Doghouse Electronics on Wednesday introduced RoverTv, a portable digital video player that records content direct from your TV. It also works with audio files and supports file transfers from a Mac or PC. It’s designed to work hard drive free, and is available in 3.5-inch and 4-inch versions for $299 and $349 respectively.
In place of a hard disk drive, the RoverTv uses Secure Digital (SD) media cards. It comes with a 1GB and 2GB card — enough capacity to store 11 hours of television, according to the manufacturer.
The 3.5-inch version displays video at 320 x 240 pixels. The 4-inch version is a “widescreen” display; it offers 480 x 272 pixel resolution. Controls are set on the edge of the system so as not to interfere with the display.
The RoverTv features a USB 2.0 port to connect to a Mac or PC — software is built-in to the RoverTv (a CD-ROM is included for the Mac or PC). The RoverTv also features AV input and output and an FM radio receiver.
It’s powered by a built-in rechargeable and replaceable lithium ion battery that lasts for up to 5 hours of video (12 hours of audio). It also comes with earbuds, although it features a built-in speaker.
Video stored in the RoverTv can be played back on a television using the AV output cable, also included.
In addition to video, the RoverTv can be used to view JPEG, BMP and GIF photos and presentations. It can also play MP3, MP4 and WAV files. It even supports Tivo To Go.