iriver Lplayer Seeks Battle-royale with Apple nano

iriver’s latest player release, the Lplayer, screams screen. Its most striking element is the uncluttered façade. Donning nothing but its a 2-inch screen, this pint-sized picture-show player costs less than a nano. Making no secret of the fact that Lplayers seek a stake in the Apple dominated portable media player (PMP) market.

But, despite the fact the LPlayer is decked out with more than nanos, like an AM/FM radio, voice recorder, and showing up as a drive on our computer, the sale of Lplayers will only comprise a small percentage of the total PMP market. The iriver brand needs a marketing plan, for tech savvy cities, that targets people burned by Apple or that talks about regaining control over your music, sans iTunes; hate works for presidential campaigns. Why not here?

Lplayers use D*click, the same button-free touch controlled user interface as its cousin, iriver Clix. Pressing the sides and corners of the screen allows intuitive control over menus, movies, and music. Some things are a little buried in the menu system, or awkward to activate (like the EQ?), but these are not insurmountable issues.

As with the nano, you have to buy new headphones to make this thing sing on key, and Shure offers up some splendid sets to do this.

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Denon’s Compact Networked Audio Systems the S-52 and S-32

These new Denons have put compact, full sound, digital source audio in its place…that place being wherever you want it to be. Their compact size and wireless capabilities, give you this new found freedom to setup these Denons just about anywhere there’s an outlet. Denon’s reputation for innovation is well founded, and their concept of ‘Whole Home Audio’ really comes to fruition with the S-52 and S-32. These dapper Dons of digital audio assert their impressive array of features from the moment you fire them up.

The new systems can do much more than play Wi-Fi radio, which they do. The S-52 and S-32 are networked audio systems, meaning they can connect to anything on your network, wirelessly, and play MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV file formats from these networked devices. Don’t have a wireless network? It doesn’t matter; you can plug either of these Denons into your network via Ethernet. This will limit you a bit, but cords tend to do that.

Of course, they’re iPod ready via built in, drop and rock, iPod dock. Adding to ease of use is the multi-function scroll wheel; this ensures quick and intuitive navigation of the menu, music libraries, and streaming music channels. Even if you haven’t fully embraced the digital music revolution, yet, Denon gives you plenty of options.

Rhapsody digital music service has struck a deal with Denon to offer a no credit card required 30-day trial. Rhapsody is a renowned web service offering unlimited access to an extensive music catalog. If you have trouble pinning down exactly what you’re in the mood for, Rhapsody channels offers you a continuous stream of professional programmed music, which is sure to please.

Additional performance offered with the pricier S-52 includes, a slot loading CD player capable of decoding most popular audio formats, a built in HD radio tuner, and an XM mini tuner. These pale in comparison to the usability offered with the addition of a USB port which you can connect flash drives, MP3 players, hard drives, or any USB mass storage devices to the player. These mini media moguls are out now but going fast. Snap yours up today.

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iLuv i1155 is iNcredible

The iLuv i1155 is an ingenious combination of iPod dock and DVD/CD player. Its screen is ridiculously large at 8.4in. But, if that’s not enough screen for you, you can always jack into your TV via Composite Video or S-Video, (NTSC or PAL). While you’re at it, don’t forget to pump up the audio too. The audio output is also analog. If you’re not really into waking the dead with your home audio system…there, of course, is the option to plug in headphones.

Adding versatility to the player is the addition of a second headphone jack. Now, you can share your cinemaphile tendencies...while getting cozy with those closest to you. If you have more than one other person you want to entertain with the iLuv, there’s a 2x1 watt built in speaker system so you can broadcast the good times on the go. Some prefer staying in one place to view their cinematic preferences. Well, the adaptable built in stand helps free your hands for other, more interesting, endeavors.

The noble folks at iLuv, in order to stay current, have released an updated version of this PMP dream machine, (it hit selves last month). The new upgrade, which uses a special Apple authentication chip, enables you to play the newer iPod Classic and Nano videos along with your 5^th Gen joints.

Powering options abound with the iLuv; the unit comes with a built-in rechargeable battery and is packaged with a wall adaptor and car cigarette lighter adapter. As with any good iPod accessory the i1155 charges your iPod while you play. Battery life on DVD playback is a scant 3 hrs, video playback from iPods is a bit better at 4 hrs, and you’re fully charged ready and to go, after 4-5 hrs. The biggest problem, I see with the iLuv i1155, is stopping people from looking over your shoulder.

..via Coolest Gadgets..

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RCA's Media Player Banks on the Fitness Niche

RCA Jet Stream Series media players promise fewer fitness related fumbles involving wired headphones. Jet Stream’s armband holder and wireless headphones provide this added security. RCA’s unwired wonder comes on the heels of Kleer’s market shaking…product enabling radio link technology. These digital RF wireless earbuds far exceed the sound quality of the compressed audio you get from Bluetooth connectivity. The prototype model had no wire connecting the two earphones (visually this was a design plus), but focus groups raised concerns about misplacing one earpiece so a wire connecting the earpieces, running behind the neck, materialized on the production model to alleviate these concerns.

Because there is one less transmitter, this modified configuration cost less to produce. This PMP is no sissy; it’s made for stressful situations, like the constant jostling of a morning jog or being drenched with sweat. Along with its 340 song capacity, 20 FM presets, and long battery life the RCA Jet Stream also integrates the most popular fitness gadgets into its software. With the stop watch, pedometer, calorie counter, and body mass calculator you can set more achievable goals, calculate your progress, and monitor your body’s changes closely for that added motivation. It’s a music player at heart, of course, so don’t forget to load up on those bass pumping workout tunes while you’re at it. ..via..

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Blaupunkt Banks on the Digital-Savvy User

[Image courtesy of blaupunkt]

Posted by Andrew Harris

So you finally transferred all those CD’s from your rack to your computer and that portable music player is full already…don’t lose some music to get some music, just add to your portable music collection. With Blaupunkt’s Melbourne SD27 you can rock out to your portable player and SD/MMC card too. No need to burn those pesky antiquated CDs. SD/MCC is the way to record and share your eclectic MP3 or WMA playlists. Music mixes are always a fun permanent record of a time, a place, and your emotional state...at the time they were produced. Inexpensive media cards make this kind of recording quick and affordable. Blaupunkt Melbourne SD27’s SD/MMC card reader can also play very high kilobytes bitrates, up to 320, giving you the CD quality without the hassle. This Blaupunkt deck head integrates fully into your car audio setup with four channel pre-outs for your amp, tel/navi input, and optional Bluetooth and USB module for your phone, media players or even a hard drive for those cross country road trips.

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