THE portable video revolution just took a big step forward with the release of a new, relatively cheap box that records TV shows and movies directly onto iPods.

The device, iRecord, which sells for $199, connects a cable or satellite box directly to a video iPod or other mobile video devices.

Until now, viewers who wanted to stock their iPods had to download the shows from Apple’s iTunes site.

With the iRecord, users simply attach the box to the TV and the iPod and press the record button.