow
stop record
Can only
use CF and SD memory cards
to connect to a hard drive
quality is mediocre through composite A/V
Value
Ease
of Use 
Features
Overall
OVERALL IMPRESSION
Is it a super-CF/SD card reader, or is it the 2005 edition of the VCR?
This would be a great item to have for folks without a computer, who
want to be able to view their photos, listen to some music, and record
a broadcasting of a special newscast. If this doesn’t sound
like you, then perhaps you should stick with your plans to buy a TiVo
or a TV tuner card for your PC.
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