XCM Universal YPbPr 1080p VGA Box
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play Asia / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Amazon
Price: $59.00


Overview : A true universal VGA box compatible with the new generation consoles on todays market (Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii) and also with Xbox.

Compatible with both PAL and NTSC system, it is available with European or US power supply. A plug and play installation will give you Ypbpr input with all consoles, now with a 1080p resolution!

Features :

• High quality 3rd party product.
• Fully Compatible with all component devices - e.g. x-box, x-box 360, PSX3, Wii, DVD players, etc...
• Compatible with PAL or NTSC system.
• Double scan conversion (31.5KHz for NTSC, 31.25KHz for PAL,67.5KHz for 1080p).
• Output resolution ; up to 1080p
• Plug and play installation.
• Connect compatible YPbPr device to your VGA monitor.
• Integrated YPbPr to RGBHV converter.
• Supports 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p.
• Applications: TFT LCD monitor, CRT monitor, Set-top box, Display projector.
• Works on LCD TFT monitors.
• Video output: VGA.
• Automatic video source mode detection (film/graphic).
• Motion-adaptive interfiled de-interlacing.
• Get the power from USB port of consoles or PC, no extra power supply needed.
• Comes with 3 component cables - PSX3, Wii & XB360.

Quality/Usability : The XCM 1080p allows you to hook up your PS3/Wii/Xbox360 computer monitor via VGA. With all the new consoles and the ability to output into high-definition, and the high costs of HDTV's, not everyone has them. But we actually do...our computer monitors.

Included in the package, you'll find the following items:

• XCM 1080p VGA box unit
• USB to USB-miniB cable
• Component cables:
  
  • Wii (non-shielded)
  • Xbox360 (shielded, includes optical digital audio connector)
  • PS3 (shielded)
• Instruction booklet

Unfortunately, no VGA cable was included. This was probably due to cost factor. Had XCM included the cable, price of the product would of been higher. So to keep the price down, they didnt include the VGA cable.

Like all cables that XCM releases, they are sturdy and high quality cables. You will not be disappointed.

The VGA box itself is also sturdy and well built. The outer casing is made of opaque clear plastic. The connectors are standard quality and nothing special. Something caught my eye though. Under the VGA CARD slot, although the connection is a male connector, there was a female type connector. This connector uses the two screws similar to that when you're connecting your monitor to your video card on your PC. You can see it in the image below but on the mock up images, you dont see it. To fix this problem, simply remove the shield around it so that you can connect the cable.

Before purchasing this product, you must know that the VGA box does not change the output resolution. So you should check your monitor to see if it supports the resolution you are going to be used.

Connecting everything to the VGA box is fairly simple and is explained easily in the instruction manual. On top of the box is a switch that allows you to switch between VGA and COMPONENT. The front has a MONITOR and VGA CARD port. On the back, it has YPbPr inputs. To the left are SOUND IN, SPEAKER OUT and 480p~1080p/1080i switch. And on the right side is the USB POWER port to power the VGA box.

All images looked crisp and I didnt have a problem with any of the consoles. Just remember that the Wii can not upscale images as it is not capable of doing so.


Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Universal YPbPr 1080p VGA Box is a useful product for those who do not have HDTV. It would of been great if they included the VGA cable as the box allows you to switch video signals. So you can use video signal from your console or connect to your PC's video card to output to your monitor. Its understandable that they left it out to keep costs low. If you have an extra VGA cable around the house, you wont have to worry.

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Neuros OSD Linux Media Recorder
Manufacturer: Neuros Technology
Site: Buy from Amazon.com
Price: $229.99


Overview : The Neuros OSD allows you to store and access all your video when, where, and how you want. It connects right to your TV and allows you to record from any video source that uses the familiar red, white and yellow RCA jacks.

With the Neuros OSD, you avoid proprietary lock-in by creating standard format MP4 files that you can play back virtually anywhere (on your TV via the OSD or directly on PCs and portable devices like the iPod™, iPhone™, PSP™ and Blackberry™). Likewise, the Neuros OSD allows you to record directly to whatever storage you want. Typically, this means attaching a USB external hard drive (not included), but recording is also supported over a home network directly to your PC's hard drive, as well as to network attached storage drives and memory cards. Once recorded, you can easily transfer to portables and watch on the go or anywhere.

Specifications :
Video Standard

• Compatible with NTSC, Pal and Secam (input only) standards

Video Recording

• ISO Standard MPEG-4 SP encoding (MP4, ASF)
• QVGA (320x240) @30fps with AAC-LC/MP3/G.726 audio for smartphones, PSP™, iPod™, iPhone™ and PDA’s.
• VGA setting (640x480) @30fps for PC, TV playback.

Video Player

• MPEG-4 SP with MP3 audio, 30fps up to D1 resolution (720x480)
• Quicktime 6
• MPEG-4 AAC-LC stereo
• MP4 format at up to D1 resolution
• H.263 with MP3 audio
• FLV (for Playback of YouTube videos)
• ASF
• AVI (including Divx and Xvid)
• MP4
• WMV (up to QVGA)
• MOV
• MPG
• MPEG

YouTube browser

• Watch YouTube videos on your TV
• Search the entire Youtube library using keywords
• build a list with all your favorite videos

Photo Viewer

• JPEG decoder (baseline up to 32M pixel)
• BMP
• GIF (nonanimated)
• Thumbnail view
• Zoom in/out (2x, 4x)

Audio Player

• Stereo MP3/WMA @ 30-320kbps (CBR & VBR)
• Ogg Vorbis
• FLAC
• WAV
• Stereo MPEG-4 AAC-LC
• G.726

Features

• Schedule (timer) recording
• Customizable slide shows
• One-click record
• IR Blaster to control your set-top box
• Run 3rd party applications

USB Host

• Record to and playback content from any USB mass storage device

Ethernet

• Connect to your network
• Save recordings to network storage
• UPnP support
• Stream Audio/Video from Internet
• Download multimedia content from Internet
• Connect to Windows Networks (Samba client support)

Complete System Includes

• Standard A/V RCA Interface Cables (European units also contain SCART adapters)
• 110-240V AC/DC Power Supply
• Stand
• IR Blaster
• Remote Control
• Abbreviated Users Manual

Dimensions and Weight

• 14 x 14 x 3.2 cm (5.5 x 5.5 x 1.25 inches)
• Weight 230g (8oz)

Upgradeability

• System updates and 3rd party applications available at www.neurostechnology.com/support/
• Automatic built-in software update

Storage Card Compatibility

• Memory Stick: Duo and Pro Duo
• Compact Flash: Type I and Type II
• Microdrives with CF type II interface
• Secure Digital (SD)
• Multi Media Card (MMC)
• USB thumbdrives
• External Hard Drives

Quality/Usability : The Neuros OSD is a fascinating Linux powered piece of hardware. When I first saw images of the Neuros OSD, I thought the device would be fairly big. After receiving the Neuros OSD, I was fooled and tricked. The size is fairly small. The UI is not bad as its basic and to the point.

Setting up the Neuros OSD is as simple as it can get if you know how to hook up electronics such as DVD/VCR, computers or just even your video game consoles. Its pretty much self explanatory. There are even text to help you in case some ports look the same.

Those who have a network setup, hooking the Neuros OSD is fairly easy as well. Simply plug in cat5 cable and OSD will automatically configure itself according to your DHCP server. If you have a static IP, there is a devoted menu setting so you can set this up but may take a little longer to get it running.

Recording Video : OSD allows you to record and schedule recordings. To save your recordings, you'll need either a USB storage device, network or memory card. Unfortunately, there is no harddrive. Would have been nice if one was included.

Pressing the red "RECORD" button on the remote will present you with a menu as to where you would like to record to. Once you have chosen the destination, press the "ENTER" button and the recording will begin.

Scheduling a recording is a nice feature. The OSd a feature called IR Blaster. The IR Blaster changes the channel! For example, you want to schedule the OSD to record your favorite show at 8pm and then record another show at 9pm on a different channel, the IR Blaster will automatically change the channel on your cable box and will record both shows. At the scheduled time, OSD will automatically start recording to whatever destination you chose to save to.

Once finished recording, you can transfer the files to your PSP, iPod or other devices that support the format. The quality is not the greatest and ...

Memor32 USB Memory Card (PS2)
Manufacturer: Memor32
Site: Buy from ConsoleSource
Price: $69.95


Overview : The PS2 is certainly no stranger to a continuous flow of great games which is why every hardcore gamer will adore the Memor32. Featuring a unique USB based design, the Memor32 is an advanced memory card for use on any PS2 and PSTwo systems around the world. Unlike standard memory cards, the Memor32 will allow gamers to load and unload save games to and from the PC for use with the PS2. It’s compatibility is up there with the best, with over 1500 games tested and working perfectly.

Features :

• 100% MagicGate compatible powerful 32MB memory card
• Compatible with all PS2 and PSTwo systems worldwide
• Integrated USB connector
• Load and unload saves games to and from the PC for use with the console via software
• Unrivalled compatibility, over 1500 games tested and save compatible
• Perfectly plug and play device
• Two years in development

Quality/Usability : I admit that I usually dont completely unlock all the contents of the game. Then again, after I play the game, I stop playing it and move onto the next game and the game just sits there for months before its traded or sold. But there are also games that require updated rosters that you wouldnt be able to get elsewhere such as baseball, football, basketball, etc. Who wants to sit there and manually update the rosters when you can be playing the game?

Memor32 has released a USB memory card for the PlayStation 2. It does everything a normal PS2 memory card would do such as load and save game saves. What makes the Memor32 different is that it connects to your PC via USB port on the side of the Memor32. The only thing that I can think of off the top of my head that was similar to this was the SharkPort which was also known as X-Port.

The Memor32 was tested with the latest (at time of this review) Save Game Manager (SGM) v1.3. Save Game Manager allowed you to transfer downloaded game saves from your PC to the Memor32. Team Memor32 is greatly improving SGM each time there is an update. The first release was just to show that it was legit and that more was to come. 1.1 activated the IMPORT and EXPORT functions. 1.2 added the .max extension support. 1.3 added Windows Vista support but .max extension game saves was not available at time of review.

Setup is very very easy. First and foremost, format the Memor32 on your PS2. Once its formatted, download their latest Save Game Manager and driver file. Once the files are downloaded, extract and install SGM. You'll need a USB cable to connect the Memor32 to your PC. The same cable used for the PSP or digital camera will work fine. Unfortunately, Team Memor32 does not include a USB cable in order to keep costs down. However, some retailers may include a USB cable. Connect the Memor32 to your PC and Windows will recognize the Memor32 as a USB Serial Port. It may ask to search from drivers but DO NOT let Windows download it from the internet. Instead, remember that driver download I posted above, extract it and direct Windows to search for driver in that folder. It may require you to search for drivers twice so direct it to that folder.


Upon starting up Save Game Manager, the user interface is clean and straight to the point. The left window shows what files are on the Memor32 and the right window shows your computer. In between the two windows are 5 buttons:

• BACKUP - transfer game saves from memory card to PC
• RESTORE - transfer game saves from PC to memory card
• DELETE - delete game save
• IMPORT - load game saves from PC
• EXPORT - export game saves to PC

The bottom half shows different things. The bottom right displays Memor32 status. It lets you know if the Memor32 is connected or disconnected. It also tells how much space is available on the Memor32. Underneath is a button ERASE MEMOR32. This deletes everything on the Memor32 at once. The left side displays the Save game information such as file name, size, when it was created and modified and icon of game if available.

Every time a game save is transferred whether it be to the Memor32 or to the PC, a status bar is shown at the bottom. It does not take long to transfer game saves.

Conclusion : Overall, the Memor32 USB Memory Card (PS2) is a very useful accessory for the PlayStation 2. Unfortunately, its 2 years too late. The PlayStation 2 is on its last legs as publishers and developers are focusing on the new next gen consoles such as the Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation3. But this wont stop anyone whether or not you have beaten a game or dont even own any of the new systems. The Memor32 is great for updated sports roster or for those who like to cheat in a game or just to play through it with everything unlocked once they have beaten it...with no cheats of course. Price whoever is a bit pricey especially with no USB cable included. If this was $40USD or so, this would be the sweet spot for PS2 gamers.

People are wondering, wheres the Memento ...

Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site:
Price: $105.00-$129.95


Overview : The HDMI SWITCHER is a HDMI HUB that allows you to connect your console or dvd player to a tv and easily switch from a device to another with a simple remote control press.

Simply pressing a button on the remote you can select your desired HDMI source to be routed to a high definition display. Switcher is tested to guarantee resolution up to 1080p without signal degradation.
HDMI repeater is built in to the switch for long output cables. If your cable if over 15ft distance then with regular switch you would get signal degradation. However with HDMI switch box signal can be amplified to go over 60ft!

Features :

• Approved by HDMI ATC lab
• Fully supports 1080P HDTV
• HDCP Compliant
• Supports DTS, Dolby 7.1 Channel Audio
• GOLD PLATED CONNECTORS
• IR Remote control
• Expand 4HDMI sources on your HDTV device
• Amplifier & Equalizer function enables longer HDMI cables
• Plug & Play, installs in seconds
• RoHS compliant
• 110v-240v auto switching power supply
• HDMI CABLE INCLUDED

Quality/Usability : The Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote is designed to allow you, the user, to toggle between four (4) HDMI sources. You may think why would you need or want something like this. If you havent noticed, as more and more devices such as HDTV's, HD cable, satellite boxes, DVD players (Blu-Ray and HD-DVD), they are now incorporating HDMI. As more people get into high def, they will have more and more devices but are only limited to a certain amount of inputs on their devices.

The HDMI Switcher measures approximately 7 inches wide by 3 inches deep and 1 inch high. The switcher is made of metal and not plastic. This makes the switcher very sturdy and a solid feel. The front houses four green LEDs and 1 red LED. The green LEDs are to let you know which HDMI port is in use and the red LED is to let you know that the power is on. To the right of the button is a SELECT button that lets you toggle between the HDMI ports. On the back, there are four HDMI inputs. To the left is one HDMI output and DC port to plug power adapter.

Setup is plug-and-play. Simply plug in the cables, select the port and you're good to go! If your device does not have HDMI but uses DVI, you can also use DVI devices so as long you use the appropriate adapter.

Testing with a Sony PlayStation 3, XBox 360 Elite and HD-DVD Player and a Dell PC that uses DVI, all devices switched without a problem. I did not notice any quality downgrade. Even upconverted DVDs worked without a problem. What I did notice was that there was no input for audio.

The included remote measures approximately 3.5 inches tall by 1.5 inches wide and 0.25 inches high. The face of the remote has a POWER ON/OFF on the top left with 1-4 in the middle to select your mode. There is also a forward and back button to control the input sources. The battery runs on a Lithium Battery CR2025 (watch battery).

Conclusion : Overall, the Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote worked without a hitch. The design is nice and sleek and built sturdy. I dont know if this is on all HDMI Switchers but the one I received said "HIDOZO" on top. Dont know what this means or what the purpose is but it looks tacky. The lack of audio ports can be a negative to those who want the best set up. Would of also been nice if it included a DVI to HDMI adapter. The expensive price tag may turn people away but if you're running out of HDMI ports or looking for a selector, I suggest taking a look at this.

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Joytech HDMI TriLink Switcher
Manufacturer: Joytech
Site:
Price: $54.95-79.95


Overview : Expand your digital connections with the HDMI TriLink™ from JOYTECH. Connect up to 3 HDMI compatible devices to 1 HDMI input on your TV or display. Ideal for use with PlayStation®3, DVD, or HD satellite and cable services, the HDMI TriLink™ features a Remote Control or Manual Selector Switch allowing you to navigate your HDMI source at a touch of a button. Supports HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection), HD resolutions of up to 1080p and multi-channel digital audio.

Features :

• Remote Control included
• Connect multiple HDMI signal sources to one HDMI input on TV or display
• Easily switch between three HDMI devices
• Supports full High Defi nition resolutions up to 1080p
• Three HDCP compliant HDMI 1.3 inputs provide a pure digital connection

Quality/Usability : With more and more technology being bought and used, eventually we'll have lack of inputs for all our devices. Yes, newer TVs have inputs in the front of the TV as well as on the side but its a hassle having to reach the back of the display each time you want to plug or unplug. At the same time, it can damage the ports as well.

Thats where selectors come into play. As technology advances, eventually we'll do away with regular audio/video cables (red/white/yellow, s-video, etc.) and everything will be HD (HDMI, DVI). HDMI selectors vary in look and design, features, functionality and most importantly...price.

Joytech's HDMI TriLink Switcher supports up to 1080p and is HDCP compliant but is also small and semi-affordable compared to some other HDMI selectors on the market. Inside the Tri-Link Switcher package, you'll find the Tri-Link Switcher, a remote control with preloaded battery, power supply, USB cable, infrared extension cable and manuals.

You must be wondering why it includes a USB cable. Well, its another way for you to power the HDMI TriLink Switcher. This is great if you dont have a spare wall outlet to plug in the power supply and you're near a computer or device that has USB ports. These days DVD players, PlayStation 3, Xbox360 and HTPC (Home Theater PC), all have USB ports.

There is a button on top of the switcher that lets you toggle between INPUT 1, 2 or 3. Which ever input is chosen, it will light up with a blue LED. It also has a infrared sensor. This allows you to use the included remote. The remote allows you to choose either INPUT 1, 2 or 3 instead of having to push the buttons on the Switcher. The remote control is fairly small and runs on CR2032 watch battery. Nothing fancy to be seen here. Just three buttons to choose your desired output. Whats nice about the Joytech HDMI Tri-Link Switcher is that it includes an infrared extension cable. Selecting inputs using the remote to the switcher can only go so far. With the extension cable, you plug it in to the side of the switcher and this will allow you to switch inputs from a further distance. The bottom of the extension cable has adhesive so you can stick it to your coffee table or something.

Conclusion : Overall, the Joytech HDMI TriLink Switcher works very well. I love the fact that its compact and light, I can control the switcher from across the room using the infrared extension cable and most importantly, it can run on USB. I ran out of slots on my power surge protector and I tend to plug and unplug power supplies if I am not using it that moment. My Samsung 32" has a USB port on it and it works great. Some or most should have USB ports as this is a way of upgrading firmwares on HDTVs. I think three HDMI ports on the switcher is enough considering on average, there are about 2-3 HDMI ports on a HDTV. Unfortunately, you'll have to supply your own HDMI cables.

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iPorter xSD Memory Card Holder
Manufacturer: ePorter
Site: Buy from ePorter
Price: $9.95/2 pack

Overview : The iPorter xSD fits the SD, MS Duo, MMC, xD and other smaller form cards. The exterior resembles a digital camera image. The interior holds 3 cards. The iPorter xSD is great for the photographer on the go who doesn't have time or equipment immediately available to download on the road until they get back from their excursion or photo shoot.

The ePorter products are perfect for the cards, as they fit easily in your pocket along with your keys. They do not take up a lot of room in your camera bag, yet they are large enough to prevent the cards from getting lost.

The products are also great tools that allow you to cary an extra card for your PDA program or swap the card in your MP3 player to get new music.

Features :

• Holds 3 Memory Cards
  - Secure Digital (SD)
  - xD Picture Card (xD)
  - Memory Stick Duo (MSD)
  - Multimedia Card (MMC)
  - MMC Reduced Size
• Protects cards
  - Anti Static Additive to reduce risk of shock and dust collection
  - Prevents loss
  - Can be used as a mailer to protect media
• Holds Cards of different formats or sizes
• Maximum Portability
  - Fits on key chain or zipper
  - Small form factor
• Keeps spare cards accessible
• Low cost
• Great logo / Promotional product idea

Quality/Usability : The item does its job. It protects your memory cards whether its SD, xD, Pro Duo/Duo or MMC. Its made of plastic so its very light and wont add extra weight to your keys. The case flips open pretty much like book or diary where it has that locking mechanism. Upon opening it, you will see three "sleeves". These sleeves are where you place your memory cards. To hold them in place are little "clamps". Pretty much the same thing that holds PS2 and PSP manuals in place in their respective cases.

When you place the memory cards in the "sleeve", it is held pretty well and doesnt move around at all. Even if you shake it, it still in place. You can use this for memory cards such as your Pro Duo/Duo for your PSP or your SD/xD/MMC cards for your digital camera, PDA or cellphone.

iPorter xSD comes in four different colors: Brown, Grey, Green and Blue. Currently they are sold in packs of two. You can either purchase two of the same colors or one of each color.

Conclusion : Overall, this is a great item to have if you have multiple memory cards to carry around. Its light weight and small. My only complaint is that everything is made of plastic. My only fear is that eventually when you keep opening and bending the hinges over and over again, the hinges tend to get weaker and weaker and will break sooner or later (like any other plastic items out there). This can happen to the case itself (hinges), the locking mechanism or the "sleeve" that holds the memory cards.


*UPDATE* - Response from CEO (James Porter)

If you would like to run the case over with your car or SUV to test the strength and durability, feel free to. Just know that ePorter nor DCEmu is held reliable for any damages to your case.

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Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2
Manufacturer: Neuros Technology
Site: Buy from Neuros Technology
Price: $149.99

Overview : The Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder is a digital VCR for the portable video age. If you own a Video iPod™ or Sony PSP™, the Recorder 2 is a must-have! Instead of buying proprietary UMD discs at $20 each or downloading TV shows for a fee from a limited catalog, you can now create open digital video files from all the content you already own. You can watch content whenever and wherever you want on your Video iPod™ or Sony PSP™.

Watch commercial here.

Features :

• Record effortlessly from any video source (TV Cable box, Satellite Receiver Box, PVRs or DVRs Like TiVoTM, DVD players, VCR, Camcorders).
• Simple setup that works without a PC and operates like a VCR.
• MPEG-4 video format allows you to view content directly on your PSP™,Video iPod™ or any other device that accepts Memory Stick DUO/PRO DUO or Compact Flash (CF) memory cards (not included).
• The MPEG-4 format is also compatible with most other portable media devices such as the Neuros 442.
• A great way to digitize your home movies for archiving, emailing, or playback on portables and laptops.
• Can play back from Recorder 2 through TVs and home theatres. Pocket-sized device is small enough to use as a portable VCR.
• Three resolution Settings: VGA (640 x 480) for near-DVD quality playback on TV; QVGA (320 x 240) for high-compression playback on most handhelds like the Video iPod™ and Sony PSP™; and WQVGA (368 x 208) optimized for playback of wide screen movies on the Sony PSP™.
• Four recording quality settings: Superfine, Fine, Normal, and Economy.
• Uses Advanced Audio Codec (AAC) format for high-quality stereo sound.
• Upgradeable firmware from www.neurostechnology.com for future expanded functionality.

Quality/Usability : The Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 looks similar to its predecessor. The difference would be a new user interface, new remote control and the support of the Memory Stick Duo. The recorder is very small and light (4.6 inches x 3.42 x .71 inches. 4.9 oz.). It has a shiny black finish on the top and bottom. The front of the recorder has the IR port for to communicate with the remote as well as the CF slot and MS Duo slot. Back of the recorder has the DC 5V plug and two AV plugs (IN and OUT).

The Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 can playback MP3, WMA audio files for music, QuickTime (MPEG-4 AAC-LC); and ASF and AVI (MPEG-4 MP3) files for video and JPEG, BMP, and GIF file for pictures.

Using the recorder is simple. Connect the DC 5V power supply. Connect a video source to the video IN (DVD player, VCR, TV, etc.). Connect the video OUT to the TV. Insert a storage card (CompactFlash or MS Duo - not included) and start recording your favorite shows.

The recorder uses three different resolutions: 320x240 (QVGA), 368x208 (WQVGA), and 640x480 (VGA). The recording format is MPEG-4 SP with AAC-LC audio at 30 frames per second. This file format is supported by the PlayStation Portable, the Apple iPod Video, and the Neuros 442 video players, and can also be played with the Apple QuickTime movie player on a PC or Apple computer.

There are four levels of recording quality for video: economic, normal, fine, and superfine. The higher the quality, the more storage space the video file will require. The QVGA and WQVGA formats can only record in economic or normal quality.

The menu itself on the recorder is pretty easy to navigate. Pictures are for pictures, music are for music...you get the point. Once you're ready to record, just hit the record button and it'll start. An on-screen display will also show on the TV but wont show on the recording. This display will tell you how much space and how much recording time has elapsed.

Once you have recorded, the videos can immediately be replayed on the TV or on the mobile device of your choice whether its the PSP or iPod Video.

Transferring the MS Duo to the PSP is simple. Just take out the MS Duo and place it into the PSP. For the iPod Video, its a bit more trickier. There is no USB port or anything to connect to the computer or to the iPod itself. This is where you'll probably have to spend a little extra unless you already have a CF card or MS Duo and a card reader. You'll have to transfer the recorded movie to either of the cards and than transfer them using a card reader to the computer. Once its on the computer, you'll have to plug your iPod Video to the computer and than transfer it. Neuros gave instructions as to how to transfer to the iPod but it seemed to take longer and more work.

The software CD that is included is The Core Pocket Media Player. It is designed for PalmOS, Windows Mobile and Windows CE. Unfortunately, I dont own or run either of them. From what I have read, it is missing the support for AAC audio format. This means that although the videos will be recorded, they may not be sound.

Specifications:
For the PSP

• QVGA (320 x 240) MPEG4 + AAC-LC 30fps
• 368 x 208 (16:9) MPEG4 + AAC-LC 30fps
• VGA (640 x 480) MPEG4 + AAC-LC 30fps

Video Decoder:

• MPEG4 SP, MPEG1 Layer

...

Brando 55-in-1 Card Reader/Writer
Manufacturer: Brando
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $28.00

Overview : Brando WorkShop 55 in 1 Card Reader works with the most popular cards, even new SDHC / SDHC 2.0 cards. Besides, it is able to read MicroSD/T-Flash, miniSD, Memory Stick Micro (M2) directly WITHOUT any adapters!!

With the new design and advanced chipset, it is capable of TURBO speed access! Like Extreme III CF, it takes only 6 secs to copy 100MB files, whereas other common card readers takes 14 secs.

So, what sort of disadvantages of this card reader? Smart Media Card is uncompatible though. Guess you no longer use Smart Media Card, don't you?

Features :

• Brando Workshop brand new extraordinary designed
• 5 slots 55 in 1 CARD READER
• True plug & play and hot swapping
• USB 2.0 speed - Fast data/files access and transfer rate up to 480Mbps
• MicroSD/T-Flash direct access No adapter required
• MiniSD direct access No adapter required
• M2 direct access No adapter required
• Support NEW high capacity standard SDHC SD card
• Compatible with PC & Mac
• RoHS compliant

Specifications :

• Size: 85x58x12mm (3.15"x2.28"x0.47")
• Weight: 40g (1.41 ounce)
• Interface: USB2.0 (480Mbps), backward compatible with USB 1.0/1.1
• Power Supply: Bus-powered
• System Requirements: Support Windows 2000 SP3/SP4, ME and XP, Support Mac 8.6, 9.x, 10.1.2 and above (Driver is required for Windows 2000, Mac 8.6/9.x)

Supported Memory Cards :

1. CF I
2. CF II
3. CF I WA
4. CF I ELITE PRO
5. CF PRO
6. CF PRO II
7. CF Ultra II
8. HS CF
9. CF Extreme
10. CF Extreme III
11. CF Extreme IV
12. IBM MD
13. Hitachi MD
14. MAGICSTOR
15. MS
16. MS MG
17. MS PRO
18. MS PRO EXTREME
19. MS PRO MG
20. MS DUO
21. MS DUO MG
22. MS PRO DUO
23. MS PRO DUO ULTRA
24. MS PRO DUO MG
25. MS PRO ULTRA II
26. MS ROM
27. MS MEMORY SELECT FUNCTION
28. MS DUO HS
29. MS PRO EXTREME III
30. MS PRO HS
31. MS PRO DUO MG HS
32. M2
33. XD
34. XD H Type
35. XD M TYPE
36. SD
37. SD PRO
38. SD ELITE PRO
39. SD ULTRA
40. SD ULTRA II
41. SD EXTREME
42. SD EXTEREME III
43. SD HS 150X
44. SDHC 2.0
45. MINI SD
46. T-Flash
47. Micro SD
48. MMC
49. MMC 4.0
50. HS MMC
51. RS MMC
52. RS MMC 4.0
53. HS RS A15MMC
54. MMC MOBILE
55. MMC PLUS 200X

Package Contents :

• Brando WorkShop 55 in 1 Card Reader
• USB Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Quality/Usability : I have a Sony MSAC-US20 Memory Stick Reader/Writer, SanDisk MobileMate SD+ and various USB cables that connects to my devices inorder for me to transfer data as well as adapters. Thats a lot of stuff on my computer table. With Brando's 55 in 1 Card Reader/Writer, it removes all those and puts them all into one!

Whats great about the 55 in 1 is that not only does it eliminate all those devices, adapters and cables but its works with any Windows and MAC operating systems. Not to mention, NO drivers needed (except for older OS)! The reader/writer is powered by your USB port with no additional power supply and uses USB2.0. It is also backwards compatible with USB1.0/1.1. When the reader is plugged in, I noticed that under MY COMPUTERS, there were three REMOVABLE DRIVES. When you insert a storage card, a green LED is lit up to let you know it is in use.

I tried various cards from a 4GB Hitachi MicroDrive, to a 256MB SD card, to a 1GB Memory Stick/Pro Duo cards and even the new smaller micro cards, microSD and Sony's M2. All work without any problems and all showed up perfectly and without any adapters! I no longer have to mess with cables or adapters in order to transfer data.

Normally, I connect my digital camera to my computer via USB cable. I tried my 4GB Hitachi MicroDrive with the card reader. The 55 in 1 had no problem reading it. Transferring pictures was just as easy and fast. It only took less than a minute to transfer my pictures to my computer. Mind you, these pictures were taken at 10.1MP and the files size are huge.

So I decided to try my 1GB that I use for my Nintendo Wii. Transferring VGA quality images were fast as well. It didnt take long before it was finished. Usually I would use the MobileMate SD+ adapter to transfer files. Transferring files to the Memory Stick and Pro Duo were the same. With the Pro Duo cards, I no longer had to use the adapter in order for me to transfer data. I just slipped it in and the reader had no problem recognizing the card.

My next test was my microSD and M2 that I used for my cellphones. The two newest memory cards to hit the market for the latest devices. I transferred not only pictures but also music. Transferring data was flawless and no adapter was needed at all unlike my other readers.

No matter what sized storage card I threw at the 55 in 1, it had no problem recognizing the card. You must say to yourself, there are other card readers out there that does the same. Yes, you're right BUT they are usually limited to how big in size it will read your card. My Toshiba laptop has a card reader built in. Reading small sized memory cards to 2GB memory cards were not a problem. But when I inserted my 4GB Pro Duo, it didnt read it at all.

Before getting the 55 in ...