The video files recorded are by default in MPEG-4 using a codec that's apparently not compatible with every Symbian OS smartphone.
Possibly of more use is an 'Auto-record' function, where the Recorder 2 automatically records whenever it senses a signal, meaning that you could program your cable box to come on using certain channels at certain times, etc.
The easiest way to start recording is to press 'Record' on the remote control, but there's also a timer system for programming in half a dozen one-off or regular timed recordings, although as the Recorder 2 itself is not a TV receiver, it's limited to whatever source you've connected it to, so apart from scheduling late night recordings while leaving your cable/freeview source 'on', ready-tuned, the time recording mode is of slightly limited use. I was using a 1GB miniSD, which at 320 by 240 pixels in 'Fine' quality works out at over five hours of recording time. The bottom slot also takes Memory Sticks, which (with an adaptor) should make it compatible with the cards used in Sony Ericsson's range of Symbian UIQ smartphones. I used a miniSD card in its SD adapter, and the same technique makes MMC, MMC Mobile, etc. The next step is to insert an expansion card in the bottom slot (the top slot is for CF cards, not used in many current devices, although you can get x-to-CF adapters). I went for 320 by 240 pixels at 15 frames per second, which from experience I know should work well on my smartphones. Immediately this shows a low-grade preview of the video feed plugged into the back, and pressing 'enter' and then using the 'menu' key lets you set up the recording parameters you'll need.
On powering up the device, you're taken into a big tabbed on-screen dialog, with a system of 'enter' and 'back' keystrokes, together with arrow keys, to perform most tasks.Ī visit to the 'Setup' tab is needed to set time and date, and then it's into the main 'Record' tab. The Recorder 2 comes with its own remote control (I know, I know, yet another remote for your living room, but there's no escaping it this time), with which you do absolutely everything. I also tested it with output from my DVD player and it worked very well, with the caveat that you might want to watch the volume output from your DVD to avoid distortion - many DVD players have an adjustment for this). it was a simple job to wire the Recorder 2 into the output from my 'Freeview' receiver and into one of the spare inputs in my TV (so that you can monitor what it's up to). The Recorder 2 comes with a USA plug and composite/RCA leads, so you'll need a mains adapter and maybe two for composite to SCART, depending on what other audiovisual equipment you own and its input capabilities. A European version is planned, with suitable power lead and SCART adapters supplied. And, before getting too involved with its detailed operation, let me tell you that it works pretty well and that the Neuros kit has found a permanent place in my home audio/video rack. You then insert the card directly into your smartphone, start 'Gallery' and start watching.
Even those with a TV card in their PC will almost certainly have to go through Quicktime Pro or similar in order to optimise the video files for use on the smartphone.Įnter the MPEG4 Video Recorder 2 PLUS (henceforth referred to as 'Recorder 2'), a small black box that takes composite video in (that's the yellow/red/white connectors to you and I) and encodes it to a variety of variants of MPEG-4 and 3GP, in whatever resolution and frame rate you select (chosen from a table of possible settings), to an expansion card loaded in its front. Previous attempts usually involved a VHS video recorder as an intermediary. And that's the easiest way I can think of to do it.
To go from (for example) a TV program to my Nokia N93, I'd have to record though composite leads into my MPEG-2 capture card, then use Quicktime Pro to convert the resulting video file into MP4 format. It's not rocket science, but it is a right royal hassle. As any power user of handhelds or smartphones (and in this case PSPs and iPods as well) will know, it's been possible for ages to convert video clips to play properly on the mobile device.