Aopen XRecorder

Review Pages

1. Introduction - Specifications
2. Main Chipset
3. Inputs / Outputs
4. Software Features
5. Working with the software
6. Final words

AOpen XRecorder VX2000 - Page 6

Conclusion

Pros	Cons
Easy to install Easy to use software MPEG1/2 Hardware encoding Complete set of video inputs Tv-Tuner and video Capture in one device Supports Pal and Ntsc Led indicator for busy mode Switch for Power On/Off Wireless remote control, with fast access time Good overall video quality Usb 2.0 connection Full retail package	Miserly manual, without remote control functions details Process intensive during playback and capture Noisy fan No teletext/radio support Does not allow raw DV25 capture from Firewire input Use of third party software is problematic due to the current drivers Price could be lower

The X-Recorder is the first capture device from Aopen that supports the USB2.0 protocol for connection with a dekstop or portable PC. The installation of the unit is easy enough as is the installation of virtually any USB device under WinXP. Despite the fact that XP recognised the device, new drivers must be installed in order for the device to work properly. The VX2000 XRecorder comes as a complete package, ranging from the XRecorder unit, a remote control (including batteries) and software for image editing.

The remote control is of course very handy for the user who wants to watch TV while laying back in his couch, and while it can control almost any function on the XRecorder, for capturing to disk, you must use the mouse or keyboard on your PC to press the ok button to store the captured video.

Overall, the quality of the captured image is very good depending a great amount on the quality of the video signal. The software offers many options for adjusting the quality of the capture, either using the offered presets (VCD/SVCD/DVD/Custom) or manually adjusting the level of the compression the hardware encoder uses.

On the other hand, a fact that might seem strange is that the unit does not allow capturing a raw DV25 AVI over the USB 2.0 connection.

Another of the weak points of the package is the manual and while most experienced users may not have much trouble figuring everything out, the manual is not going to be of much help to newbies or when you run into problems. It should have been much more thorough and with greater detail, containing only seven pages including three for the table of contents. Also, we didn't manage to find any information regarding the functions of the remote control. Depending on your familiarity with remote controls from similar devices, you will have to do some experimenting to figure everything out.

AOpen has managed to create a product that targets a wide audience, and which is both easy and fun to use after a short period of learning. Most of its shortcomings mentioned above would seem to come from the software, than from the box itself. If a simple TV tuner and video capture combination is what you’re looking for, then Aopen VX2000 should be perfect for you. However, its high price (~250 euros) and the lack of features like teletext and radio tuner could discourage some demanding candidate users.