Neuros launches new OSD Beta

Neuros OSD betaElectronics manufacturer Neuros, the same company that made the brilliant MPEG recorder 2, have announced a new product today that plans to become the MPEG recorder 2’s successor.

The product is called the Neuros OSD (Open Source Device) and uses a linux-based distro to turn the device into a fully-blown media center. The new bundle of Neuros kit has been built on the new Neuros Open source platform, and features a brand new chipset (TI-320), a USB host, and an Ethernet connection. This device has all the features the MPEG4 Recorder has, but with the experience gained from the MPEG4 Recorder, Neuros have created an even better package.

The best thing about this recorder is that the down-to-earth people from Neuros actually encourage you to ‘hack’ the device, it’s what it’s been designed to allow. Being linux-based this device enables you to watch and listen to all your content where and when you want without the hassle of compatibility or DRM issues. The OSD Beta also features a super-fast dual core multi-media processor, the ability to record from any source and in a file format that suits you.

The OSD beta offers much more than this. More details on the product, where to get it, and a reminder on how you can win a Neuros MPEG Recorder 2 after the jump!

Neuros OSD betaElectronics manufacturer Neuros, the same company that made the brilliant MPEG recorder 2, have announced a new product today that plans to become the MPEG recorder 2’s successor.

The product is called the Neuros OSD (Open Source Device) and uses a linux-based distro to turn the device into a fully-blown media center. The new bundle of Neuros kit has been built on the new Neuros Open source platform, and features a brand new chipset (TI-320), a USB host, and an Ethernet connection. This device has all the features the MPEG4 Recorder has, but with the experience gained from the MPEG4 Recorder, Neuros have created an even better package.

The best thing about this recorder is that the down-to-earth people from Neuros actually encourage you to ‘hack’ the device, it’s what it’s been designed to allow. Being linux-based this device enables you to watch and listen to all your content where and when you want without the hassle of compatibility or DRM issues. The OSD Beta also features a super-fast dual core multi-media processor, the ability to record from any source and in a file format that suits you.

The USB host feature allows you to connect your OSD beta to a variety of devices such as your PC or Laptop and is network-ready, making the device easy to synchronise with your systems. If you cannot believe the legitimacy of this product and its abilities, here’s what Neuros CEO Joe Pur said:

We saw a big opportunity in a category that was previously only occupied by “hacked” devices, like hacked Xbox’s and TiVos. The big difference is that this device is delivered open, supported by the factory, and the hackers and factory are working together. Maybe ten years from now this will be commonplace, but today it’s virtually unheard of.

The porting of various linux applications for the OSD Beta have already begun and the company that make the multimedia device aren’t ending their support there. Neuros have created a website for users to learn how to hack the OSD and also offer bounties for programs to be made for the OSD. An example of these bounties is a YouTube or Google Video browser for the OSD, which currently has a bounty of $1000. If you’re a hacker or just an ordinary user, the company along with ‘homebrew’ developers will support you all the way.

With an MSRP of $239 this is great value for money for a product that will continue to have new features added as well as a bustling community. Also, by getting involved with the bounties you could actually pay for your recorder. You can purchase an OSD beta unit from ThinkGeek, but hurry up as they only have a limited quantity available!

If you can’t quite cough up the cash for a new OSD beta just yet, begin saving up and in the meantime why not enter our competition to win a Neuros MPEG recorder 2. Entries must be in by Friday 22nd September, so get moving if you haven’t entered it yet!

Visit: [Neuros OSD product page]

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