sjackson
01-30-2008, 03:35 PM
Part 2: Setup, Installation & Recording
Now that you have a basic understanding of what the OSD is capable of, hopefully you will be interested in taking a closer look at it. This second installment in our series will show you how to welcome the OSD into your home, and get you started using the device. We will walk through the process of setting it up, from unboxing to recording, with handy links to step-by-step procedures along the way. Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we will discuss some of the more advanced features of the OSD, such as network sharing and other applications.
Setting it up
The OSD is fairly easy to set up and integrate into your existing system. If you use composite RCA cables to plug your AV devices into your TV, you can basically plug the OSD inline with your existing equipment. If you've got a bit more of an advanced or high-end system, you may need to get creative. Currently, the best input the OSD supports is S-Video, and it only has composite output. Naturally, if you've got a 42" Plasma connected to your receiver with HDMI, the OSD should not be placed in between the two. However, I don't really see this as being a deal breaker. Most mid-range to high-end AV equipment has more than one output that can be used simultaneously. For example, both the Series 3 and Tivo HD composite and s-video outputs will work while the HDMI port is in use. The same goes for the new DirecTV HR20/21 receivers. In my house, the OSD is plugged into the composite output of the second tuner on our satellite receiver (which is run into my bedroom using coax) and the output of the OSD is plugged into the second input on my living room TV. It sounds more complicated than it really is. But essentially, most people shouldn't have a problem finding a home for the OSD, as most applications involve inserting the device into your setup, rather than adding an additional one.
As far as finding a place for it in your crowded cabinet, it shouldn't be hard. The OSD is a small device at about 5.5 inches square, and about an inch at it's thickest point. It comes with a stand, which is actually one of the few things I don't like about the OSD. It is impractical and when in use it just seems to make the OSD take up more space. Additionally, the IR receiver is on the side of the OSD, so it needs to be turned to get a really good response from the remote. I think that when it's like this, it just looks like it's leaning against something. The good news is that the stand is optional. I actually prefer having the OSD sitting directly on top of my DVD player, with the memory card slots facing out. It's very unobtrusive this way.
http://www.neurostechnology.com/files/products/osd/OSD-3LSideAngle.JPG
Also included in the box are two RCA cables that plug into 1/8" stereo jacks (like with video iPods and digital cameras), a power adapter, an IR blaster, serial cable, and remote. When you're ready to hook this thing up, wait to connect the power adapter last. There is no power switch on the OSD, and just like a TiVo, whenever it is plugged in it is on. The two RCA cables can simply replace any existing RCA cable in your system. If you wish to use the S-Video input, you still need to connect the red and white plugs from the RCA cable to an audio source. It is recommended to connect the OSD to your home network in some capacity so that you can easily upgrade your firmware and take advantage of all the extra features that make the OSD great. You can either run an ethernet cable to it (preferred) or connect it wirelessly using a wireless bridge gaming adapter. At this time, USB WiFi dongles do not work. If you plan on using the included IR blaster, now would be a good time to connect it as you will be configuring it during the OSD guided set up.
So let's plug it in and proceed!
After the OSD boots, you should be prompted to go through a Guided Setup. This process will take you through network setup, IR blaster configuration, and firmware upgrading. It's very straight forward and the longest part of the process is waiting for the firmware to upgrade. But at least Neuros keeps you entertained with an animated tribute to Pong in the process.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh40/dvrupgrade/osd_upgrade.jpg
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to complete guided setup on the OSD (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1451&postcount=2)
When your OSD is done, and reboots itself, you should see the home screen:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh40/dvrupgrade/osd_home.jpg
You can get to this screen at any time simply by pushing the home button on the remote, just above and to the right of the arrow keys. This is the main menu of the OSD. From this point you can access your videos, photos, music and more. If you want to watch the device that you have connected to the OSD, push the back button from the home screen, just above and to the left of the arrow keys. This will exit the OSD interface and show you live video.
While we're on the subject, let's talk about this remote for a second. Neuros really went above and beyond on the remote. Not only can it be programmed to control your TV's power and volume, but it's also using a standard set of Sony VCR remote codes. This means that if you lose it, you can replace it with a universal remote. Of course, if you've already got a nice universal remote, you don't even have to lose it. Giving the remote this functionality easily made the process much harder for Neuros and it's manufacturer, but they saw it as important. It's the attention to little details like this that will start to stand out as you become accustomed to the OSD and it's developers.
Click here for a closer look at the menu hierarchy on the OSD (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1451&postcount=3)
Now, before we start recording and watching video, we need to think about storage. You have quite a few options, so chances are you probably have something lying around that you can use. Let's list them off:
Secure Digital cards (SD)
Memory Stick cards (MS, MS PRO, MS DUO)
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
CompactFlash cards (CF)
MicroDrive cards
USB 1.1 compatible devices (USB keys and external hard drives)
Recording over the networkThe limitations here are that SDHC cards are not supported, and the USB host will not work with a hub and therefore is limited to one device at a time. Also, any USB external drive should be formatted with FAT32 to work optimally with the OSD. This can be done very easily with any number of free utilities, such as Swiss Knife. If you want to record over the network, it's best to do so with a wired connection to avoid dropouts and sync issues.
If you have a mobile device that uses one of those formats, you can simply pop it into the OSD and record straight onto it. Providing that you have the settings correct, you shouldn't need to use a computer to get the file to work on your mobile device.
Recording on the OSD
Once you've got a pretty good idea of where you want your recordings to go, it's probably time to make a few. There are two ways to record using the OSD: Using a timer or pressing the record button during live TV.
Click here for step-by-step instructions on recording with the OSD. (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1451&postcount=4)
It's fun to be creative with your recording setups. As I stated before, my setup at home is a little complex. Our satellite receiver, along with having two tuners, also has a separate output for each of those tuners. This design allows us to use one box for two different TV sets. Each tuner has coax, composite, component and S-Video outputs. The great thing is, no matter which output you use, they're all active. We have the second tuner running to our bedroom over coax. The receiver itself is in the living room. Since our TV has multiple inputs, we run the S-video from tuner 1 straight to the TV, and the composite from tuner 2 through the OSD and into the TV. This makes it possible for me to record content off the satellite without having to watch it at the same time. I can then take that MP4 recording and play it back on my Video iPod later.
A similar set up involves using one of the TiVo HD or Series 3 DVRs. If you don't leave your TiVo in stand by mode, it's possible to piggy back the OSD on the output, and set up timers that coincide with your season passes. The Series 3 is particularly well suited for this, as it has dual sets of outputs. Also noteworthy is the fact that both the TiVo HD and Series 3 composite outputs will work while the HDMI port is being used. You may run into issues if you're trying to record while the TiVo's output is set to an HD format, however. And don't forget the handy Save to VCR function on the TiVo. This is a great way to back up shows that you just have to keep, and save some space on your TiVo at the same time.
The OSD can also save space in your shelves, by letting you archive your DVD collection digitally and use the OSD as a video jukebox. This is a great legal alternative to ripping DVDs on your computer, because it is a recording from an analog source and not a digital copy. The plan in my house is to archive our DVD collection onto a NAS. That way we can access it from either the OSD or any computer attached to the network. It's also a great option for taking a lot of your movies with you on the road (with an iPod, Archos or Laptop) and leaving all the cases behind.
Another use that some users have found for the OSD involves connecting it to a game console, like an XBox. This way they can save all of their best frags and share their sweet skills with friends online. You will probably want to start recording when you start playing, and then edit the video down later either using the included editor (more on that later) or a software solution.
Considering that you can capture video from any analog source, you're only limited by your own imagination. Already, several users on the Neuros forums have reported that they use the OSD as a DVR for capturing extreme sports action from race cars, sailboats, bike, skateboards, you name it. All you need is a little lipstick camera and an improvised battery pack (http://forums.neurostechnology.com/index.php?topic=8103.msg42842#msg42842) for power and you're ready to go. Some folks use these for security cameras and nanny cams. While you can set the OSD up to record indefinitely, it will eventually stop recording when it runs out of storage space.
Really, the only question left is: What can you capture?
In our next episode: Playback, Networking & Other features (Youtube, Music, Photos, etc...)
Now that you have a basic understanding of what the OSD is capable of, hopefully you will be interested in taking a closer look at it. This second installment in our series will show you how to welcome the OSD into your home, and get you started using the device. We will walk through the process of setting it up, from unboxing to recording, with handy links to step-by-step procedures along the way. Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we will discuss some of the more advanced features of the OSD, such as network sharing and other applications.
Setting it up
The OSD is fairly easy to set up and integrate into your existing system. If you use composite RCA cables to plug your AV devices into your TV, you can basically plug the OSD inline with your existing equipment. If you've got a bit more of an advanced or high-end system, you may need to get creative. Currently, the best input the OSD supports is S-Video, and it only has composite output. Naturally, if you've got a 42" Plasma connected to your receiver with HDMI, the OSD should not be placed in between the two. However, I don't really see this as being a deal breaker. Most mid-range to high-end AV equipment has more than one output that can be used simultaneously. For example, both the Series 3 and Tivo HD composite and s-video outputs will work while the HDMI port is in use. The same goes for the new DirecTV HR20/21 receivers. In my house, the OSD is plugged into the composite output of the second tuner on our satellite receiver (which is run into my bedroom using coax) and the output of the OSD is plugged into the second input on my living room TV. It sounds more complicated than it really is. But essentially, most people shouldn't have a problem finding a home for the OSD, as most applications involve inserting the device into your setup, rather than adding an additional one.
As far as finding a place for it in your crowded cabinet, it shouldn't be hard. The OSD is a small device at about 5.5 inches square, and about an inch at it's thickest point. It comes with a stand, which is actually one of the few things I don't like about the OSD. It is impractical and when in use it just seems to make the OSD take up more space. Additionally, the IR receiver is on the side of the OSD, so it needs to be turned to get a really good response from the remote. I think that when it's like this, it just looks like it's leaning against something. The good news is that the stand is optional. I actually prefer having the OSD sitting directly on top of my DVD player, with the memory card slots facing out. It's very unobtrusive this way.
http://www.neurostechnology.com/files/products/osd/OSD-3LSideAngle.JPG
Also included in the box are two RCA cables that plug into 1/8" stereo jacks (like with video iPods and digital cameras), a power adapter, an IR blaster, serial cable, and remote. When you're ready to hook this thing up, wait to connect the power adapter last. There is no power switch on the OSD, and just like a TiVo, whenever it is plugged in it is on. The two RCA cables can simply replace any existing RCA cable in your system. If you wish to use the S-Video input, you still need to connect the red and white plugs from the RCA cable to an audio source. It is recommended to connect the OSD to your home network in some capacity so that you can easily upgrade your firmware and take advantage of all the extra features that make the OSD great. You can either run an ethernet cable to it (preferred) or connect it wirelessly using a wireless bridge gaming adapter. At this time, USB WiFi dongles do not work. If you plan on using the included IR blaster, now would be a good time to connect it as you will be configuring it during the OSD guided set up.
So let's plug it in and proceed!
After the OSD boots, you should be prompted to go through a Guided Setup. This process will take you through network setup, IR blaster configuration, and firmware upgrading. It's very straight forward and the longest part of the process is waiting for the firmware to upgrade. But at least Neuros keeps you entertained with an animated tribute to Pong in the process.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh40/dvrupgrade/osd_upgrade.jpg
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to complete guided setup on the OSD (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1451&postcount=2)
When your OSD is done, and reboots itself, you should see the home screen:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh40/dvrupgrade/osd_home.jpg
You can get to this screen at any time simply by pushing the home button on the remote, just above and to the right of the arrow keys. This is the main menu of the OSD. From this point you can access your videos, photos, music and more. If you want to watch the device that you have connected to the OSD, push the back button from the home screen, just above and to the left of the arrow keys. This will exit the OSD interface and show you live video.
While we're on the subject, let's talk about this remote for a second. Neuros really went above and beyond on the remote. Not only can it be programmed to control your TV's power and volume, but it's also using a standard set of Sony VCR remote codes. This means that if you lose it, you can replace it with a universal remote. Of course, if you've already got a nice universal remote, you don't even have to lose it. Giving the remote this functionality easily made the process much harder for Neuros and it's manufacturer, but they saw it as important. It's the attention to little details like this that will start to stand out as you become accustomed to the OSD and it's developers.
Click here for a closer look at the menu hierarchy on the OSD (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1451&postcount=3)
Now, before we start recording and watching video, we need to think about storage. You have quite a few options, so chances are you probably have something lying around that you can use. Let's list them off:
Secure Digital cards (SD)
Memory Stick cards (MS, MS PRO, MS DUO)
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
CompactFlash cards (CF)
MicroDrive cards
USB 1.1 compatible devices (USB keys and external hard drives)
Recording over the networkThe limitations here are that SDHC cards are not supported, and the USB host will not work with a hub and therefore is limited to one device at a time. Also, any USB external drive should be formatted with FAT32 to work optimally with the OSD. This can be done very easily with any number of free utilities, such as Swiss Knife. If you want to record over the network, it's best to do so with a wired connection to avoid dropouts and sync issues.
If you have a mobile device that uses one of those formats, you can simply pop it into the OSD and record straight onto it. Providing that you have the settings correct, you shouldn't need to use a computer to get the file to work on your mobile device.
Recording on the OSD
Once you've got a pretty good idea of where you want your recordings to go, it's probably time to make a few. There are two ways to record using the OSD: Using a timer or pressing the record button during live TV.
Click here for step-by-step instructions on recording with the OSD. (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1451&postcount=4)
It's fun to be creative with your recording setups. As I stated before, my setup at home is a little complex. Our satellite receiver, along with having two tuners, also has a separate output for each of those tuners. This design allows us to use one box for two different TV sets. Each tuner has coax, composite, component and S-Video outputs. The great thing is, no matter which output you use, they're all active. We have the second tuner running to our bedroom over coax. The receiver itself is in the living room. Since our TV has multiple inputs, we run the S-video from tuner 1 straight to the TV, and the composite from tuner 2 through the OSD and into the TV. This makes it possible for me to record content off the satellite without having to watch it at the same time. I can then take that MP4 recording and play it back on my Video iPod later.
A similar set up involves using one of the TiVo HD or Series 3 DVRs. If you don't leave your TiVo in stand by mode, it's possible to piggy back the OSD on the output, and set up timers that coincide with your season passes. The Series 3 is particularly well suited for this, as it has dual sets of outputs. Also noteworthy is the fact that both the TiVo HD and Series 3 composite outputs will work while the HDMI port is being used. You may run into issues if you're trying to record while the TiVo's output is set to an HD format, however. And don't forget the handy Save to VCR function on the TiVo. This is a great way to back up shows that you just have to keep, and save some space on your TiVo at the same time.
The OSD can also save space in your shelves, by letting you archive your DVD collection digitally and use the OSD as a video jukebox. This is a great legal alternative to ripping DVDs on your computer, because it is a recording from an analog source and not a digital copy. The plan in my house is to archive our DVD collection onto a NAS. That way we can access it from either the OSD or any computer attached to the network. It's also a great option for taking a lot of your movies with you on the road (with an iPod, Archos or Laptop) and leaving all the cases behind.
Another use that some users have found for the OSD involves connecting it to a game console, like an XBox. This way they can save all of their best frags and share their sweet skills with friends online. You will probably want to start recording when you start playing, and then edit the video down later either using the included editor (more on that later) or a software solution.
Considering that you can capture video from any analog source, you're only limited by your own imagination. Already, several users on the Neuros forums have reported that they use the OSD as a DVR for capturing extreme sports action from race cars, sailboats, bike, skateboards, you name it. All you need is a little lipstick camera and an improvised battery pack (http://forums.neurostechnology.com/index.php?topic=8103.msg42842#msg42842) for power and you're ready to go. Some folks use these for security cameras and nanny cams. While you can set the OSD up to record indefinitely, it will eventually stop recording when it runs out of storage space.
Really, the only question left is: What can you capture?
In our next episode: Playback, Networking & Other features (Youtube, Music, Photos, etc...)