AIWA Introduces Its First Portable MP3 Player

Business Wire, Oct 30, 2000

Business Editors, High-Tech Writers

MAHWAH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2000

AIWA AMERICA today introduced its first portable MP3 player, an SDMI-compliant model that features 32MB of internal memory and includes a 32MB memory card.

The new Windows-compatible AIWA MM-VX200 comes with RealJukebox software for converting music into MP3 files, and for easy setup and fast downloading it connects to a PC through a USB interface. To expand the player's memory, and so allow more music to be stored, the MM-VX200 has a SmartMedia card slot, and comes with a 32MB SmartMedia ID card. In addition, a built-in microphone allows voice recording of up to two hours, and these recordings can be stored in up to 99 different files.

For operating convenience, the AIWA MM-VX200 includes a remote control that connects through the headphone jack. The remote operates volume, file playback, forward and reverse, and file skip. A repeat mode allows a single track to be automatically repeated. To tailor the sound to suit individual preferences, the player features AIWA's Multi-Sound Processor that offers four different tone settings -- classic, rock, pop and jazz. An LCD panel displays song name, artist name, album title and battery life. A "Hold" switch deactivates the other controls to prevent accidental interruption of playback or accidental playback when the unit is off.

The MM-VX200 is powered by one AA battery that provides approximately 15 hours of playback time. Rechargeable batteries can also be used. A DC jack allows the use of an optional adapter.

In addition to the RealJukebox software and 32MB memory card, the MM-VX200 includes a USB cable, earbud-style headphones and a carrying case. The player measures 2-1/2 x 3-3/8 x 7/8 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 2.5 ounces. It will be available in November and carry a suggested retail price of $299.00.

Headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey, AIWA AMERICA, INC. is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of audio, video, car stereo, and multimedia products. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of AIWA CO., LTD., based in Tokyo, a $3 billion manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional audio and video entertainment, computer, data storage, and communications products.