Raucous
12-10-2005, 09:34
ID#14480 I almost forgot to add this. I hope it is not to late to add the ID# since I got the review up on time.
First I'll start off by saying I did alot of research for this product. I compared multiple reviews from websites like Cnet.com with other similar products like Archos AV500, Creative Zen Vision and the ever popular but no where in the same class Apple Ipod Video. My primary use is for video such as movies and TV so resolution and screen quality was the most important feature along with compatibilty with software to accomodate. I chose the Cowon A2 because of it's ease in recording video from multiple media components like my cable DVR, TV, and DVD player.
When I got it the first thing I did was plug it into my TV to record from it and see the results to make sure I got what I expected. WOW, is all I have to say. First, I am very new to the portable media devices and have zero experience with them. Recording from TV was absolutely a piece of cake. I recorded about 10min worth so I could see the results. The picture quality was outstanding and the size of the screen allows you to see what's going on in the picture easily. 2 people can watch at the same time due to it's excellent view angle contrary to what I've heard about other similar products.
Next I had already downloaded a few music files for one of my old MP3 players. This was also extremely easy to load onto the A2 since it's format is similar to most others where it's just click and drag.
I have had very little time to play with it since I haven't had it long enough and I wanted to get my review in. As I learn more I will be updating this review.
The important thing to note is that getting started with the A2 is very simple. But beyond that it has many, many valuable features which will take some time to figure out. The benefit is that you get the best of both worlds. You can record and listen/watch your media as soon as you get it and with time learn all outstanding extras it has use them to greater effect as you have more time.
I highly recommend this product.
UPDATE:
Well I've gotten to spend alot more time with my A2 and still having a blast. New things I haven't mentioned yet....
First, to move through the device is much like using a computer with files in file manager. You choose one of the icons on the screen and hit your mini joy stick. Go up or down with your joystick to get to the next folder/subfolder and then push to the right which is much like clicking it with a mouse. It opens the next area. You can go back and forth like using a webrowser.
So far I've preset my radio stations, set up my audio and video preferences using the above method. Setting things like the alarm which can turn on your A2 to begin recording from another media device like a TV, DVD player, or radio is just like setting your watch but using the above mentioned method of browsing. The A2 allows you to do just about anything you'd want with a media device.
So far I have only been stumped on one thing. After my success with recording from TV/Cable and a DVD in full screen, I attempted a wide screen DVD. I assumed that because the A2 screen itself was wide screen it would end up filling it's screen. I was wrong. It copied it in wide screen on my already wide A2 screen. I read the entire manual but was unable to find out how to fix this. I'm sure my inability to adjust this is due more to my limited experience with media devices and not a limitation of the A2 itself. I'll be doing some research to find out how to accomplish this in the next few days. I'll post this info when I get it.
First I'll start off by saying I did alot of research for this product. I compared multiple reviews from websites like Cnet.com with other similar products like Archos AV500, Creative Zen Vision and the ever popular but no where in the same class Apple Ipod Video. My primary use is for video such as movies and TV so resolution and screen quality was the most important feature along with compatibilty with software to accomodate. I chose the Cowon A2 because of it's ease in recording video from multiple media components like my cable DVR, TV, and DVD player.
When I got it the first thing I did was plug it into my TV to record from it and see the results to make sure I got what I expected. WOW, is all I have to say. First, I am very new to the portable media devices and have zero experience with them. Recording from TV was absolutely a piece of cake. I recorded about 10min worth so I could see the results. The picture quality was outstanding and the size of the screen allows you to see what's going on in the picture easily. 2 people can watch at the same time due to it's excellent view angle contrary to what I've heard about other similar products.
Next I had already downloaded a few music files for one of my old MP3 players. This was also extremely easy to load onto the A2 since it's format is similar to most others where it's just click and drag.
I have had very little time to play with it since I haven't had it long enough and I wanted to get my review in. As I learn more I will be updating this review.
The important thing to note is that getting started with the A2 is very simple. But beyond that it has many, many valuable features which will take some time to figure out. The benefit is that you get the best of both worlds. You can record and listen/watch your media as soon as you get it and with time learn all outstanding extras it has use them to greater effect as you have more time.
I highly recommend this product.
UPDATE:
Well I've gotten to spend alot more time with my A2 and still having a blast. New things I haven't mentioned yet....
First, to move through the device is much like using a computer with files in file manager. You choose one of the icons on the screen and hit your mini joy stick. Go up or down with your joystick to get to the next folder/subfolder and then push to the right which is much like clicking it with a mouse. It opens the next area. You can go back and forth like using a webrowser.
So far I've preset my radio stations, set up my audio and video preferences using the above method. Setting things like the alarm which can turn on your A2 to begin recording from another media device like a TV, DVD player, or radio is just like setting your watch but using the above mentioned method of browsing. The A2 allows you to do just about anything you'd want with a media device.
So far I have only been stumped on one thing. After my success with recording from TV/Cable and a DVD in full screen, I attempted a wide screen DVD. I assumed that because the A2 screen itself was wide screen it would end up filling it's screen. I was wrong. It copied it in wide screen on my already wide A2 screen. I read the entire manual but was unable to find out how to fix this. I'm sure my inability to adjust this is due more to my limited experience with media devices and not a limitation of the A2 itself. I'll be doing some research to find out how to accomplish this in the next few days. I'll post this info when I get it.