Having tested the revamped flight recorder system, I was quite impressed.  The playback is fluid - much like FSRecorder - and doesn't jerk around like the older FSX recorder system.   

 

Is there a way to remove the playback box during playback though ?

I think that while playing the recorded flight, you can hide the Playback Controls in the menu (and do the same to bring it back)

 

Unfortunately, when I play recorded flight, nothing happens, my Plane just stands still, and I can hear engine RPM varying but that's all...