Apple - iPod Touch

JVC HP-NCX78 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones [Ideal for Commuters]

If you’re looking to lock out ambient noise, perhaps whilst commuting, flying or whilst looking for a little ‘me time’ in the office, these newly announced JVC HP-NCX78 active noise cancelling headphones could be the answer.

Purportedly capable of actively cancelling out around 1/8 of ambient noise (up to 18.5db noise suppression), the JVC HP-NCX78 active noise cancelling headphones are powered by a single AAA battery and offer up to 50 hours of endurance - depending on battery type

Provided in in-ear silicone headphones to ensure a snug fit, the JVC HP-NCX78 active noise cancelling headphones, which weigh in at a mere 38g inclusive of battery, offers a maximum output of 20mW, a frequency range of 18 - 22,000Hz and, according to theofficial Japanese press release are set for release sometime in October ‘09 (there’s advance notice for you) for an as yet undisclosed price

Sony DR-BT100CX & Sony DR-BT10 Bluetooth Headphones Launched [Closed Cup/In-Ear]

Sony have officially announced two sets of up and coming Bluetooth headphones, namely the DR-BT10 and DR-BT100CX headphones, which take the form of closed cup (headband headset) and ear-ear types respectively and both of which come with integrated echo and noise cancelling technology.

Sony offer little in the way of specific details in their press release but they do confirm that their new DR-BT10 headband headset comes with 30mm neodymium drivers and offer up to twelve hours of endurance based on a single charge whilst their in-ear DR-BT10 Bluetooth headphones come with silicone buds and offer up to eight hours playback time. There’s no word from Sony at this juncture concerning frequency range, output, etc offered by either set, however, Sony have confirmed that both models support A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP Bluetooth profiles.

Surprisingly (or not, given the lack of specifics offered by Sony, as alluded to previously) we’re unable to advise concerning either unit pricing or availability of the DR-BT10 and DR-BT100CX headphones on account of such trivialities being notably absent from Sony’s press release.

New Sony Walkman NWZ-E Series [Walkman NWZ-E435, NWZ-E436 & NWZ-E438 Details Revealed]

Thanks to what appears to be an unintentional leak on their New Zealand website by none other than Sony themselves, we now have the first details concerning what appears to be a new entry-level range of Sony Walkmans known as the NWZ-E Series – specifically the Walkman NWZ-E435, NWZ-E436 and NWZ-E438 – which would appear to be set for release sometime in September (our speculation).

The new Sony Walkmans, which measure in from a decidedly slim 8.5mm and weigh from just 50g, sport 2” 262K colour QVGA TFT LCD displays, offer MP3, WMA, AAC, and Linear PCM audio and H.264 / MPEG-4 video file format compatibility, come with integrated FM tuners and will offer storage capacities ranging from 2GB to 8GB.

Further highlights across the range include built-in Bluetooth, drag and drop file transfer – thankfully Sonic Stage is not required - Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) technology paired with Clear Bass Blast post processing and, interestingly, compatibility with iTunes is also mentioned.

Boasting up to 45 hours of music and 9.5 hours of video in ideal conditions (depending on model) at the time of writing you can catch up on the full specifications concerning each of the new Walkman models (as well as unit pricing) via the Sony New Zealand as linked below.

Sony New Zealand [via Sony Insider]

Sony Announce New E020 Walkman Budget USB Flash Based MP3 Sticks with Customisable Faceplates

Hot on the heels of the news concerning Sony announcing its new range of NWZ-A820 Walkman MP3 players, and just as Apple announce a lower price point for its 1GB Shuffle following the announcement of a new 2GB Shuffle model, Sony have also revealed a new model in their cut-price range of MP3 Walkman flash memory based sticks in the form of the E020 which not only sports swappable faceplates but is supplied with a decent pair of EX earbuds rather than those cheap and horrendously tacky affairs as is usually the case.

As well as supporting Sony’s much maligned ATRAC standard (we won’t mention SonicStage), the E020 players also support AAC, MP3, PCM and WMA file formats and feature a 3 line colour LCD, integral FM tuner, a purported battery life of up to 30 hours based on a three minute quick charge and come in six colour schemes with an initial choice of 10 faceplates.

Due to become available in Japan from early March, with a worldwide roll-out expected some time after, Sony’s E020 comes with 1GB, 2GB and 4GB flavours with pricing expected to be around $100 / $120 / $150 respectively.

Sony E-Series/NW-040 Series Walkman with Swappable Panels

Sony have taken the wraps of their new E-Series (specifically NW-040 Series) Walkman USB stick styled digital audio players which come in three capacities, namely 2GB, 4GB and 8GB - and which feature what Sony terms as ‘Style-Up Panels’ allowing you to adapt the new Walkman’s appearance according to your fashion (in)sensibilities.

The new Sony E-Series/NW-040 Series Walkmans, which sport a 3 line color LCD display as well as integrated FM tuner, and which measure in at a decidedly pocket friendly 22.3 x 84.9 x 19.6mm, will initially be offered in a range of colors such as orange, silver & crystal, hot pink, mint green & pink sugar (lovely) and feature Clear Stereo and Clear Bass audio technologies and offer a purported playback time of around 28 hours based on a full 1.5 hour charge or, if you’re in a hurry, will apparently offer up to 3 hours endurance based on a 3 minute quick charge.

The new Sony E-Series/NW-040 Series Walkmans are set to hit Japan from May 16^thand will retail at around the equivalent of between $80 and $132.

Creative TravelSound i85 for iPod Nano 4G with FM Tuner now Available

Creative have released the latest in their range of TravelSound portable docking speakers, the Creative TravelSound i85, which is designed specifically to cater for Apple’s iPod Nano 4G which, apart from boasting a Class D digital amplifier powering two satellite speakers rated at 700mW RMS apiece also comes with integrated FM radio tuner.

The Creative TravelSound i85 for iPod Nano 4G, which offers up to 15 hours endurance based on a full charge of its onboard Lithium Polymer battery, is fabricated from Anodised aluminium, comes complete with MiniUSB port allowing you to sync your iPod Nano 4G with iTunes without having to undock your player and LED charge indicator allowing you to tell at a glance how much charge remains.

The newly released Creative TravelSound i85 for iPod Nano 4G with FM Tuner will set you back just shy of $100.

iRiver

The iRiver T5 DAP comes in black and silver flavours and, in terms of pricing, the 4GB variant of the T5, which has just been released in Japan, comes in at the equivalent of around $65.

iRiver

iRiver Officially Intros iRiver T5 USB Stick DAP [2GB/4GB]

The iRiver T5, which measures in at a pocket friendly 77.5 x 24.5 x 14.3mm and weighs just 26g, comes with two-line monochromatic LCD display, comes in two capacities - namely 2GB and 4GB - and, in terms of file format compatibility, takes in just MP3 and WMA. It does, however, also come with integrated FM tuner (with radio recording capabilities) whilst additionally offering a voice memo facility courtesy of a built-in microphone. It also features stopwatch functionality aimed specifically at joggers as opposed, we assume, to those trying to hard boil an 

iRiver Officially Intros iRiver T5 USB Stick DAP [2GB/4GB, Integrated FM Radio & Stopwatch]

Though it’s been known about for a while now (with several stores listing the device sans any specific details), iRiver have just officially announced their new iRiver T5 USB stick styled digital audio player

USB VHS Video To Digital File Format Converter Video Player [VHS Digital Archiving Gadget]

Thanks to previously featured items such as the USB Turntable with iPod Dock andNewmark’s PT-01USB Turntable we have converting your vinyl collection to MP3 file format covered and, as far as converting audio cassette tapes is concerned we also have the Plus Deck EX and now, thanks to this USB VHS Player you can now also liberate those dusty VHS videos by converting them to a host of digital video formats for burning to DVD or playing on your PMP and PSP.

Converting those antiquated VHS tapes to digital files could not be simpler. Simply connect the player up to your PC via USB, slot in the VHS tape you wish to convert, press play and leave the included conversion software to work its magic.

Capable of converting VHS tapes into a host of file formats suitable for everything from burning to DVD and watching on your iPod, PMP or PSP the USB VHS Player will convert videos at resolutions up to 720 x 576 or iPod/PMP friendly 320×240 or 640×480 resolutions and whilst the conversion process could take a while (there’s no high-speed playback/conversion available) there’s no doubt that the entire process is simplicity itself.

USB VHS Player/Digital File Converter Key Features:

• Convert VHS tapes to digital files to view on PCs, iPods, PSPs, DVD and other media players
• Includes Easy Video Conversion software to customise movies and burn DVDs
• Software allows you to take still images from videos
• Capture video at resolutions up to 720 x 576
• Can convert videos from camcorder to PC, via AV sockets on the front of the device
• Works as a regular VHS player for TV playback
• Auto-tracking, variable speed slow motion, playback, and rewind
• USB output
• Scart output
• Auto tracking and tape playback
• Soft touch backlit buttons
• Software has a trimming feature

The USB VHS Player, which will also work as a standard VHS player complete with SCART, comes complete with EZ VHS Converter software and retails for just shy of £150 (approximately $188/€298 at the time of writing).

Newmark PT-01USB Portable Vinyl to MP3 USB Turntable [USB Record MP3 Archiving Deck]

Whilst the Newmark PT-01USB is certainly not the first vinyl to MP3 turntable available and, unlike this previously featured USB Turntable comes sans iPod dock, for those wishing to transfer (aka liberate) their vinyl collection to MP3 format the Newmark PT-01USB USB turntable is certainly worth considering – not least due to Newmark’s somewhat lofty reputation.

Capable of converting vinyl based music to both MP3 and WAV file formats courtesy of PC and Mac connectivity via USB, the Newmark PT-01USB comes supplied with EZ Vinyl Converter 2 and EZ Audio Converter software for the PC and Mac respectively, with the former software offering direct importing of converted tracks to Apple’s itunes library. Additionally not only will the supplied software also automatically split tracks regardless of surface noise but, with Gracenote MusicID software (available via a free download) your tracks can also be named automatically.

And, as if this were not enough, the Newmark PT-01USB also comes supplied with Audacity to assist with editing and to reduce surface noise.

Newmark PT-01USB Key Features:

• Plug and play USB connection
• Protective dustcover and integrated carrying handle
• Fits inside a standard 12-inch record case
• Wall-powered with included AC adapter or battery-powered (six “D” cells, not included)
• Internal monitoring speaker
• Belt-drive motor with 33, 45 and 78 RPM settings
• ±10% pitch control
• Converts all standard-sized records up to 12-inches
• RCA line and headphone outputs
• 45 RPM adapter included
• Cartridge included
• USB cable included

Newmark’s  PT-01USB is due for release in the third quarter of ’08 though, at the time of writing, unit pricing is yet to be made available.

USB Turntable with Integral iPod Dock Makes Transferring Vinyl to MP3 a Breeze

Having covered a couple USB based cassette tape to MP3 conversion gadgets (namely Plus Deck’s rather gorgeous external EX unit and their internal drive bay device) we now turn out attention to the often arduous task of transferring your vinyl collection to digital file format – and, whilst turntables with USB connectivity are widely available, this USB turntable with integral iPod Dock makes the process just about as simple as it can get.

This particular turn table offers two distinct methods of updating your record collection to the MP3 file format.

Firstly, like the vast majority of comparable devices currently available, you have the option of hooking this unit up to your computer via a free USB port which, using the supplied Win/Mac compatible software, will not only convert your records to MP3 but will offer a measure of post processing to minimise the impact of scratches, hisses and other associated noise that gave vinyl its character.

Alternatively, if you own a 5th generation iPod or 2nd generation Nano you can bypass your PC completely and record directly to your MP3 device – and, let’s face it, converting vinyl recordings to digital format really cannot get much easier.

Plus Deck EX – Convert Cassette Recordings to MP3 or Vice Versa

We’ve previously featured the Plus Deck Cassette Recorder that plug into a free drive bay in your computer but if the very idea of having a cassette deck mounted in your PC fills you with dread but you happen to have cassettes full of treasured memories that you would love to convert to MP3 this new device from Plus Deck could be exactly what you’re looking for.

This external model comes with a number of upgrades over the previously featured product in the form of RCA I/O, 7.1 support, an integral USB port an inbuilt LCD screen as well as an AM/FM radio tuner. It also comes complete with a remote.

As well as plugging into your PC to assist in converting cassette recordings to digital MP3 format, the Plus Deck EX will also record MP3 playlists to cassettes which strikes us as being curiously brilliant in a hopelessly redundant way.

Personally I have box loads of recordings from the Tresor in Berlin (obtained back in the day when I had hair and a hopelessly naive viewpoint on life) that desperately need converting to MP3 and I don’t doubt that this beautifully retro styled gadget from Plus Deck would fulfil the job admirably

Looking to transfer your vinyl to MP3 file format?

You may find this USB Turntable with Integral iPod Dock of interest.

Thorens TD700 - A Modern Take on a Classic Turntable

Thorens is known to offer the some of the best analog music devices and has been in the business of building handcrafted music boxes for more than a century. The TD-700is a throwback to the old music boxes but built to display modern design sensibilities and using high-tech materials. The platter of this turntable is made from acrylic and is driven by a precision belt. Special damper feet ensure that external vibrations are absorbed and unwanted automatism is avoided.

The turntable is fitted with a Thorens TP42 tonearm and an Audio Technica AT95e moving-magnet cartridge. It is easy to setup, all that is required is adjusting the tonearm, one connection to power and another to an amplifier. The TD-700 delivers a faithful representation of music be it classical, jazz, rock, or pop. For even better performance you can consider substituting the AT95e cartridge with the Goldring 1042. At $1495, this turntable is a tad pricey but it does turn in a very respectable performance. It is available in four colors - red, silver, blue, and black.

Thorens TD-700 Turntable Specifications:

• Drive system: Thorens belt drive (beneath platter)

• Motor: electronically controlled AC synchronous motor

• Speeds: 33 1/3, 45

• Speed Selection: electronic

• Turntable platter: Acrylic, 12.0 ” (300 mm) / 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)

• Tonearm: Thorens TP 42

• w/AT 95 E cartridge mounted

• Anti skating: magnetic

• Capacitance of signal leads: 160pF

• Power Supply: country specified mains adapter

• Dimensions: 18.3 x 5.7 x 13.8 ” (465 x 145 x 350 mm)

• Weight: 22.3 lbs

Denon DP-200USB Turntable Converts Vinyl Recordings To MP3 Digital File Format [USB Record Deck]

Whilst USB turntables are by no means anything new the fact that a name with the lofty reputation enjoyed by Denon is set to release a new USB turntable, in the form of the Denon DP-200USB, allowing you to convert your vinyl collection to digital MP3 file format with ease is certainly worth albeit the briefest of mentions.

Set to be released in November for around the €235 price point (roughly equating to £180 at the time of writing), the Denon DP-200USB USN turntable naturally supports both 33 and 45rpm rotation speeds, comes with a magnetic cartridge and will be offered in either silver or black

BATTEL Turn Table

TEAC VPI HR-X - 52 Kilo Designer Turntable

Undoubtedly a turntable reserved for serious audiophiles with cash to burn, the belt drive TEAC VPI HR-X not only looks the business but it comes with an air cushioned 50mm thick platter ensuring that mechanical resistance as well as the impacts of vibration are kept to an absolute minimum – though weighing in at a colossal 52.5kgs we suspect that it would take vibrations measurable via the Richter scale to even remotely affect this colossus.

The TEAC VPI HR-X Designer Turntable is due to be released mid June for a cool $90,000.