Recently in MP3 Players & Digital Audio Category

Yes, indeed! It only took who knows how many years before a major record label decided to release "major artist" music as MP3 files.

Kudos to Blue Note Records (owned by EMI) and Norah Jones deciding to go the MP3 route for her new single.

Yes, as CD sales decline, doesn't it make sense to go the MP3 route (or download in general) ...

And/or isn't this a way to get around iTunes as the de facto standard for music downloads ...

(Cut out the middle and more dough for the big boys ...)

Read all about it here.

Albert Einstein worked in the patent office examining patents and look what happened to him.

Seems many today love looking at Apple's patent applications to see what they are up to, too.

With that in mind, how about this report (and speculation) about Steve Jobs announcing the much anticipated Apple iPhone at MacWorld next month?

(And love the phrase "patent moat" ...)

Well, that gives us plenty of time to blog on it ...

The OPPO Digital LT2007 20-inch LCD-TV DVD Combo Player is an interesting "combination" device, combining a 181-channel TV tuner, VGA input for PC/laptop video support, built-in DVD player, 5-in-1 USB Memory Card reader, component ports, built-in speakers, and a remote control -- all in a small, elegant, and stylish design that is perfectly suited for kitchens, dorms, dens, or other rooms with limited space. Oppo sent me a review unit to check out and put through the paces.



For my first test I inserted the DVD movie Cellular into the front-loading DVD slot. Similar to cars' in-dash DVD/CD players, the DVD player automatically "catches" the DVD disc as you insert it. Using the ultra-thin remote control, which actually uses a thin watch battery, I was able to easily navigate the DVD menus and start the movie. The video quality was very good on the LCD display, though the screen is 4:3 aspect ratio, so the widescreen Cellular movie was letterboxed. This 4:3 aspect ration is my first "room for improvement" - I'd like to see them offer a 16:9 LCD screen since most DVDs these days come in widescreen format. While the DVD is playing you can capture the current frame and replace the logo screen. A bit of feature-fluff, but hey, I'm a gadget freak, so the more features, the merrier! Also, the DVD drive plays standard DVD-Video, DivX, CD, HDCD, WMA, Kodak Picture CD, as well as DVD-R/+R/-RW/+RW recordable DVDs.


For my next test, I hooked up the included USB 5-1 Memory Card reader which supports SecureDigital, MultiMedia Card, Memory Stick, SmartMedia, CompactFlash. Next, I inserted my CF card which had both photos, DiVX videos, mpeg videos, and MP3s on it. From the remote control I switched the source to the CF card and was able to browse the folders on the CF card. I was able to start an MP3 music file and as the song was playing I could browse the photos and start a slideshow. The MP3 music would continue playing while the photos were browsed or in slideshow mode - a nice feature. Next, I tried playing Journey - Who's Crying Now.mpg, a live concert MPEG video in my video collection and it played flawlessly.

Next, I hooked up a laptop to the VGA input on the back of the unit. The LCD screen was very crisp (as expected), however I noticed the screen resolution displayed 800x600 even though the laptop was set to 1024x768. Thus, part of the Windows Desktop was obscured, such as the Windows XP Start Menu until you move the mouse and pan around the screen.
(Note: I switched to 800x600 resolution on the laptop for the photo below, so you can see the Start menu on this photo:)

Moving the mouse around would cause the LCD to "pan" around and I was able to get to the Start menu. I tried to change the resolution to 1024x768 but soon learned that 800x600 is the maximum resolution on this 20" screen. This is a bit surprising since I have never seen such a large screen only handle 800x600. I'm not sure if it was a cost decision to only do 800x600, but it certainly seemed odd. Similarly, the Component video inputs accept 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i HD video signals, however, all signals are scaled to the 800x600 resolution display capability. Composite and S-Video inputs are also included for connecting VCRs, camcorders, etc. I should point out that 800x600 is fine for the built-in TV tuner since DV NTSC resolution (DVD) is only 720x480. In fact, I was very impressed with the DVD quality as well as the 181-channel TV tuner video quality, but still would have liked to have seen 1024x768 supported. Nevertheless, this combo device will most likely be used in kitchens, dens, and other small spaces "more as a DVD player and TV" rather than a computer monitor. As such, this TV/DVD combo this is a great product with a really cool stylish design that almost looks like Apple designed it. Most importantly the Oppo OPPO Digital LT-2007 has a small footprint due its integrated LCD, speakers, and DVD player that won't clutter your countertop or table -- and at just $599, this is a bargain for the amount of features you get.

Pros:
- Integrated DVD player
- Memory card Reader with Photo Slideshow
- Plays DivX, and MPEG videos
- Plays mp3 files
- Elegant, small, and combines TV/DVD/PC monitor all-in-one

Cons:
- VGA maximum resolution (800x600)
- 4:3 aspect ratio not optimal for DVD playback
 
Specifications:

TV:

• Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV) with high quality 20.1" flat-panel TFT LCD screen.
• 800 x 600 pixel resolution, 500:1 contrast ratio, 450 cd/m² brightness, 4:3 aspect ratio.
• Tilt screen with adjustable angle.
• 181-channel NTSC tuner with automatic station searching and fine tuning.
• Last Channel Recall feature for quick switching between channels.
• Closed captioning capability.
• MTS/SAP decoding for true stereo sound and Secondary Audio Programs.
• Digital 3D comb filter for enhanced picture resolution and sharpness.
• Component video input capable of accepting 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i HD video signals.
• Composite video and S-Video inputs for universal compatibility.
• VGA input for use as a computer or game monitor.
• 2 stereo audio inputs for PC and video.
• 3W x 2 stereo speakers built into the base.
• Headphone output.
• Automatic shut-off sleep timer.

 
Built-in DVD Player:

• Slot-loading DVD player built into the TV base.
• Progressive scan and true digital connection to the built-in TV for best picture quality.
• Multi-format digital video/audio/picture playback supporting DVD-Video, DivX® video format, XviD, Audio CD, HDCD, WMA, Kodak Picture CD and more.
• Versatile media compatibility supporting disc types such as CD-R/CD-RW, DVD-R/DVD-RW, and DVD+R/DVD+RW.
• Official DivX® Certified product
• Plays all versions of DivX® video (including DivX® 6) with standard playback of DivX® media files
• Digital audio output supporting Dolby Digital and DTS for surround sound playback.
• USB interface for flash memory or external device expandability.
• Composite video and stereo audio output.

 
Connectors:

• Cable/Antenna input (F Type connector): 1
• Component video input (YPbPr/YCbCr): 1 group (3 connectors)
• S-Video input: 1
• VGA input: 1
• A/V input: 1
• PC audio input (for VGA): 1
• DVD A/V output: 1
• DVD coaxial digital audio output: 1
• USB port: 1
• DC power input jack: 1
• Headphone output: 1

 
Accessories Included:

• User manual
• Remote control and battery
• Power adaptor and AC power cord
• A/V cable (3 RCA to 1 mini-jack): 2 sets
• Stereo audio cable (2 RCA to 1 mini-jack)
• Coaxial digital audio cable (1 RCA to 1 mini-jack)
• 5-in-1 USB flash memory card reader and USB cable (SecureDigital, MultiMedia Card, Memory Stick, SmartMedia, CompactFlash)

 

 

It may not the product we've all been waiting for, but the new iPod shuffle is now available.

Nearly half the size of the original, the new iPod shuffle is just half a cubic inch in volume, weighs just half an ounce and features a minimal aluminum design with a built-in clip, making it the most wearable iPod ever.

The new iPod shuffle contains one gigabyte of flash memory -- 240 songs -- and costs $79.

(Like how we are starting to see some downward pricing pressure on Apple ... )

 

With the New York City Marathon this weekend -- Sunday to be exact -- got to wondering how many runners will be equipped with MP3 players to pass the time (does add a bit of weight, though).

That thought then moved on to how many runners will be get up with Nike+ shoes, the Nike+iPod Sport Kit and an iPod Nano? This is the setup that puts the iPod in the shoe (could cause a bit of a balance problem, eh?).

Bet the top runners won't be passing the time this way, but would make mucho sense to go the mobile music route for the marathoners out for the fun of it.

Hey, and if not music, then how about mobile phone calls during the race? Get the Bluetooth set up, get the earpiece attached nicely and find a spot for the phone.

Will anyone still be running with headphones and a CD player or cassette player or AM/FM radio? Bet there will be some.

 

The Rimax Mystic is a new MP3 / MP4 and video player that also doubles as a VoIP phone using it's built-in microphone. You connect it to your PC via USB and the Mystic becomes a VoIP phone. Technically it's just another USB audio device with both speaker and microphone that can be used b yany application - whether it be Skype or listening to iTunes.  In addition to being able to play your PC audio, and use it as a microphone device for VoIP applications, it recharges while connected to the USB port. Take that video iPod - you got nothing!

The Mystic comes with a full color 1.5" screen and a choice of either 512MB, 1GB or 2GB of memory. It comes in multiple casing color flavors including blue, green, white or orange. Audio formats supported include MP1, MP2, MP3, WMA, WMV, WAV, ACT, WAV. It also has FM radio with up to 20 preset stations.  You can also record using the built-in microphone as a voice recorder or record direct from radio.

Personally, I think this (VoIP) is a bit of an unnecessary feature in an MP3 player. Just make a really good MP3 and video player and forget about all this extra fluff. Besides, I'd rather use a wireless Bluetooth headset than be chained to my desk because of the USB wire. But that's just me.

I used to have a lot of fun looking throught the cut-out bins at record stores for LPs by artists that looked or sounded interesting.

(Does anybody know what I'm talking about?)

And I used to find some good albums and artists that I might not have ever heard about.

Now, in a similar vein but with a modern twist, www.MP3Musicgrams.com, a free music promotion site that features MP3 music uploads, and Musicgrams, have entered into an online artist promotion and revenue sharing partnership with MusicGorilla.com. Both of these sites offer unique services for new unsigned artists to promote their music.

MusicGorilla.com places artist’s music directly onto pages built for major labels, indie labels and film studios. Artists get access to free submissions for film, TV and video games; they are eligible for free live label showcases, digital distribution and more. MusicGorilla.com does not take any piece of any deals made on the site.

Music fans can preview and send music without effectively downloading the MP3 and have the ability to forward the Musicgram to other friends and fans once received and opened up.

In the Music Fan and artist contest that runs through December 11, artists and bands (in all musical genres from rock to country to hip hop) can upload a promo MP3, image and add their website link to direct users back to their site.

It works for both fans and bands.

Let me know if it works for you.

 

Can the Internet and gadgets blogs also serve as a giant virtual "Lost & Found"?

An interesting idea put forth today on ZDNet that a daisy-chain link ups of gadgets (and other) blogs can restore a lost black iPod to its owner.

So, in the sense that we've all lost a beloved gadget and sorely hoped that my some miracle it would be returned, let's see if our readers can be of any help returning this iPod to its rightful owner.

Once again, here's the link ...

Can you believe this news about iPods shipping with a virus?

It's finger-pointing central, with Apple blaming Microsoft, and Microsoft having none of it.

Who's to blame?

Read the details here.

 It's always fun to read AppleInsider for the latest news, buzz and rumors of what's going on inside the core of Apple Computer.

Well, it's not a surprise to many of us (I expect) to read today about Apple seeking the rights to the iPhone trademark. (Love to add this little symbol after the word ... ®)

(Thanks to ilounge.com -- formerly ipodlounge.com -- for the photo above.)

Does this suggest that Apple plans to use this term for its iPod cell phone? Duh ...

The September 15 filing, made with a Far Eastern trademark office, is the latest in "a long list of incontrovertible evidence to suggest the Cupertino, Calif.-based iPod maker is in the final developmental stages of the project."

Here's some excerpts from the report:

Apple describes iPhone as "handheld and mobile digital electronic devices for the sending and receiving of telephone calls, faxes, electronic mail, and other digital data; MP3 and other digital format audio players."

Under the primary but broad classification, Apple said iPhone may also consist of "electronic handheld units for the wireless receipt and/or transmission of data that enable the user to keep track of or manage personal information."

Similarly, it may include "software for the redirection of messages, Internet e-mail, and/or other data to one or more electronic handheld devices from a data store on or associated with a personal computer or a server; and software for the synchronization of data between a remote station or device and a fixed or remote station or device."

Of particular interest is a secondary classification of iPhone listed in the filing which pertains to a "stand alone video game machine," implying that the device may be compatible with the handful of arcade games recently introduced for Apple's fifth-generation video iPod players.

Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?

And the speculation continues ...