ot-JVC tunes in with audio, video geared Pocket PCs
By: Jørgen Sundgot, Monday 23rd June 2003, 00:01 GMT
Two new high-end Pocket PC models from JVC, the MP-PV131 and MP-PV331, run on Windows Mobile 2003, boast impressive specifications and sport unique audio/video capabilities.
JVC today announced its plans to enter the personal digital assistant (PDA) industry with a Windows Mobile 2003-based Pocket PC. The company's Pocket PC line, to be named iO, will offer two high-end models, of which one offers unique audio/video features including MPEG4 video capture and playback, and wireless video streaming over Wi-Fi.
JVC's new iO line of Pocket PCs is geared towards heavy audio and video users
Powered by Microsoft's Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PCs and a 400 MHz Intel XScale PXA255 processor, both the JVC MP-PV131 and MP-PV331 include a JVC AV player that supports a wide variety of compressed audio and video files, including MPEG4. In addition, the MP-PV331 includes MPEG4 video capture functionality, allowing users to stream video from a JVC camcorder to the device, which in turn can relay the stream over a Wi-Fi connection or store the video locally for subsequent playback or streaming.
Features that both JVC iO Pocket PCs share include the JVC AV player that supports MP3, WAV and Ogg Vorbis compressed audio files, as well as AVI (MPEG4) and ASF (MPEG4) video files. The player also includes a graphic equalizer for customizing the sound's tonal quality, a sound position expander that creates a broad soundfield when listening through headphones, and a Compression Compensation Converter that expands digital signals to improve fidelity. The latest Microsoft Windows Media Player is also included.
Other shared features of the two models include 128 MB of SDRAM, 32 MB of Flash ROM, a CompactFlash Type II expansion slot, an SDIO capable SD/MMC Card expansion slot, a 16-bit (65,536 colours) 3.5" transflective TFT display, a USB client port and a non-exchangeable 1100 mAh Lithium Polymer battery.
To these features, the MP-PV331 adds the aforementioned MPEG4 video capture, MPEG4 video streaming, built in Wi-Fi (802.11b) connectivity, a USB host/client port which enables connectivity with several JVC camcorder models, a digital still capture from camcorder feature and the ability to remotely control certain JVC camcorder models from an application on the handheld (focus, zoom, play, pause, stop, fast forward, rewind).
JVC wraps these features and capabilities in a slim black and silver case, measuring 5.2" x 3" x .65" and weighing six ounces.
Optional accessories available for both JVC Pocket PCs include a 3000 mAh expansion battery pack which - unconventionally - attaches to the bottom of the handhelds, a headphone with remote control, a desktop cradle with built-in powered stereo speakers, LCD cover and matching stylus in a choice of colors, USB synchronisation cable and carrying case.
The JVC MP-PV131 and MP-PV331 iO Pocket PCs will be available in the U.S. in September at $499.95 USD and $599.95 USD respectively. Information concerning availability in other markets was not available at the time of writing.
culater
