Is there a way to record video, TV shows, or DVDs directly to the iPod?

The iPod touch 4th Gen and the modestly revised iPod touch "4.5" Gen have dual cameras -- a front-mounted camera intended for video conferencing that can record video at VGA quality and 30 FPS and a rear-mounted camera that can record 720p HD at 30 FPS, too.

As shipped, none of the iPod models -- regardless of type or capacity -- make it possible to record TV shows or DVDs to the iPod.

However, the Streaming Networks iRecord makes it possible to record video and audio directly to any USB-equipped iPod and all iPhone and iPad models as well as an assortment of other handheld devices.

Streaming Networks explains that the iRecord is:

A Personal Media Recorder that records video and audio data onto USB mass storage devices, including iPod and PSP (PlayStation Portable). Simply connect the iRecord device to any analog video or audio source to record video or audio contents. The digitally recorded files can be immediately played back on your iPod, PSP or any other USB mass storage device that plays audio files as MP3 or video files as MP4. The recorded contents can also be taken to other players supporting H.264 video and AAC audio in MP4 file format.

The iRecord is quite simple -- just connect the device to an A/V source like a television, DVD player, or camcorder using S-video and RCA (composite) Audio/Video and plug it in, connect the iPod to the iRecord using the USB cable that came with the iPod, and press the record button on the iRecord.

Diagram Credit: Streaming Networks

The original iRecord supports "H.264 video at 320x240 resolution at 768 Kbps bit-rate. The audio portion of video files is recorded in AAC at 128 Kbps" and it can record audio independently in MP3 format at 192 Kbps. It cannot record video without audio, but one can disconnect the audio input capable and it will record video along with silence.

Since the introduction of the original iRecord, Streaming Networks also has unveiled the iRecord Pro, which supports direct recording of video to the iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad lines at much higher resolution than the original (Full D1, 720x480/576 at 30/25 frames per second). The overall recording procedure remains generally the same, however.

For answers to a variety of other questions about the iRecord and iRecord Pro, please refer to the company FAQ.

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