SanDisk's V-MATE: records video to what else, flash memory cards

Sandisk is plenty busy with new products at IFA in Berlin. Now, they've thrown down with a whole new product line-up by launching the V-MATE video recorder. And since SanDisk likey their flash memory, the V-Mate is designed to record directly to a wide variety of memory card formats from any composite video source such as your set-top box, DVD player, or TiVo. The V-MATE features a remote control, on-screen programming interface, and an infrared emitter to turn on your TV tuner device and select the right channel for programmed recording. And MPEG-4 compression delivers about 1.8 hours of playback per 1GB of flash at the V-MATE's maximum 640 x 480 recording resolution or up to 3.6-hours when the rez and bit rate are throttled back for the requirements of say, your cellphone display. Available in October for about $130.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2006 9:20AM]

Pretty sweet..does it list a price?

[huskerbadger Posted Sep 4th 2006 9:28AM]

Granted the resolution is less than desirable, but for 130 bucks and the incredible portability of the media, this thing will sell like crazy. I'll buy one (or more) the day they come out!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2006 9:30AM]

Nice, I just need a card supporting video player and $130, then I'm set!

[charlesv Posted Sep 4th 2006 10:09AM]

those 1.8 and 3.6 hour specs are per gigabyte

[ragejg Posted Sep 4th 2006 1:03PM]

Does it offer playback?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2006 2:10PM]

This thing doesn't even have a Compact Flash slot. I will buy this if they come out with a model with Comapct Flash.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 4th 2006 9:04PM]

This is exactly like the Neuros Audio Recorder 2 - it does the exact thing, plus it has a Compact Flash slot.
http://www.neurosaudio.com/

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 5th 2006 3:18PM]

How about audio - looks like there is Video in and out, but watching without listening?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 5th 2006 3:18PM]

Here'a a link to some more photos - http://www.sandisk.com/Corporate/Default.aspx?CatID=1438

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 6th 2006 2:43AM]

I don't think the Neuros has the remote or the ability to control a TV tuner. The 640x480 resolution is better too I believe.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 23rd 2009 2:07AM]

The V-mate will make a good product for Canadians if only the advertising would of been aimed properly. This unit was 2 or 3 years ago and this is the first I heard about it. What is making me mad is,
1: the SanDisk Canada online store for this product is sold out.
2: Stores here in Newfoundland Canada like; The Source, Future Shop (owned by Best Buy), walmart, Avalon Software Don't carry this product. I want one bad.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 17th 2007 2:08PM]

this system hi fi stero set to recorder memory card.yes/no ple let me
nasar