Frequently Asked Questions - Neuros OSD Pre-Sales

Pre-Sales Questions concerning the Neuros OSD

What is the largest capacity memory card that can be used with the OSD?

We have tested up to 8GB in size for memory cards with the OSD with working results. Using the OSD's USB connection, you can hook up external hard drives and expand your space to almost unlimited levels.

Can I record straight from a camcorder?

As long as the camcorder has an output of either S-video or RCA (red, yellow, and white connections) then yes, the OSD can record from the camera's feed.

What are the dimensions of the OSD?

5.5 x 5.5 x 1.25 inches (14 x 14 x 3.2 cm)

Does the OSD come with a built-in hard drive?

No, the OSD has no internal storage, but you can plug in any USB external Harddrive.

Can I record straight to the iPod video and PSP via the USB port?

With the PSP, yes.

With the iPod, your mileage may vary. Apple has changed the way the iPod interacts with its USB port. As a result, there is a risk that your iPod will be formatted if you plug your iPod directly into the USB port. We recommend you record your video to a USB storage device, CF card or SD card, and then import your files into iTunes. Or, if your OSD is connected to your home computer via a network, you can do this automatically. See the Neuros Forums for more details.

What type of memory cards does the OSD accept?

The OSD accepts SD memory cards, MMC memory cards, MS (Pro and Pro Duo) memory cards, CF memory cards, and microdrives. This includes all mini/micro variants of the previously mentioned cards assuming you have the proper adapters. The OSD is now compatible with the new SDHC cards, if used with an adapter.

What are the key features of the OSD?

Recording and playback of video, audio and picture to and from a variety of sources, in addition to the commitment to our open source community through the release of software tools and code, the support of a wide variety of audio and video formats, and its ability to act as a home media center just to name a few.

Is the OSD network ready?

Yes, the OSD can be hooked up to a home or office network and interact with devices on that network. You can record to and playback content from NAS devices, or even a PC connected to your network.

What devices can I record to other than memory cards?

You can record to micro drives, USB thumb drives, external hard drives, to the PSP, iPod video (among many USB storage/portable media devices) and PCs (network required).

What is the max video resolution for the OSD?

672x448 is currently the highest resolution.

What is included with the OSD?

OSD unit, stand, remote, 2 sets of RCA cables, IR blaster cable, VGA output cable, batteries, AC adapter, and instructions.

What video file formats/codecs can the OSD play?

Please see the detailed table of supported video formats for playback.

Can I use the OSD to browse the web?

Turning your television into a general purpose web browser is not one of the goals of the OSD development team. Due to the lack of a mouse and keyboard, and the low resoultion common to most televisions, TV's tend to make pretty bad web browsers. However, there are a number of cash bounties out there for people to create specialized flickr, YouTube and Google Video browsers. Stay tuned for updates!

Can the OSD view images?

As of firmware update on 8/2/07, there is a beta photo viewer. Stay tuned for updates!

Can I use the OSD to record live TV?

Yes you can. All you need to do is connect your Neuros OSD to a video source (DVR, Cable or Satellite receiver box, VCR, etc...) using the RCA cables provided. Get your video source on the channel you want to record (the Neuros OSD does not have a built-in tuner), and you are all set. You can even use the IR blaster included in the accessories to schedule recordings on different channels at different times. The IR blaster will emulate the IR signal used by your remote to set the tuner of your video source to the channel of your choice at the time of the recording.

Is the OSD suitable for average users or just open source developers?

It's suitable for both. The OSD user interface is intuitive so that mainstream consumers can make recordings, play back content, etc without even having to consult the user's manual. We even have menu-specific help screens and options menus available at any time just by touching a button on the remote control.

On the other hand, the OSD is GNU/Linux-based and built on free and open source software, so that our growing worldwide community of open source developers can get as involved as they want in creating new applications. Our community has been with us every step of the way, from designing the basic hardware to developing our operating system, and will continue to be essential as we make the OSD even greater. If you'd like to bring your hacking skills to the table (or just see what all the fuss is about), check us out at http://open.neurostechnology.com/.

And everybody benefits from open source because, once we make sure these new applications are suitable for mainstream users, we make them available to all OSD owners via free downloadable upgrades, which take only minutes to install.