Introduction
At last, an easy and versatile way to capture video! The Neuros MPEG4 Video Recorder2 allows the user to capture video directly from the source including (but not limited to) TV, VCR, DVD - with captured video saved directly to removable memory cards.
The Neuros can be thought of in a similar way to your standard VCR except that instead of recording to video tape, it saves directly to removable storage, allowing you to easily transfer your data to the PC by plugging the memory card into your PC's card reader device (sold separately). In contrast to a VCR, the Neuros is compact and fits into the palm of your hand. As seen in the screenshot above, you can judge the size of the device by comparing it to the flash memory card shown in the picture.
So what types of cards are compatible with the Neuros Mpeg Recorder? - Good question! ...and one which puts a grin on my face. The Neuros supports 3 kinds of memory, 2 of which are commonly used these days, and these are as follows:
1) Compact Flash Memory (e.g Sandisk cards)
2) Memory Stick Duo (PSP memory cards)
3) Hitachi 1'' Micro Drive (up to 4GB)
Yes. That's correct. You can record video directly to your PSP's memory stick to watch it immediately on the PSP. You don't even have to format your memory card before recording, so you can keep your saved games intact. However, when testing this product with my Duo Stick of power, I soon regretted it and nearly fainted when I was greeted with the PSP's system setup scren after recording a few minutes of The Simpsons. ''Oh no!'' I thought, as I felt the slab of heartache roll over my chest like a bulldozer, whilst entering todays date and renaming my PSP. ''Have I lost all of my saves?''
...Thankfull, the answer was no! My saved games still existed and loaded just fine, and the recording from The Simpsons was top notch, crystal clear, and it filled the entire screen. I didn't attempt to record via the Duo again after that but I would recommend you backup your saves onto the PC before taking the plunge, especially if you care at all about losing your saved data.
As mentioned above, you can also record onto CF Flash memory cards. These are commonly used in mobile phones, PDAs and digital cameras. You can pick up a 1GB Sandisk CF card from Asda for under ?50. CF cards are currently only available up to a maximum of 2GB.
The Neuros also supports Hitachi 1'' Micro Drives which hold up to 4GB of data. However, these drives must be formated for use with the Neuros, and are formatted under the Fat16 file system. This basically means that each file may be a maximum of 2GB in file size. If your capture exceeds this limit, the Neuros will automatically interupt the recording, save the file, and continue writing to a new file. The manual states that in this window of time you may fail to record from the source whilst this change of file takes place.
On the subject of the manual, it is worth noting that it's very comprehensive and covers everything you need to know in order to use the Neuros efficiently. The manual is written in english, and aside from a few minor spelling errors it is very easy to follow along with.
So the next big question is ''How much video can I record to my memory card?''
... The answer to this question obviously depends on the size of your memory card and the quality setting of the capture. The following guide, as found in the manual and on the packaging, gives an indication of what you're looking at:
1GB MEMORY:
QVGA Resolution (30fps)
- Economic Quality: 250 minutes
- Normal Quality: 143 minutes
- Fine Quality: N/A
- Super Fine Quality: N/A
WQVGA Resolution (30fps)
- Economic Quality: 250 minutes
- Normal Quality: 143 minutes
- Fine Quality: N/A
- Super Fine Quality: N/A
TV VGA Resolution (30fps)
- Economic Quality: 250 minutes
- Normal Quality: 143 minutes
- Fine Quality: 111 minutes
- Super Fine Quality: 60 minutes
Important to note is that these figures are quite accurate. I recorded a surprisingly lengthy video on a Memory Stick Duo with very limited space left on it, but of course the file size of a captured video depends on whats going on in it. For example, capturing an episode of Bob Ross' painting show will use up considerably less memory than the latest episode of LOST.
The Neuros is fairly straight forward to use, especially when you are armed with the manual, but user interface is slightly disappointing. The interface is quite blocky looking, reminiscent of 'space invaders' and text is oversized. However, the functionality is what counts and even this can be improved by updating the firmware. This will be nessesary for PSP users who wish to watch their captured video on a PSP with the latest firmware update from Sony (Version 2.7) as this update prevents users from watching Neruos-captured-video. PSP'ers with an earlier version need not worry, however anyone who does require a Neuros update can following the instructions laid out in the manual and downloaded the required update from the manufacturers website.
Good Points
Remarkably easy to capture video from any compatible source.
The beauty of this product is the ability to easily transfer and share your captures with your friends, and watch your videos on your PSP without any hassle.
There is a great choice of quality settings to suit all.
Neuros records video data in an MPEG4 video format, allowing users to record high quality video at very low file sizes.
Captured video can be played on a variety of devices, including PSP, iPod Video, Gameboy Micro, PC, PDA, Smartphones and more.
Small and sleek design, the Neuros is very portable and easy to set up.
Comes with all the nessesary power and connection cables, including scart leads if needed.
Includes an extensive, well written manual.
Remote control is small, thin, and comes with a battery. The Remote works well at a long range and signal is picked up without the need to point the remote directly at the device.
 "Neuros MPEG4 Video Recorder 2 Image")
