SanDisk Issues V-Mate, Its Video Flash Memory Card Recorder

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SanDisk has introduced the V-Mate Video Memory Card Recorder. The SanDisk V-Mate is a video memory card recorder, allowing users to record video from video inputs such as over-the-air television as well as cable, satellite, DVD players, personal video recorders (PVRs) like TiVo and video cassette recorders (VCRs) onto their flash memory cards. Consumers can then take their memory card from the V-Mate and insert it into their mobile phone, PDA, handheld game console like the Sony PlayStation Portable, video music player or notebook computer to play back their videos on the go.

The SanDisk V-Mate lets users record up to 3.5 hours of high quality video per gigabyte, using industry-standard video formats. Memory cards supported include SD, MMC, MMCplus MMCmobile, SDHC, MiniSDHC, MicroSDHC, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo.

With a maximum recording resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, the V-Mate can also generate recording files for playback on larger screen devices such as the TV it is connected to or a notebook PC. Solid state memory (flash cards) consume less power than the hard drives or CD/DVD drives in mobile entertainment devices and therefore offer longer video playback time on a battery charge.

The V-Mate, which connects to the analog audio/video output of a set-top box, DVD player, PVR or VCR and the analog audio/video input of a TV, is easy to use. A remote control and TV-based graphical user interface let users control settings, record and access content. It has multiple programming slots for entering channel, date and start/stop times to schedule recordings. At initial set-up users select their playback device (such as a mobile phone or handheld game) to ensure the recordings are playback compatible.

The unit includes an infrared emitter. This will automatically turn on the TV tuner box (cable/satellite/terrestrial receiver or VCR) and select the right channel when programmed to record. The V-Mate also includes a mini-USB connection and cable to connect to a personal computer. The V-Mate measures just 5.1" x 2.6" x 0.8, " so it will fit snugly next to almost any-sized television.

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