Product Description:The MPEG-4 Recorder 2 FAQ

From The Neuros Technology Wiki

Contents 1 Pre Sale Questions 1.1 What is the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2? 1.2 How does the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 work? 1.3 How do I set up the unit? 1.4 Why should I use the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2? 1.5 What are the differences between the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 and the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 plus? 1.6 What are the key features of the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2? 1.7 What are the dimensions of the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2? 1.8 What is included in the box? 1.9 What additional system and equipment are needed for the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2? 1.10 How much video can I record on a 1GB card with the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 ? 1.11 Since there is not USB port on the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 unit, how do I transfer my files to my PC? 1.12 What kind of video quality will I get with the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2? 1.13 What are the resolution/compression options with the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2? 1.14 Does the resolution set automatically based on the size of the storage card and program length or do I select the resolution? 1.15 What are the specifications and file compatibility for recording? 1.16 How can i split a recorded video file? 1.17 What are the specifications and file compatibility for video playback? 1.18 What are the specifications and file compatibility for viewing photos? 1.19 What are the specifications and file compatibility for audio playback? 1.20 Can I playback movies recorded with the MPEG-4 Recorder 2 on my iPod? 1.21 What type of Memory cards can I use with the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 and the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 plus? 2 Troubleshooting 2.1 I don't see the on screen menu, is my unit working properly? 2.2 The Recorder 2 does not recognize my memory card 2.3 Recordings over Two Hours are being split into two files 2.4 Audio and Video go out of sync after a long playback 3 General Recorder Questions

[edit] Pre Sale Questions

[edit] What is the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2?

The Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 is an innovative new device that represents the easiest and most affordable way to create and play back compact standard MPEG-4 video files.

[edit] How does the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 work?

The Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 is easy to use, as it plugs into any existing home theatre component via simple RCA cables. It records from any analog video source, including cable or satellite TV, DVD players, camcorders, VCRs and PVRs such as Tivo?. Since the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 uses compact memory cards as the storage medium, the resulting video files can then be played back on your television or easily transferred to the digital devices you already have, such as PSPs, video iPods, laptops, PDAs and SmartPhones for playback.

Watch the video demo here: http://neurostechnology.com/files/neurosR2Demo.wmv

[edit] How do I set up the unit?

See our step by step instructions with pictures here

[edit] Why should I use the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2?

With the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder you can:

• Record Live TV and movies to digital MPEG-4 files

• Archive home movies

• Watch movies or TV shows on your portable digital devices: PSP, video iPod, Smartphone, PDA, Pocket PC, Laptop. You can also playback movies on your TV.

• Play MP3 audio files through your home stereo

• View downloaded videos or photos on your television

[edit] What are the differences between the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 and the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 plus?

Both units have the exact same functions, but the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 plus has a multicard slot instead of a Memory Stick slot.

The Recorder 2 plus can be used with the following memory cards: SD, miniSD, microSD (transflash), MMC, CF (type I&II), Memory Stick Pro, Duo and Pro Duo, and Microdrives

The Recorder 2 can be used with the following memory cards: CF (type I&II), Memory Stick Pro, Duo and Pro Duo, and Microdrives. Use of a SD/MMC card adaptor is necessary to record on SD, miniSD, microSD (transflash) and MMC cards.

[edit] What are the key features of the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2?

• Records in real-time from any analog video source, including cable and satellite TV, PVR/DVR like Tivo(TM), DVD, VCR, camcorders,Video Game Console, etc...
• Variable resolution/compression settings
• Simple RCA cable Setup - works without a PC and operates just like a VCR
• A recording resolution (WQVGA) optimized for the Sony PSPTM
• 2 recording resolution (QVGA 3GP and QCIF 3GP) optimized for mobile phones.
• Uses standard Secured Digital (SD, mini SD and micro SD/Transflash), Multimedia cards (MMC), Compact Flash (CF) or Memory Stick Duo and Pro Duo (MS) memory cards
• Handy remote control
• Upgradeable firmware allows for expanded functionality in the future

[edit] What are the dimensions of the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2?

The Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder measures 4.6 inches x 3.42 x .71 inches. 4.9 oz. (118 x 87 x 18 millimeters and weighs 140 grams).

[edit] What is included in the box?

• The Recorder II Unit
• Standard A/V RCA Interface Cables (European units may contain SCART adapters)
• 110-240V AC/DC Power Supply
• Remote Control
• User Manual Driver and Bundle Software Pack

[edit] What additional system and equipment are needed for the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2?

The Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 uses standard flash memory cards as a storage medium, but these are not included and must be purchased separately. A PC or Laptop is needed for additional file conversion and editing functions, but is not necessary for the creation and playback of MPEG-4 video files.

[edit] How much video can I record on a 1GB card with the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 ?

The amount of video you can recorder depends on the resolution and the video quality settings. On a 1GB card, you can record from more than 8 hours at if you choose a QCIF resolution with economy setting, to 1 hour if you choose a VGA resolution and superfine setting. (note that bigger cards and microdrives up to 8GB can be used with Neuros Video Recorder).

[edit] Since there is not USB port on the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 unit, how do I transfer my files to my PC?

If you have a PSP, a Handheld or a Digital Camera, that accepts standard memory cards, you can use them to tranfer files to your PC . Otherwise, for iPod owners, a simple USB card reader will work (you can find card reader for less than $10). Neuros also offers a bundle Recorder 2 + USB card reader on its site.

[edit] What kind of video quality will I get with the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2?

The video quality is dependant upon the quality of the original content and signal, but the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder records at 30 frames per second at 640 x 480 resolution (close to DVD resolution). The content can then be saved in one of four resolution/compression options.

[edit] What are the resolution/compression options with the Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2?

There are 7 resolution options: VGA for TV playback, WQGVA (for the PSP), QVGA (15 and 30 frames per seconds) and QVGA 3GP (for Handhelds including the PSP, iPod, Smartphones, PDAs, Pocket PC etc...) and QCIF and QCIF 3GP for Mobile Phones. They are 4 compression options: Superfine, Fine, Normal and Economy. Note that the Superfine and Fine settings are only available for the VGA resolution.

[edit] Does the resolution set automatically based on the size of the storage card and program length or do I select the resolution?

The resolution/compression is a user-controlled option. Make sure to consult the specifications page on our site for more information.

[edit] What are the specifications and file compatibility for recording?

The Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 features real-time MPEG-4 movie recording with ISO standard MPEG-4 SP encoding with AAC-LC audio; 30 fps at up to 640x480 resolution.

[edit] How can i split a recorded video file?

[edit] What are the specifications and file compatibility for video playback?

MPEG-4 SP with MPEG-1 Layer 3 (MP3) audio and MPEG-4+AMR Audio for 3GP settings

30fps up to D1 resolutionDivX 3.11@ CIF Resolution; DivX 4.x,5.x,30fps up to D1 resolution Quicktime 6; MPEG-4 AAC-LC stereo, MP4 format at up to resolution ASF, AVI, MP4

[edit] What are the specifications and file compatibility for viewing photos?

• JPEG decoder(baseline), BMP, GIF (non animated)
• Resolution up to 16M pixels (4096x4096)
• Thumbnail view (when photo has the EXIF header)
• Zoom in/out (2x, 4x)

[edit] What are the specifications and file compatibility for audio playback?

Stereo MP3/WMA decoding @ 30-320kbps CBR & VBR Stereo MPEG-4 AAC-LC decoding

G.726 Decoder

AMR Decoder

[edit] Can I playback movies recorded with the MPEG-4 Recorder 2 on my iPod?

Yes. You will need to transfer the files recorded to your PC (using a card reader), and import the video file(s) in iTunes. Once done, sync your iPod with iTunes and enjoy the show! You will find a step by step instructions here.

[edit] What type of Memory cards can I use with the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 and the Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 plus?

The Neuros MEPG4 Recorder 2 requires Memory Sticks Duo and Pro Duo cards or CF type I and Type II cards or Hitachi Microdrives with CF type II interface. The Neuros MEPG4 Recorder 2 plus requires SD, miniSD, MicroSD, MMC, Memory Sticks Pro, Duo and Pro Duo cards or CF type I and Type II cards or Hitachi and Seagate Microdrives with CF type II interface.

[edit] Troubleshooting

[edit] I don't see the on screen menu, is my unit working properly?

The Recorder works like a VCR. You need to set your TV on the right video channel (by pressing the TV/Video button on most TV remotes) to see the on screen menu.

[edit] The Recorder 2 does not recognize my memory card

Make sure that the card is inserted correctly (please refer to the user manual) and firmly. If the unit still does not see your card, press the storage button on the remote.

[edit] Recordings over Two Hours are being split into two files

File size is currently limited to ensure a smooth playback especially when the fast forward and fast rewind features are used. We are working on and hope to remove this limitation shortly. See our bugzilla wish list No. 530 for more information.

[edit] Audio and Video go out of sync after a long playback

This can happen when a long video has been recorded on a card that already had a few files. The new file will be fragmented, which can cause the audio and video to go out of sync during playback. Try to limit the number of files you have on your flash card when you want to record a long video.

[edit] General Recorder Questions

For issues not specific to a particuliar version of the MPEG-4 Recorder, go to the Recorder FAQ