I want to get certain videos, via analog, onto a personal video player, like the iPod, which I can then connecto to screens in my car so my son doesn't go berserk on long car rides. Currently, there is a DVD player in the car, but it is a bit on the 'cheap' side. The screens look good and there is the availability for 'aux' video in to feed the screens - so I was thinking that I could get away from the clunky DVDs and go with an entirely hard drive based personal video player.
iPod right? I know the new ones have video playback capability, which is really useless for many... But, if I could dump a bunch of shows out of my DVR onto the iPod then that would mean that I could have hours of entertainment readily available for my son (or wife... or me) with just a few wheel clicks.
PROBLEM: Everything I read makes it sound like it isn't possible. That is, while the 'video' iPod can play videos, it doesn't actually record videos. You have to first capture the video to your computer with analog capture software, then make sure that the video is properly encoded in one of the formats that iPod can play nicely with. This process, for any 1 hour show, typically takes half an afternoon of computer work and processing as well as hardware and a good bit of know how.
HUH? I just want to connect it to my cable box and press the record button so I can capture a show!
So, if iPod can't actually do this - anyone have any other devices that can that can offer similar storage levels, quality, etc. for a reasonable price ($500ish)? I just need to have quick access and the ability to charge or connect to my cars 12v system (cigarette lighter adapter) and at least a 60GB drive for plenty of room for a dozen or so movies. Seems simple enough... and I would hope if the iPod can't do it - that the next generation will.