Neuros Audio LLC, a manufacturer of digital audio hardware, announced it was jumping into the video category with the release of an MPEG-4 digital video recorder designed to record television content onto flash media cartridges for playback in compatible portable devices.
The Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder, which will carry a $129.99 suggested retail when it launches on Woot.com this month. It records files to CompactFlash or Secure Digital flash memory cartridges instead of optical discs.
It is billed as a set-top device that will record digital video files and play them back on a TV or transfer them to a variety of digital devices for viewing without the aid of a PC.
After launching the device on Woot.com, Neuros said the device will be available at selected retailers and e-tailers throughout North America in March.
The recorder is said to include an easy-to-use setup system that enables capturing signals “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 up to qualities near that of a commercial DVD, Neuros said. Using CompactFlash or SD cards, consumers can record an hour of fine-resolution content on a 512MB card for viewing on their TV, or transfer that content onto their PC, laptop, PDA, smartphone or portable media player.
“Consumers want a simple and cost-effective way to record their favorite television shows, movies and home videos for their personal use, and then view that content on the devices they already have without having to worry about format compatibility,” said Joe Born, Neuros Audio’s president. “The Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder eliminates the need for media-ready PCs, installing video capture cards, and additional digital device purchases, providing a solution that is significantly less cumbersome and expensive.”
Roughly the size of a PDA device, the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder connects to home theater components with standard inputs. In addition to video files, the unit allows users to view still photos on a TV or listen to MP3 audio files through a home theater system.
Additional features include a USB 2.0 connection, a remote control, and upgradeable firmware for future functionality expansion.
The Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder also ships with the Ulead Video ToolBox 2 Home Edition software, for file conversion and editing capabilities on the PC.
Other key attributes include: an RCA cable setup, VCR-like operation, and variable resolution settings for maximum quality or compression.
