Neuros Hackable Open-Source Set-Top Box Updated: OSD2

Neuros has taken another stab at the open-source set-top box market, and created the "Open Source Device 2." The original OSD was aimed at developers, but ended up finding use as a DVR. The new OSD2 has a more conventional box, can encode video at 720p in MPEG-4 format, H.264 D1 resolution (that's DVD quallity) from an analog video source, upscale video to 1080i or transcode it for a PMP. It's got a serial port, IRBlaster port, connections for Wi-Fi antenna, USB, LAN, HDMI, composite video and stereo audio, and even packs an SD port. It's shipped with a Linux-based firmware stack, but is completely open to user OS hacking. Available now for $250. [Linuxdevices]

Unlocked Open Source Anti-DRM Logo

While we're not sure logos are the solutions to all the world's problems (you've seen that video of a Microsoft-designed iPod box), we kinda like the idea of an anti-DRM logo to make it easy for consumers to quickly pick up on content that'll give 'em more bang for their buck, since they're not restricted on where and how they can use it. It's even in real English for regular people! Not surprisingly, it was cooked up by Neuros, the guys behind the OSD hackable Linux video recorder. How would you make it better? [BB]

Hack a Neuros to Play Nice With TiVo: $3500 and Simultaneous Mobile Recording Will Be Your Reward

This isn't the first time someone has offered a bounty to hack the Linux-based Neuros OSD, but if successful, this hack could have some very interesting implications. The goal is to get the Neuros to piggyback on the TiVo's recording schedule and make MPEG-4 recordings that can be simultaneously transferred onto a portable device like a laptop or an iPhone. There are two segments to the bounty, with a cash reward that totals $3500. It sounds pretty cool, but whether it can be done is up to you. [DVRupgrade]

First Look: Neuros OSD Hackable Linux Video Recorder

Neuros updates their video recorder by leaps and bounds with the OSD. Like the last one, it records analog video sources to flash memory in formats easily read by PSPs and iPods. But this one has a USB port for drives, and ethernet port, so it can also store to network-attached storage. It catches video at 720x480 pixels, at 30 FPS through S-vid or composite inputs. And comes with a remote. But can be reprogrammed to act as a web server, playback youtube vids, or whatever else you can code into the C-based, open source OS. Neuros is even offering cash prizes for those who write certain functionality. Who are we kidding? You nerd-cakes'll do it for fun! More »

Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2

Here's the most recent version of Neuros' MPEG4 recorder called the Recorder 2, marketed mainly for its support of direct encoding on the Sony PSP. But of course, there's more to this product. It actually records from any video source directly onto a Memory Stick, which you can then play in any compatible PMP. It also supports time-controlled recording and has a 368x208 pixel resolution. Goes for about $150. More »