Memory Sticks

[Trumpet]

Have just bought Mrs Trumpet's son a TV with a recording facility via USB memory stick. Would like to get him a couple of memory sticks as stocking fillers but haven't a clue regards memory size against recording capacity.
Anyone out there any experience/advice in this respect?

 

[wmrcomputers]

It can vary massively, and depends on how the TV codes the recording. As a very rough guide, my camera records full HD video as an AVI. The 8GB memory card holds around 60 minutes. However, the TV might record at a lower setting than HD or use a different compression method. Have a look in the manual at the technical specifications at the back - it may give you more information on this. Failing that, if you've got a memory stick lying around, whack it in and see how much it does so that you know what to work off.
Also, the TV menu itself may allow you to choose the recording quality and vary how much "time" you get squeezed onto the USB device.

Good luck

 

[Gramaisc]

My parents have just had one, as Ireland has gone digital, so a new telly was the easy way. I put a 32G in it and there seemed to be plenty of space, even after I'd recorded a few episodes of the Sweeney.

I did wonder about a USB hard drive..?

 

[wmrcomputers]

USB hard drives can be much cheaper if you want buckets of space - but a word of warning... SOME tellys don't allow anything bigger than a 32GB device, so check BEFORE wasting your money

 

[tek-monkey]

Also be wary of the smaller portable hard drives that take their power from the USB port. I've seen loads of USB ports that don't kick out enough power to run them, so one with its own power supply will be a better bet.

As an idea 16Gb sticks are about £8 and 32Gb ones can be had for under £15. I have a great one on my keyring, solid metal and no moving parts so it can't break. Its also really small: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kingston-Drive-Premium-Metal-Casing/dp/B005SP91UW/ref=pd_sim_computers_1

 

[wmrcomputers]

Good point from Tek regarding power supplies. Most TV's can't power external hard drives, ONLY memory sticks... so if using a hard drive you are better going for a Desktop USB hard drive (bigger and heavier than portable ones, but ALWAYS have their own power supply).

two thumbs up from me tek, as I wouldn't have thought to mention this myself

 

[Gramaisc]

I did wonder about the power side, but a 32G stick is enough for them - and there's two ports anyway, if they need another..

 

[Trumpet]

Thanks guys, some good pointers there. Will pick up a 32G stick to be going on with and go through the manual on Chrimbo morning when he opens it up.

 

[Jonah]

I have bought a couple of these. Nice metal construction and small as well.

16Gb version http://www.cclonline.com/product/72...GB-USB-DataTraveler-SE9-Memory-Stick/BAK0755/

32Gb version http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kingston-Technology-DTSE9H-32GB-Traveler/dp/B008QGQZAE

Pic to show size

 

[Trumpet]

Cheers for the pointer.