Video Recording and Playback

The FlashTrax XT also features the ability to record high-quality video directly from TV, DVD, or a Video Camcorder. The unit will record at two different NTSC and PAL video resolutions; 704 x 240 (1/2 D1 Mode) and 352 x 240 (CIF mode) for NTSC video systems (U.S.) and 704x288 and 352x288 in the PAL (European) video format.

While the specifications state that the unit will record at 30 frames-per-second in either resolution mode, I got a lot of skipped frames when recording in the 1/2 D1 mode (702 x 240). Video recorded in the CIF mode was very smooth and seemed to live up to the 30fps claim. Videos are saved in the MPEG-SP (Standard Protocol) format with an .ASF (Advanced Streaming Format) extension. The system uses the system date and time as the filename, though you can switch to FILE mode to rename it.

Note: The FlashTrax XT will not record from a video source that is protected by a DRM (digital rights management) scheme. When you try to record a copy protected video, the unit will immediately leave the record mode upon upon sensing copy protection.

The video recording feature can be used to record directly from your video camcorder or from television. To get an idea of file sizes, I recorded the movie "Grease" directly from a VHS tape. The movie took up 1.582 GB of hard drive space - not bad for almost 2 hours of video (1hr, 50 minutes, 26 seconds). It was recorded at 704x240 resolution mode with the audio recorded in the MP3 format.

It's too bad that SmartDisk didn't include any PVR (Personal Video Recording) software with the unit, as this would have definitely increased the functionality of the video recording feature. Actually, SmartDisk doesn't include any software with the FlashTrax XT since it is assumed that buyers of this product will already own software for music, photos, and videos.

Video Functionality Wish List

• Personal video recording (PVR) software should have been included
• The ability to automatically start recording at a preset day and time
• An integrated TV tuner to turn this into a desktop TV would have been another nice idea. The ability to record from its own internal tuner could alleviate the need for PVR software.
• A firmware update to reduce skipped video frames in 702x240 resolution mode

Video Recording Modes:

	Video Bit Rate	Audio Bit Rate	Sampling
Good Quality
	900 Kbps	96 Kbps (MP3)	32 K
	900 Kbps	32 Kbps (G.726)	8 K
Better Quality
	1400 Kbps	96 Kbps (MP3)	32 K
	1400 Kbps	32 Kbps (G.726)	8 K
Best Quality
	2000 Kbps	128 Kbps (MP3)	32 K
	2000 Kbps	32 Kbps (G.726)	8 K

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