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A historical aside re EDIG and EMI/Classic:
The Classic CHD1000/XP3 debuted in Circuit City on Thanksgiving weekend of 2001; it had been present on the EMI website for several weeks prior to that. The first EDIG PR acknowledging it as an EDIG design occurred on 12/3/01 ( http://www.edigital.com/news/releases/pr120301.html ). Furthermore, the CHD1000 info on the EMI website makes no mention of EDIG ( http://www.emiglobal.com/mp3/chd1000.html ), although the fact is that its design was licensed from EDIG. Furthermore, the CHD1000 was not provided with Music Explorer software (although it will work with it). At this point in time, the jury is still out as to the CHD1500's provenance.
hollywood hills, the second generation player from Musical was the CHD500; the CHD1500 represents their 3rd generation HD-based jukebox.
CHD500
CHD1500
I'd expect a PR from EDIG if the CHD1500 is ours; time will tell.
hollywoodhills, fwiw:
E.DIGITAL CORPORATION AND MUSICAL ELECTRONICS LTD. ENTER INTO MULTI-YEAR LICENSING AGREEMENT
e.Digital to Supply Multiple Music Player Product Platforms to Musical (aka EMI Global)
http://www.edigital.com/news/releases/pr091701.html
E.DIGITAL CORPORATION AND MUSICAL ELECTRONICS LTD. ENTER INTO MULTI-YEAR LICENSING AGREEMENT
e.Digital to Supply Multiple Music Player Product Platforms to Musical (aka EMI Global)
http://www.edigital.com/news/releases/pr091701.html
Divx heating up...
http://www.fedtec.com/divxplayer_reference.htm
Todd, the iPod doesn't play back WMA files, it doesn't have any recording/ripping ability, it's physically smaller, it doesn't come with MusicMatch software. The Odyssey 1000, on the other hand....
Another Odyssey 1000 OEM?
http://www.emiglobal.com/mp3/chd1500.html
Another Odyssey 1000 OEM?
http://www.emiglobal.com/mp3/chd1500.html
New O1K review posted:
Good buy - but not 100% flawless
My review of Odyssey 1000:
CONSTRUCTION:
At first sight it looks like a "1000$". It looks veeery good! Shiny and solid metal design, with a tasty blue display. Though it looks like a silver bar it doesn't weigh much.
The first problem I met with the construction was the rubberplug that protects the input for the batterycharger. It was hard to open it and plug the contact in, and after recharging the battery (which took about 2.5 hrs) it was hard to close it again. Silly detail.
Another thing I think they could do better is the carrying case. It looks ok, and does it's job, but it has like a small gap at the lower part of the circle where the scrollbar is. Another detail that could be better, but it's fully possible to live with it :)
IN USE:
It's easy to navigate thanks to the scrollwheel. The display is big and gives sufficient overview. But I don't understand why there is no stop button. And I would also like the opportunity to go up a level to start a new song without having to go all the way through; menu -> music -> my music -> artist -> album -> songs. Maybe I haven't found out everything yet, but so far it seems like a small handicap. Except from that it's easy to use and responds quickly.
SOUND:
Excellent. A little distortion on level 28-30, but otherwise good. I like the SRS wow effect and the opportunity to adjust the equalizer.
MENU:
Easy to use and understand. I need some time to get used to the buttons, since a short and a long push does different things.
I tried to use the VoiceNav function, and at first I thought it was a "bluff". But then I found out how to use it, and it works surprisingly good! It's a nice extra feature, though I think the scrollbar is enough for me.
SOFTWARE:
The software is ok. Music Explorer is simple and easy to use. You have to put all folders in a subfolder, but I don't think that's too big a problem :)
THE VOICE RECORDER:
Works nicely. Though I miss a feature to name the recordings
ALL IN ALL:
I must say I LIKE IT A LOT! It looks ultra cool, seems to be of good quality and for $349 it feels like a bargain. But there are some annoying things about it. Most of them will hopefully be fixed by a firmware upgrade.
I'm glad I bought one and would like to recommend it to anyone looking for a harddisk based mp3-player/fm-radio/voice-recorder.
PS! I will come back with additional info when I have used it for some time.
From 'StrangeLife', February 18, 2003
New O1K review posted:
Good buy - but not 100% flawless
My review of Odyssey 1000:
CONSTRUCTION:
At first sight it looks like a "1000$". It looks veeery good! Shiny and solid metal design, with a tasty blue display. Though it looks like a silver bar it doesn't weigh much.
The first problem I met with the construction was the rubberplug that protects the input for the batterycharger. It was hard to open it and plug the contact in, and after recharging the battery (which took about 2.5 hrs) it was hard to close it again. Silly detail.
Another thing I think they could do better is the carrying case. It looks ok, and does it's job, but it has like a small gap at the lower part of the circle where the scrollbar is. Another detail that could be better, but it's fully possible to live with it :)
IN USE:
It's easy to navigate thanks to the scrollwheel. The display is big and gives sufficient overview. But I don't understand why there is no stop button. And I would also like the opportunity to go up a level to start a new song without having to go all the way through; menu -> music -> my music -> artist -> album -> songs. Maybe I haven't found out everything yet, but so far it seems like a small handicap. Except from that it's easy to use and responds quickly.
SOUND:
Excellent. A little distortion on level 28-30, but otherwise good. I like the SRS wow effect and the opportunity to adjust the equalizer.
MENU:
Easy to use and understand. I need some time to get used to the buttons, since a short and a long push does different things.
I tried to use the VoiceNav function, and at first I thought it was a "bluff". But then I found out how to use it, and it works surprisingly good! It's a nice extra feature, though I think the scrollbar is enough for me.
SOFTWARE:
The software is ok. Music Explorer is simple and easy to use. You have to put all folders in a subfolder, but I don't think that's too big a problem :)
THE VOICE RECORDER:
Works nicely. Though I miss a feature to name the recordings
ALL IN ALL:
I must say I LIKE IT A LOT! It looks ultra cool, seems to be of good quality and for $349 it feels like a bargain. But there are some annoying things about it. Most of them will hopefully be fixed by a firmware upgrade.
I'm glad I bought one and would like to recommend it to anyone looking for a harddisk based mp3-player/fm-radio/voice-recorder.
PS! I will come back with additional info when I have used it for some time.
From 'StrangeLife', February 18, 2003
Interesting HD-based MP3 player/navigation/video system from Panasonic:
http://panasonic.jp/car/catalog/pdf/hdx300.pdf (2.26MB Acrobat file)
Looks like this: http://panasonic.jp/car/navi/products/HDX300/index.html
More re "the 'MP3 headphones' may be exactly that"... (headphones capable of converting mp3 files to audio). As I see it, in a retail environment, the customer would put on the headphones and select a tune to hear. The server would then stream that file to his headphones. One server could service multiple headsets, which (since they're wireless) would not tether the customer to the server's immediate environs. They could just as easily be perusing the CD racks, scanning a barcode from the CD jewel case into the headphones in order to sample the CD's contents. Be one helluva sales tool. Just speculation on my part at this point; time will tell.
Arkie, at this point I'm speculating that the 'MP3 headphones' might be part of a system for 'Try before you buy' retailing of CDs. The multi-unit battery charger would seem to hint of such an application.
More re "the 'MP3 headphones' may be exactly that"... (headphones capable of covering mp3 files to audio). As I see it, in a retail environment, the customer would put on the headphones and select a tune to hear. The server would then stream that file to his headphones. One server could service multiple headsets, which (since they're wireless) would not tether the customer to the server's immediate environs. They could just as easily be perusing the CD racks, scanning a barcode from the CD jewel case into the headphones in order to sample the CD's contents. Be one helluva sales tool.
I'll call just as soon as you affirm that Howard told you EDIG has been contracted to do manufacturing for Hewlett Packard. Until you affirm that purported fact, I see no reason to call anyone.
I'd much rather see FOF actually commit to the veracity of what she posted; a simple affirmation that she was told by Softeq that e.Digital has been contracted to manufacture product for Hewlett Packard. Why she won't do such a simple act of affirmation is beyond me. I have yet to see her make such a statement; instead, she has tap danced around the subject, never once directly attributing her statement to a Softeq source. Typical basher tactics.
Since you made the unqualified statement re the relationship, the onus is upon YOU to support your statement (or retract it). Since you refuse to answer my question with a simple yes or no, it's obvious to me that you are attempting to BS this board.
Are you saying that Chris Howard of Softec has told you that EDIG has been contracted to manufacture products for resale by Hewlett Packard? A simple yes or no will suffice; a refusal to answer will indicate that you have no idea.
Do your own DD; it's not my responsibility to supply you with facts for you to twist.
FOF, please provide support for your statement that e.Digital 'will be paid to manufacture the headphones'. I see no such statement in either the e.Digital or Softeq PRs. If it isn't a fact, you are remiss in presenting it as such.
They are one and the same; I am amazed that you are ignorant of such a basic fact.
I didn't make it up, nor did I get it from e.Digital - the exact quote was "An early customer of the partnership is Hewlett-Packard, who is working with the companies to explore opportunities for future digital audio products." A logical interpretation of this quote (verbatim from the Softeq website)
is my statement that that e.Digital technology has been selected for inclusion in one or more products. Note that I did not say "more than one", I said "one or more". The one is a given, the more, considering the quote from Softeq, is not guaranteed but cannot be ruled out (no matter how much you'd love to).
As long as we're quibbling over details, RFQ is short for 'Request for Quote'. With regards to the other matter, the fact remains that e.Digital technology has been selected for inclusion in one or more products branded by Hewlett Packard/Compaq. Spin that however you wish.
Some thoughts re 'MP3' headphones:
Infrared headphones are already widely available. One must wonder why HP felt it necessary to come to EDIG to reinvent the wheel. Perhaps these headphones are exactly as described... they receive an MP3 file via infrared digital signal and convert the file to audio. No big deal; when you remove the need for a storage device the size of a hard drive, the remaining circuitry for decompression/decoding could easily fit into a headset. One advantage of this digital transmission method is that multiple headphone sets could each receive a different musical selection from the same transmitter source. JMHO, of course.
Some thoughts re 'MP3' headphones:
Infrared headphones are already widely available. One must wonder why HP felt it necessary to come to EDIG to reinvent the wheel. Perhaps these headphones are exactly as described... they receive an MP3 file via infrared digital signal and convert the file to audio. No big deal; when you remove the need for a storage device the size of a hard drive, the remaining circuitry for decompression/decoding could easily fit into a headset. One advantage of this digital transmission method is that multiple headphone sets could each receive a different musical selection from the same transmitter source. JMHO, of course.
gernb1, it is confirmed by Softeq:
http://www.softeq.com/projects.html
(see first item)
EDIG patents:
http://www.delphion.com/details?&pn10=US05491774
Handheld record and playback device with flash memory
http://www.delphion.com/details?&pn=US05742737__
Method for recording voice messages on flash memory in a hand held recorder
http://www.delphion.com/details?&pn=US05787445__
Operating system including improved file management for use in devices utilizing flash memory as main memory
http://www.delphion.com/details?&pn=US05839108__
Flash memory file system in a handheld record and playback device
http://www.delphion.com/details?&pn=US05842170__
Method for editing in hand held recorder
Gil, although some phones may have full-motion video capabilities, I have yet to see one with a hard drive (even a microdrive). If you stumble across one, by all means post the info. Beyond that, cell phones are still Off Topic here. Only reason I left Arkieboy's post up was due to the voice navigation feature.
Samsung Introduces Versatile Gadget Camcorder
By Mike Pasini, The Imaging Resource
(Saturday, January 11, 2003 - 15:07 ET)
LAS VEGAS -- Samsung introced the ITCAM-7 Gadget camcorder here at the Consumer Electronics Show. The Gadget camcorder measures 2.48x1.32x4.06-inches, features a 2-GB HDD that stores over 30 hours of MP3s, thousands of digital still pictures or up to 1.5 hours of MPEG-4 video. The unit's exclusive technology compresses video with a resolution of 640x480 at 30 frames per second ensuring a great balance between video performance, and recording time.
In addition to working as a camcorder, DSC and MP3 player, the Gadget features a USB 2.0 port and a Memory Stick slot. The unit can also be used as a voice recorder.
The Gadget is the recipient of an Innovations 2003 Design and Engineering Showcase Honoree award.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1042315636.html
Reminder: This board is for discussion of the voice-operated MP3 player and hard drive-based portable video marketplaces and technologies. Please keep your posts centered around those subjects. If I see a need to expand the topics to include smartphones, I will do so. As of now, I don't.
Is this false enough for you?
"The property is sublet by Smith Industries Aerospace & Defense
Systems Inc. which is a subsidiary of large multinational company. Based on this fact, I believe it reasonable to conclude that Smith will provide e.Digital little lattitude in paying the outstanding lease liability come July 31st, 2003 expiring date.
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/886328/000107299300000496/0001072993-00-000496-0003.txt
I will use July 31st, 2003 as e.Digital's expected expiration date."
http://www.investorshub.com/boards/read_msg.asp?message_id=768416
SonicBlue's Rio line of digital music players will also get an update this summer. One line of products, code-named "Project Slate," will offer small MP3 players, no bigger than the palm of a hand, with 1.5 gigabytes of storage and high-speed PC connections for $349 or less.
A line of "Pro" MP3 players will also offer high-speed connections in a palm-sized form factor, but with a 20 gigabyte hard drive and the ability to connect to a network.
In development but not expected in 2003 is a portable personal video player that the company is working on with Intel Corp. as a way to make ReplayTV recordings mobile.
"So far it's proven to be more challenging than we thought it would be," Ballard said.
http://www.forbes.com/technology/newswire/2003/01/11/rtr844362.html
Odyssey 1000 Australian distributor:
http://www.conexus.com.au/dvmult/results.tpl?item=eDigital
50+, the blue-ray laser technology is distinct from Dataplay's red laser technology; different patents, diferent media, different engine. While there's no reason that e.Digital couldn't develop a personal video player design utilizing the blue-ray engine and media, there has been no mention of such a project from any source I'm aware of. Having said that, the form factor (same size as the DP engine) and higher capacity would seem a natural for PVP applications. The prototype has not made much noise since being intro'd last June:
A radically different media is in the works at IBM: http://www.research.ibm.com/resources/news/20020611_millipede.shtml
Unprofitable, it would seem.
Comdisco Holding Company, Inc. was formed on August 8, 2002 for the purpose of selling, collecting or otherwise reducing to money in a orderly manner the remaining assets of the Company and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Comdisco, Inc. As more fully described in the Plan, the Company's business purpose is limited to the orderly sale or run-off of all its remaining assets. Pursuant to the Plan and restrictions contained in its certificate of incorporation, the Company is specifically prohibited from engaging in any business activities inconsistent with its limited business purpose. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1179484/000095017203000507/ch373565.txt
Viewsonic says it'll use the Microsoft/Intel design as the basis of a personal video player (PVP). Marc McConnaughey, senior VP of the company's Advanced Technology Group, promised the ViewSonic PVP would combine the functionality of an MP3 jukebox, a portable DVD player and a digital photo album - all in a single portable device. The company expects the gadget to be among the first portable media players built on Microsoft's Media2Go platform. The ViewSonic PVP will feature a 3.5-inch 240x320 color display and a 10GB hard drive, large enough to store up to seven hours of video content. http://www.onlinereporter.com/torbackissues/TOR330.htm#Sony%20CEO:%20"Music%20Labels%20Have%20t...
Media2Go explained:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/pmp/
Product Overview
"Media2Go" is the current code name for a software reference platform designed to build and power the next generation of smart personal media player devices that enable you to enjoy your video, music, and pictures on the go. Watch the latest sitcom as you commute. Entertain your kids with their favorite video in the back seat of the car. Share your favorite tunes with your friends at a party. Or take your entire collection of photos and home videos with you to show the grandparents on your next visit. "Media2Go" gives you the personal freedom and convenience to easily enjoy your best video, music, and pictures on the go.
Easy to Use
Until now getting your files to and from the computer has been a chore. Finding, managing, and playing the content after it is on the device has been often more difficult due to the small black and white screens. Using the powerful new media syncing technology and intuitive color user interface of "Media2Go," it is easy to sync and play your content. The following are some "Media2Go" features:
Sync & go. Transfer content from your Windows-based personal computer to a device easily and rapidly. You can bring your content over automatically with the click of a button or just select the content you want. No need to mess with multiple different players. Just sync and go.
Intuitive, large, color user interface. Helps you find, manage, and play your content and playlists quickly and easily. Start playing back your content with just a few clicks.
Easy battery charging. Transfers content from the personal computer while charging at the same time, saving you time.
Complete Media Experience
Most current player devices support audio, usually in only one format, which cannot be updated, leaving the rest of your video, music, and digital photo collection stored and experienced only on your personal computer. Using the "Media2Go" complete media experience support, you can play your video, music, and pictures on the go and stay up to date with the latest media technologies.
Your Video. High quality video experience to play your personalized digital video and home movies in Windows Media® Video and MPEG formats.
Your Music. High quality audio experience to play your digital music and playlists in both Windows Media Audio and MP3 formats.
Your Pictures. Upload, store, and view thousands of pictures from your digital camera for home slide shows or digital camera photo storage on the go.
Your Subscriptions. Play your subscription services music and video through integrated digital content protection software.
Your Updates and Support. "Media2Go" can be updated with new capabilities and support for emerging media technologies over time to help keep both your device and your entertainment experience fresh and current.
Portable Playback
"Media2Go" goes everywhere you do. Its large capacity hard drive allows you to take your entire video, music, and digital photo collection with you and share it with others. Enjoy your media at home, on the road, or while visiting friends and family.
High capacity storage. You can take all of your media content with you. Using advanced Windows Media compression technologies, you can store the equivalent of 40 gigabytes (GB) of content on a 20GB device including up to:
175 hours of VHS-quality video
More than 8,000 CD-quality songs
More than 30,000 2MP digital pictures
Flexible ways to play. With optional hardware connectivity, "Media2Go" enables you to project and play the video, music, and pictures stored on the device through a TV or home and car stereo systems.
Long battery life. With up to six hours of battery life, you can continuously watch four 90-minute movies or listen to 120 songs anywhere, anytime, without recharging the device battery.
How It Works
"Media2Go" is based on the next version of the Windows CE .NET operating system, currently code-named McKendric. "Media2Go" uses the Windows CE .NET operating system and its unique synchronization, user interface, and media experience software technologies to provide the easiest way for people to enjoy the video, music, and pictures stored on Windows-based personal computers, anywhere.
Technology Partners
Microsoft is working with a variety of technology partners to bring "Media2Go" to customers. Intel has created an xScale-based hardware platform that is currently available. Samsung, ViewSonic, iRiver, and Sanyo will be bringing "Media2Go" devices to market soon. New partners are signing up every day.
Legal Note: The information contained on this page relates to a pre-released software product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the software product when first commercially released.