UNISHEEN UR230A Video Capture and Recorder

1. Introduction

The UNISHEEN UR230A is a versatile video capture and recording device designed to digitize analog video sources such as VCRs, camcorders, and S-Video devices directly to a TF card or USB storage. It also supports MP3 audio recording. Featuring an integrated LCD for preview and playback, along with a remote control, the UR230A offers a convenient solution for preserving your old memories or capturing new content without the need for a PC.

2. Box Contents

Please check the package contents to ensure all items are present:

• UNISHEEN UR230A Capture Box
• Power Adapter (5V1A)
• Remote Control
• USB-A to Type-C Cable (Power cable and Data cable)
• AV Cable (1.5M)
• 3.5mm Cable (1.5M)
• User Manual (this document)

3. Product Diagram

Familiarize yourself with the ports and controls of your UR230A device.

3.1. Device Ports and Connections

1. TF Card slot: Insert a TF Card for storage.
2. USB slot: Insert a USB flash drive or mobile hard disk for video recording.
3. Line In (3.5mm AUX IN): Stereo audio inputs. Use for recording from devices like cassette players.
4. Line Out (3.5mm AUX OUT): Stereo audio outputs (TRS INPUT).
5. 5V/1A Power and Data Port (TO PC): Connect for power or use with third-party software (e.g., OBS) or to copy files from the TF card. Note: Files cannot be copied from USB via this port.
6. AV Input (RCA): Connect AV cables (Red, White, Yellow) for composite video and stereo audio input.
7. S-VIDEO Input: Connect S-Video cables for video input.
8. HDMI OUT: Connect an HDMI cable between the Capture Box and a TV/monitor for output.

3.2. Device Bottom and Indicators

The device features a battery socket compatible with F550/F750/F970 batteries for portable use. An IR sensor is located on the front for remote control operation.

3.3. Front Panel Controls and LCD

The front panel includes an LCD screen for preview and menu navigation, along with several control buttons:

• ON/OFF Button: Press to turn the device on or off. Hold for 8 seconds to power off/on the LCD display.
• OK Button: Confirm selection or play/pause during media playback.
• Directional Buttons (Up/Down/Left/Right): Navigate menus, fast forward/backward during playback, adjust speaker volume.
• REC/STOP Button: Start or stop recording.
• Snapshot Button: Take a still image during video input.
• Source Button: Switch between input sources (AV/S-VIDEO/Audio Recording).
• Menu Button: Show the menu to change settings.
• Backward Button: Go back in menus.

3.4. Storage Indicators

The device features LED indicators for storage status:

4. Remote Control

The included remote control provides convenient access to all functions from a distance.

• REC/STOP: Record and Stop.
• Snapshot: Take a snapshot.
• VIDEO: Quick find Video files button.
• IMAGE: Quick find image files button.
• MUSIC: Quick find audio files button.
• Menu: Show the menu to change settings.
• SOURCE: Switch input sources (AV/S-VIDEO/Audio Recording).
• Backward: Backward button.
• Volume +/-: Capture box Speaker Volume - +.

Tips: The remote control is powered by 2 AAA batteries which are not included and need to be purchased independently.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Initial Setup and Connection

1. Connect your analog video source (VCR, camcorder, etc.) to the UR230A's AV IN or S-VIDEO IN ports using the appropriate cables.
2. Connect the UR230A's HDMI OUT to your TV or monitor for viewing the input source and recorded content.
3. Insert a TF card or USB flash drive into the respective slot for storage.
4. Connect the power adapter to the 5V/1A port and plug it into a power outlet.
5. Press the ON/OFF button to power on the device.

5.2. OSD Menu Navigation (On-Screen Display)

Press the Menu button on the device or remote to display the settings menu. There are four main categories:

• Settings: Adjust system parameters.
• Videos: Access recorded video files for playback.
• Pictures: Access captured image files for viewing.
• Audio: Access recorded audio files for playback.

5.3. System Settings

Navigate to the 'Settings' menu to configure device parameters:

5.4. Media Playback

From the OSD menu, select 'Videos', 'Pictures', or 'Audio' to browse and play your recorded files.

• Use directional buttons to select a file.
• Press 'OK' to start playback.
• During playback, use directional buttons for fast forward/backward or volume control.
• To delete a file, press and hold the 'OK' key for 2 seconds, then confirm.

6. Important Recording Tips

• Storage Device Requirements: The minimum capacity for USB flash disks or TF cards is 500MB. The maximum capacity is unlimited. Supported formats include FAT32, EXFAT, Gpt, MBR, and NTFS.
• Simultaneous Storage Use: USB flash disk and TF card cannot be used at the same time. If both are inserted, the USB flash disk will be prioritized. When using a TF card, ensure the USB flash drive is unplugged.
• File Size Limits: For video recording, FAT32 formatted devices have a maximum file size of 4GB or 4 hours per file. NTFS/EXFAT formatted devices support up to 16GB or 4 hours per file.
• MP3 Recording: MP3 recording files can be up to 4GB (approximately 48 hours).
• Premium Storage: When recording to USB storage devices, use a premium, high-speed USB flash drive or mobile hard disk to prevent file loss or unexpected problems.
• Before Recording: Always ensure a USB storage device or TF card is properly inserted before starting a recording.
• Recording Indication: When recording, the storage LED will blink blue, indicating the Capture Box is actively recording.

6.1. USB to PC Function

• UVC/UAC Function: The device defaults to UVC/UAC function, supporting third-party software for preview only (not playback).
• PC COPY Mode: In this mode, the TF card can be connected to the computer as a mobile disk for file transfer. Note: A USB flash drive cannot be used in this mode.

Video 6.1: Product demonstration and usage overview.

7. Supported Resolutions

7.1. Video Recording

• Recording Options: Select AUTO or 1080P recording.
• NTSC: Input 480i60, records 480P30 or 1920x1080P30. HDMI OUT outputs 1920x1080P60.
• PAL: Input 576i50, records 576P25 or 1920x1080P25. HDMI OUT outputs 1920x1080P50.

7.2. MP3 Audio Recording

• Source: Switch to AUX for MP3 recording.
• Sampling Rate: 48K.
• Code Rate: Can be set to 128Kbps, 192Kbps, and 320Kbps.
• Audio Input: Mixture or standalone of LINE-IN and RCA-L/RCA-R.

8. Specifications

9. Troubleshooting

• No Signal on LCD/TV:
  - Check all cable connections (AV, S-Video, HDMI). Ensure they are securely plugged in.
  - Verify the input source selected on the UR230A matches your connected device (CVBS, S-VIDEO, AUX).
  - Ensure your source device (VCR, camcorder) is powered on and playing content.
• Recording Not Starting/Saving:
  - Confirm a TF card or USB drive is inserted and properly formatted (FAT32, EXFAT, NTFS).
  - Check if the storage device has sufficient free space.
  - Ensure only one storage device (TF or USB) is inserted at a time.
  - The storage indicator LED should blink blue during recording. If not, try re-inserting the storage or restarting the device.
• Poor Video/Audio Quality:
  - Check the quality of your source material and cables.
  - Adjust the 'Video Bitrate' and 'Audio Bitrate' settings in the system menu to a higher value.
  - Ensure 'Video-In Volume' and 'Aux-In Volume' are appropriately set.
• Remote Control Not Working:
  - Ensure fresh AAA batteries are correctly inserted.
  - Point the remote directly at the device's IR sensor.
  - Remove any obstructions between the remote and the device.

10. User Tips

• For best results when digitizing old VHS tapes, ensure the VCR heads are clean and the tape is in good condition.
• Experiment with different video and audio bitrates to find the optimal balance between file size and quality for your needs.
• When transferring files to a PC, use the 'PC COPY Mode' for TF cards for direct access, or connect the device via USB and use compatible third-party software for real-time capture.

11. Warranty and Support

This product comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. For detailed warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided by your retailer or visit the official UNISHEEN website.

A user manual in PDF format is also available for download: View User Manual (PDF)