Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder I

Available in April   MSRP $139.99

 At a glance-

The good:

Easiest way to record video from any source onto MPEG-4 without a computer.  Easy way to create content for a portable video playing device (PVP, PDA, etc)

 

The bad:

Limited video resolution, uses only SD or CF cards, no other external storage solutions.  Limited playback formats.  No electronic programming guide, IR blaster or network connectivity.

 

What's it for:

Recording video onto memory cards, transferring TiVo to your PDA, archiving home video

 

Who's it for:

Anyone that wants an easy way to convert video to MPEG-4 or take video to go.

 

The bottom line (why did Neuros introduce):

 

A great inexpensive accessory for making video portable easily and watching on TV. More and more portable devices Can be made open by using available tools (uclinux, gcc for ARM7 core)

 

Vision for product

 

As is, it’s a cool device for recording video onto a flash card, but make it open and it can connect to the internet and be a general purpose multimedia encoding/decoding net appliance that can become a standalone video conferencing device, or a security monitor, or to stream audio or video to and from your home theatre and your PC or the network. 

Basic specs

Product type-
PC interface(s) supported-- USB
Flash memory installed-- No built-in memory
Digital storage--
Weight--
Dimensions (W x D x H)


Neuros 442 (Digital Media Computer)

$499.99 MSRP available in July (edited 7/05)

At a glance

 

The good:

An open/programmable multi-media portable player. Works seamlessly with recorder. Good value for capacity.  Can encode mpeg4 video up to D1 resolution

 

The bad:

Size, battery life not competitive with non video mp3 players (have to make some sacrifices to use as a mp3 player).   May not support MS DRM fully upon release.   Not HDTV capable.  No NeuroCast FM broadcasting.

 

What's it for:

Listening to audio/video on the go.  Recording from a variety of sources.

 

Who's it for:

Multimedia fans who like to take video and audio with them.

 

Business use:

Portable file storage; recording video presentations, DVDs, etc.

 

The bottom line (why did Neuros introduce):

 

A highly capable portable video player than we can port a lot of the firmware from the Neuros and make open and programmable.

 

Vision for product

 

The architecture for this device should allow us to better realize the vision of a multimedia computer rather than just a closed player.  By running uclinux or ecos, developers should be able to port a variety of applications from linux/unix to the 442.

 

For example, we’ve received numerous requests from universities who want to program with the Neuros so they can use the device for timed recording of bird sounds, others for testing, etc.  Recording enthusiasts want multi-track recording.  Lots of other folks want better functioning database browsing with customizable XI menus, etc.  Then there’s games and PDA functions galore.  With a 3.6” color screen and A/V inputs and outputs and enough horsepower to encode full D1 video at 30fps, the 442 could be a true handheld multimedia computer.

 

 

 

Basic specs for PVP 442  (40GB)

Product type-- Hard drive
PC interface(s) supported-- USB
Flash memory installed--
Digital storage-- 40 GB Hard disk drive
Digital player signal-to-noise ratio-- 90 dB
Weight-- 0.4 lbs
Dimensions (W x D x H)-- 2.4 in x 0.7 in x 4.1 in
Battery technology—Lithium ion
Color-- Silver
Mfr estimated battery life-- unknown
Included accessories-- USB cable, AC adapter, Carrying case
Software type-- Drivers & Utilities
 
built-in display—3.6” color LCD
Equalizer type--
Remote control-- No
Headphones type-- Ear-bud
Cable(s) included-- 1 x USB cable -
 

 

 


Recorder II

$199 MSRP no HD available TBD

$299 MSRP w/ 40GB HD

At a glance

 

The good:

An open/programmable device with networking, robust multimedia streaming and recording features.  Runs Linux, MythTV

 

The bad:

No HDTV support, no built in DVD or CD player

 

What's it for:

Streaming video and audio from PCs and the internet, recording video to MPEG4

 

Who's it for:

Home theatre fans that want to be able to share video among multiple sources.

 

 

The bottom line (why did Neuros introduce):

 

Only device on the market that offers a customizable, open digital recorder solution that works out of the box with no programming or advanced configuration

 

Vision for product

 

The recorder II comes out of the box with networking and PCMCIA so it builds on the multimedia appliance vision of the Recorder, it’s practically an embedded version of a home theatre PC running full Linux.  You can record video onto flash cards or a network device, etc.  It can playback video from practically any source.  And it allows the connection to different accessories like a camera sensor, an external DVD drive, etc.

 

 

 

Specs for Recorder II

            MPEG4 encoding and decoding (as many formats and wrappers as possible)

            MPEG2 encoding and decoding a plus

            D1 resolution at least ~25 fps

            Ethernet on board

            IDE required (HD optional)

                        Embedded Linux required (full Linux a big plus)

                        ARM7 or ARM9

            SD/CF card slots

            USB host a big plus (possible accessory?)

            S/PDIF a plus (possible PCMCIA sound card accessory?)

            Video outputs?

            TV Tuner or IR Blaster?

            RF/IR remote?

            What kind of “BUS” do we need

                        CD/DVD interface

PCMCIA card slot (for wireless)

                        Alternatively PCI a plus

                        Camera adapter?

            How to attach a keyboard and mouse?

 

Neuros III

$329 MSRP 20GB   Release date TBD

$379 MSRP 40GB

At a glance

 

The good:

An open/programmable fully featured mp3 player with FM broadcasting, and robust recording features and audiophile playback features

 

The bad:

Slightly larger than iPod, no color screen, fewer accessories than iPod.

 

What's it for:

Listening to MP3s on the go or in the car, recording from a variety of sources

 

Who's it for:

Ethusiasts who want more functionality and customizability from their mp3 player.

 

 

The bottom line (why did Neuros introduce):

 

To serve the need for an enthusiast/professional mp3 player and digital recording device that could be used by recording professionals, musicians, and DJs as well as any enthusiast that just want more control over their listening experience

Vision for product

 

Builds on the vision for the Neuros I & II but improving in important areas to better realize the vision for a digital audio computer.

 

For example, we’ve received numerous requests from universities who want to program with the Neuros so they can use the device for timed recording of bird sounds, others for testing, etc.  Recording enthusiasts want multi-track recording.  Lots of other folks want better functioning database browsing with customizable XI menus, etc. 

 

Then there’s games and PDA functions galore.  I just want an alarm clock myself.

 

Product type-- HD
Digital storage—20 GB Hard disk drive
Digital player supported digital audio standards-- MP3, WMA, Audible
Dimensions (W x D x H)—iPod Photo size
Battery technology-- Lithium ion
Mfr estimated battery life-- 12 hour(s)
Included accessories-- Belt clip
Software type-- Drivers & Utilities
Audio system built-in display-- LCD
Equalizer type-- Digital graphic
Tuner type-- Digital Radio tuner
Headphones type-- Binaural Ear-bud
Cable(s) included-- USB cable -
Battery-- Lithium ion Removable Player battery

Other-- Audiophile quality D/A converter

Other—Microphone inputs

Other-- S/PDIF input and outputs