Customer Reviews

Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder for Video and Audio

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've used the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder for about six months. Granted, it only provides high-quality video when the source is downsized for playback on handhelds. Also, because of the, er, unique remote control, I would only recommend it for power users, or at least the technically inclined. By the way, if you don't like the supplied remote you can always use your universal remote, so long as it can capture IR codes. I use the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder for playback on my PalmOne Treo 650 cellphone and have no problems up to a 1 Gig SD card. I can easily record tv shows or the news from my DVR onto the memory card, grab the card on my way out the door in the morning, and watch programs on my Treo while sitting on the bus during my work commute. I have had no problems with audio dropouts. It's also perfect for watching tv shows on an airplane or train. For this utility alone, at the current price (less than $100) I would have to give the unit a 5-star rating. I highly recommend to those with compatible handhelds as this effectively gives you a video iPod without having to carry an additional device. Actually, much better than the video iPod because you can record from any source.

Many people find themselves disappointed after acquiring this product. Much of this comes from expecting more from the device than is even advertised. If you want something that will allow you to make digital backups of your media for playback on your home theater system, this is not what you are looking for.

What this device is great for is making a copy of something for portable use. I use it to watch recorded TV shows on my Palm (similar to PocketPC). For this purpose it works great. I can use this to take TV episodes, or even Movies, and save them onto a Secure Digital card; then take the SD card and pop it into my Palm. I do this to watch between classes at College, or while on the Plane when travelling.

This is also great if you want to be able to view the pictures you took on your digital camera on your TV. Rather than hunting around for that cord that came with the camera, just pop out the SD or CompactFlash card, and pop it into this, and your on your way. You can also use it to play MP3s off of a SD or CF card.

There were some problems with the original firmware that was shipped. But to be fair, these were released as a "Gamma" product. Neuros knew they weren't perfect yet, and wanted user input on what features they should focus on next. The volume issue was corrected, and the new firmware can be obtained from the Neuros website. The new firmware also supplies an upgraded user interface that is easier to navigate. Their forums (located on the Neuros website) are also quite helpful in resolving any problems you may have.

You must excercise due dilegence before purchasing this item.

While video capture and display to a pocket pc are quite good.. The neuros forums are full of posts concerning the lack of audio.

THAT'S NO SOUND! Not a problem if all you watch is silent movies!

Neuros support says it now ships a new CD with the product that addresses the problem, but if you get an earlier unit without the corrective CD, good luck finding the G.726 audio codec you will need to get mono sound out of the unit and on to your PDA.

Also be aware of the volume problems with the record function. You will need to set the volume to maximum to get useful audio.


Additonally, playback on a TV is very poor, and sound is mono.

Again, make sure you have an updated CD or check your vendors return policy.

Addendum: I just received word from Neuros customer support that they will send a cd to owners affected by the problems at no cost. I have ordered one from them and will update this review if the problem is resolved.