NHJ MPM-202

The MPM-202 doesn't carry Microsoft's hallowed Portable Media Center logo, and it might not be the most stylish digital media player around, but don't let this put you off - it's still a pretty good gadget.

It contains a 60Gb hard disk, which can store all manner of digital media files. At the front of the device is a 3.5in colour screen along with a scroll-wheel and four-way selector for adjusting volume, controlling playback and navigating the menu options.

It's slightly heavy but feels solid and has a pop-out 'foot' on the back for propping it up on a desk or tray table.

The player is crammed with features such as video recording, photo-viewing and music playback, and has inputs for recording video and audio, a video output for connecting to a larger display, an internal microphone, a TV tuner and memory card slots.

It's very easy to use, with an intuitive menu system divided into six media folders to store movies, photos, music and so on.

Transferring files from a computer couldn't be easier: just attach it via USB 2 and drag-and-drop files into their appropriate folders on the hard disk, or vice versa for copying files to a PC.

You can also add files straight from an SD or CompactFlash memory card, which is handy for photographers in need of portable storage.

It supports DivX-encoded AVI movie files and all the usual audio formats apart from music files with DRM protection.

The MPM-202 doubles up as a personal video recorder to record video and audio from an external source or straight from a television broadcast. Just put it in its cradle and connect an input source (a TV aerial, a DVD player or record player, for example). When the source shows up onscreen, press the record button and you're off.

A variety of encoding levels are available, so movies can be encoded at the top quality setting, while a TV show could be recorded at a lower level to save hard disk space.

A useful feature is the scheduling function where, like Sky+ or TiVo, you can plan TV recordings and repeat them on a weekly or monthly basis.

See also:

Pinnacle PCTV200e

Turn your PC into a portable television set  17 Oct 2005

Goodmans GPDR40

Affordable, compact and versatile, this gadget is one to pack for your holidays  16 Sep 2005

BNI Media Box

A combined portable hard disk and media player in one slick device  25 Jul 2005

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