Streaming Networks Demos iRecord

LAS VEGAS — Streaming Networks used Showstoppers, held here earlier this month, to demonstrate the iRecord personal media recorder.

Designed to enable users to record video and audio directly onto an Apple iPod, Sony PlayStation Portable or any other USB storage device, the iRecord is engineered to work with the touch of a button.

According to the company, a user plugs the iRecord into his TV or DVD player, hits iRecord's record button and the product then records what is being played on the TV directly onto the iPod in real time. After the program is over, the iPod is unplugged and the content can reportedly be viewed immediately on the portable device. The same process is used to record movies or TV shows to Sony PSP player, Memory Stick or any other USB storage device such as flash drives or hard drives.

The iRecord records analog video and audio from any source with S-video or RCA video and audio outputs, including DVD player, TV, TiVo, VCR or any cable/satellite set-top box. It encodes high-quality H.264 video in real-time, said Streaming Networks, at the standard iPod and PSP resolution of 320 by 240. NTSC, PAL and SECAM video standards are supported, and audio is recorded at 192Kbps in MP3 format.

It features an LED light that stays green when it is ready to record, and flashes red while recording video and orange while recording audio. The ability to set up scheduled recordings on an iPod is available using a PC/Mac-based utility. The utility reportedly enables users to select audio bit rates, recording timer, file-split duration, audio codec and other parameters.

Additional features include the ability to record MP3 audio directly to most models of iPod. It ships with a power adapter, audio/video cables and user manual for $199 and is currently available for purchase at www.irecord.com.