Iriver 20gb/portable/mm Player W/fm $239.99 (199.99 after MIR)

[jb625]

Factory Direct has this brand new for $239.99 ($199.99 after $40 MIR) plus 2.99 shipping. I think this is a pretty good deal. Anyone have any comments on this? I was thinking of ordering it.


http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/product_spec.php?pcode=IR1200



iRiver Personal Media Player 120 PMP120 Multimedia Player - It's a portable hard drive, an MP3 and Windows Media Audio player, an FM Stereo radio, and a Video player with a built-in 3.5" Color TFT screen in one compact unit that you can carry and use virtually anywhere.
Plays MP3 - WMA - DivX - MPEG-2 / MPEG-4 - AVI - ASF files
20GB Hard Drive Storage capacity
Built in Speaker/Microphone
Includes Detachable Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger
Integrated FM Tuner
Quick and simple data-transfer with USB 2.0 High-speed Connectivity that is also Backward compatible to function with USB 1.1 devices for maximum flexibility
The PMP-100 can also playback JPEG files and has built-in USB OTG (USB On-The-Go) capabilities. This means that you can connect your Digital camera to the PMP-100 and view the pictures you’ve just taken on a larger screen

[trolldealhunter]

this thing looks pretty bulky, but the price is good!

[Numbers]

Can someone compare it to this one (http://www.compusmart.com/Product/Default.aspx?SupplierPartNo=758003) (that was posted before) and tell me what the difference is....besides the cost.

[vrussell]

the one in compusmart is newer.

[kerns1]

i bought one a little wihle ago, and it's... ok. It's a bit too bulky to use as an mp3 player. also when playign songs, a playlist of 200 songs can take like 20 seconds to load which is a bit of a pain. in terms of a video player, it's useful i suppose.

[notso]

the new one does video, I got a refurb of the older one for 179 at factory direct works very well as an mp3 player, battery lasts over 8 hours

[Ice]

How well does it play DivX? What versions of DivX can it play? ...and what's this rebate you were talking about - I don't see it anywhere.

[Numbers]

***NOTE***

Just got back from the store on Dufferin, they are carrying the PMC-120, not the PMP-120.

The PMP shown on their website has a radio function and uses Linux to support all those file formats.

The PMC does not have a radio function and has a Windows OS. The box says it is "compatible" with the other video formats but does not list them as "playable."

[NG]

***NOTE***
The box says it is "compatible" with the other video formats but does not list them as "playable."

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006GVNSG/104-0332306-2078369?v=glance&n=172282

All the reviews say it's great if you have XP MCE and go on and on about how it syncs up with WMP to get the content they've recorded so I'm betting any divx/xvid would have to be transcoded into the proper MS format (wmv perhaps?).

Either way the price is nice for a PMP. Better owning this one than none imho *however* with the product number differences I wouldn't be suprised if there was a problem with the MIR considering this is Factory Direct after all...

[Azenha]

I just bought one this morning and it's GREAT!!!

I'm using it with WindowsXP MCE. If you don’t have MCE, it will use the built in SYNC functions of Windows Media Player 10 (WMP). It also supports anything that WMP will play (audio, video, stills, etc).

The description on the FactoryDirect web site and in the flier is for the PMP-120 which is no longer manufactured by iRiver (check their web site). The PMC-120 is what you'll end up getting which is the latest and the only Portable Media Center that iRiver currently manufactures and distributes.

The PMC-120 has a MSR price of $499 (US) according to the iRiver web site, but it appears to sell starting as low as $250 (US) and then the price climes up (I did a general web search). The lowest that I could find on eBay was for $209 (US) and then the price climes up in other auctions.

Nevertheless, for $199 (CDN) with no eBay, import and brokerage hassles, and no shipping charges, I could not pass it up. For the few hours that I've played around with it, I'm very pleased. Here's the iRiver product page for those that might be interested:
http://www.iriveramerica.com/prod/multi/pmc_120.aspx

Also, in terms of size, it's about 1.5 times the thickness of a bare internal low profile laptop hard drive which is a few millimetres marginally larger then a Dell portable jukebox. It also has a removable battery which is rated at 5 hours video and 14 hours music (I’ll have to test this out). The removable battery is great for down the road when it wears out and needs to be replaced.

I'm also curious how they could claim 80 hours of video on a 20gig drive, but I'm going to test it tonight.

Probably the best thing about this unit, is that it is small and has stereo audio and composite video connectors. As such, I can bring it to family and friends homes to watch movies together or to show off vacation pictures, home movies, etc.

I’m also looking forward to using it on my next business flight.

Regarding the rebate, I spoke with Rebate Manager at FactoryDirect Head Office and she confirmed that the rebate will process for the PMC-120 even though the web product description relates to the PMP-120. She commented that they just haven't had time to updating the product description yet.

[NG]

I just bought one this morning and it's GREAT!!!


I think this is the million dollar question:

Can you drag and drop not trancoded divx/xvid files from file sharring programs to the unit or do you have to use something like pocketdivxencoder to convert to a portable platform and is drag and drop possible or does one have to use WMP to transfer files?

[sfu_engineer]

Regarding the rebate, I spoke with Rebate Manager at FactoryDirect Head Office and she confirmed that the rebate will process for the PMC-120 even though the web product description relates to the PMP-120. She commented that they just haven't had time to updating the product description yet.


Goodluck. This is factorydirect :rolleyes:

[Azenha]

I think this is the million dollar question:

Can you drag and drop not trancoded divx/xvid files from file sharring programs to the unit or do you have to use something like pocketdivxencoder to convert to a portable platform and is drag and drop possible or does one have to use WMP to transfer files?

I'm using the unit with MCE which is completely plug and play. I plug the unit into a USB port, the screen pops up the sync menus and I simply pick what I want to be copied over. As such, all that I've transfered thus far have been a few MP3s, Jpegs, and DVR-MS recordings.

I'll try a manual copy later tonight which will include a few different formats such as DivX, AVI, etc.

[Azenha]

Goodluck. This is factorydirect :rolleyes:

I have no doubt that I'll eventually get my rebate. I always keep copies of everything, including a record of all discussions, phone numbers, extensions, names, etc. just in case I need to go further.

A few years ago I learned a valuable lesson by way of a problem with a XXXXX rebate. All in all, I ended up in small claims and was awarded the rebate amount, including several times it's value in expenses. I can't recall exact numbers, but I believe it was something along the lines of a $40 rebate and I ended up with approximately $250 being awarded.

I haven't had a problem with XXXXX rebates since then. On the other hand, they are now using OnRebate for their rebates as oppose to handling rebates themselves.

This will be my first FactoryDirect rebate.

EDIT: I've removed the retailer's name.

[Numbers]

Probably the best thing about this unit, is that it is small and has stereo audio and composite video connectors. As such, I can bring it to family and friends homes to watch movies together or to show off vacation pictures, home movies, etc.

I like that, too, but wanted it as something I could off-load my camera's memory to when on a trip. I COULD still do that but then I'd really like if it could handle AVI's natively. (I have the S2 IS and three kids and use the movie mode extensively.)

Hope you can answer that for me.

[mark_in_2k]

According to this CNET review (http://reviews.cnet.com/iRiver_PMC_120/4864-6499_7-31135602.html?ctype=msgid&messageSiteID=7&messageID=1876434&cval=1876434&tag=uolst) it looks like it has to convert AVI's to WMV format. It probably does this automatically when syncing with WMP10 and WMCE.

EDIT: Confirmed here too. (http://www.trustedreviews.com/article.aspx?art=991)

The PMPs offer support for AVI, ASF, and versions three, four and five of the DiVX codec – without any need for transcoding. By contrast, this unit, the PMC-120, only supports video files encoded in WMV format – though as a Microsoft device that’s hardly a surprise.
You can import other video formats aside from WMV, but they have to first be transcoded using Windows Media Player 10. This inevitably means that the PMC-120 doesn’t offer drag-and-drop convenience with many of the video files you are likely to already have on your PC.

[NG]

According to this CNET review (http://reviews.cnet.com/iRiver_PMC_120/4864-6499_7-31135602.html?ctype=msgid&messageSiteID=7&messageID=1876434&cval=1876434&tag=uolst) it looks like it has to convert AVI's to WMV format. It probably does this automatically when syncing with WMP10 and WMCE.

EDIT: Confirmed here too. (http://www.trustedreviews.com/article.aspx?art=991)

Thanks from everyone for confirming my suspecion. Too bad they don't have stock on both models since they'd each have their market however this is a *hot* deal for those with MCE since I'm not sure if there are too many PMPs that are tailored designed for their platform.

As for everyone else I'd recommend something like the PMP from NHJ since it sells for about the same amount on ebay.

[Azenha]

I yesterday I managed to transfer Mpeg, AVI, and WMV files successfully to the PMC-120. However, it appears that Media Player does a conversion during the transfer. Regardless, everything plays.

I also tried to transfer a DviX file, but Media Player did not recognize the format and, as such, refused to add it to the playlist. This may because I don't have DviX codec on my system. Any suggestions on a good and free DivX codex.

[NG]

I yesterday I managed to transfer Mpeg, AVI, and WMV files successfully to the PMC-120. However, it appears that Media Player does a conversion during the transfer. Regardless, everything plays.

I also tried to transfer a DviX file, but Media Player did not recognize the format and, as such, refused to add it to the playlist. This may because I don't have DviX codec on my system. Any suggestions on a good and free DivX codex.

http://www.divx.com/divx/windows/download/

How long would you estimate the conversion process takes per minute of video?

[Azenha]

I just got off the phone with iRiver technical support since the supported format specifications for the PMC-120 are not clearly listed on the iRiver web site. And especially considering the fact that Media Player appears to be converting my video files prior to synchronization.

I called three times and spoke to three different support staff since I was not satisfied with the answers that I was getting. Nevertheless, I've confirmed that the PMC-120 replaces that PMP-120 which is no longer manufactured;

I've also learned that iRiver's format support claims are a bunch of crap!!!! I was advised by all three tech support people that both the PMC and the PMP players will play everything that Media Player will play (WMV, ASF, Mpeg, DivX, etc.). However, it was the third tech support person that I spoke to that provided the footnot to this claim.

It seems that both the PMP and PMC players play everything after they have been converted to the player's native video format. Specifically, the PMC-120 only recognizes WMV and the PMP-120 only recognizes Mpeg. The PMC relies on Windows Media Player to convert the files when they are synchronized, whereas the PMP has bundled software that does the same when it is synchronized. Hence, the "fraudulent" claim that all video formats are supported. They are supported only after they have been converted - which really is no format support in my opinion.

I've also been told that I can open My Computer after I connect the player and I can simply drag and drop my video (WMV), music, pictures, etc. files onto the unit. I'm currently at work, but I'll give this a shot later tonight.

I have to admit that iRiver's format claims really tick my off. If it were not the fact that I like the player, I would bring it back. And, yes I think there's a justifiable reason for bringing it back since the product on the Factory Direct web site is the PMP-120, whereas they'll sell you a PMC-120 instead. Essentially, it's a misrepresentation of what they are selling which voids Factory Direct's no-returns policy.

Still, it's a nice player and conversion is seamless using Media Player. Essentially, whatever Media Player can play can be moved over to the PMC-120. Also, even with this format issue, a $199 (after MIR) is a really great deal on the PMC-120. It's selling for significantly more everywhere else. Even the tech support person commented on what a great price.

I guess, I'll play around with it for a few more days before I come to a final conclusion whether to keep it or not.

[Numbers]

That's the disappointment I was feeling at the store, yesterday.

I wonder if this format issue isn't the same for all players. I'm looking at another brand and there's nothing in the documentation, that I've found so far, that says it will re-size the video image on the fly. In which case you're processing the original file anyway.

I mean, it will let me store an AVI but, if it isn't the right size, frame rate, etc., will it play?

P.S. the FD website was fixed last night.

[Azenha]

That's the disappointment I was feeling at the store, yesterday.

I wonder if this format issue isn't the same for all players. I'm looking at another brand and there's nothing in the documentation, that I've found so far, that says it will re-size the video image on the fly. In which case you're processing the original file anyway.

I mean, it will let me store an AVI but, if it isn't the right size, frame rate, etc., will it play?

P.S. the FD website was fixed last night.

I can't comment on other players, but the PMC-120 appears to play any size file. I know this because I've synced a DVD-MS file from my MCE which is sized at 720x480 at 30fps, as well as a generic 640x480 Mpeg, and a 320x280 digital camera Mpeg. They all worked well. I dont' believe the DVD-MS required any conversion.

[NG]

That's the disappointment I was feeling at the store, yesterday.

I wonder if this format issue isn't the same for all players. I'm looking at another brand and there's nothing in the documentation, that I've found so far, that says it will re-size the video image on the fly. In which case you're processing the original file anyway.

I mean, it will let me store an AVI but, if it isn't the right size, frame rate, etc., will it play?

P.S. the FD website was fixed last night.

Alot of the various PMPs require the divx file to be converted to a smaller form of divx with less resolution using either pocketdivxencoder or Dr. Divx (both freeware).

Some can handle regular divx files that one would download off torrents.

Some (perhaps all?) Archos can or there's cases like the RCA RD2780 which can handle some divx files perfectly uncompressed however will have horrible audio lag with any divx/xvid files that use B-Frames. Some (like the two models discussed here) need all files converted to their format (kinda like those Nano clones that require conversion to their own AMV or MTV video file formats).

What model are you considering getting?

p.s. Azenha - FD would never return it unless you complained to the BBB or somebody. However it sounds like you've got a great unit for your MCE PC.

I can't believe the PMP-120 only does MPEG (I assume MPEG1 at that) which is pretty pathetic picture quality and *huge* file sizes. That unit is a huge piece of **** imho.

I wouldn't really hold Iriver accountable tho - the whole standard format thing for the "MP3" of video is pretty much a diaster.

Just look at all those stand alone DVD players that say they support "MP4" when they actually mean they support divx/xvid but didn't want to pay the royalities for the name - however if you were to drop a real .mp4 file onto a disc and play it the machines don't know what to do.

Things have started to get better with Apple entering the PMP market with the Ipod video to add some conformity to the format (and both of the models discussed here are pre-Video Ipod I believe) but it's still got a long way to go.

[Numbers]

What model are you considering getting?

I wouldn't really hold Iriver accountable tho - the whole standard format thing for the "MP3" of video is pretty much a disaster.

I was working at getting a Cowon A2 from ebay today but the deal fell through. (The seller had it waaaay underpriced and my bid must've brought it to his attention.) It looks like what I'm looking for but I'm far too cheap to pay for it...if I could find a retailer. :)

I know what you mean about standard formats; I downloaded Media Coder from SourceForge to shrink some stuff and the possible combinations of audio and video are mind boggling. Easier to use the free IPOD converter I got from somewhere.

[NG]

I was working at getting a Cowon A2 from ebay today but the deal fell through. (The seller had it waaaay underpriced and my bid must've brought it to his attention.) It looks like what I'm looking for but I'm far too cheap to pay for it...if I could find a retailer. :)

I know what you mean about standard formats; I downloaded Media Coder from SourceForge to shrink some stuff and the possible combinations of audio and video are mind boggling. Easier to use the free IPOD converter I got from somewhere.

The Cowan A2 has gotten *excellent* reports on the forums I've read. I can't answer your question about it handling non-trancoded divx files in a definitive fashion however from what I've heard I wouldn't be surprised if it could play them.

If you're looking for a PMP on the cheap I still recommend checking out the models from NHJ (no personal experience with that model however they make an excellent product generally and it comes with a remote and ability to record from TV) or the RCA RD2780 (just be sure to know it's limitations aka no playlists for mp3s before ordering).

The 2780 also allow for TV recording however it doesn't have a remote but is ahead of the NHJ models because it doesn't need a dock to record like the NHJ and Archos and is about the same size as all NHJ's and most Archos dispite the addition of having on board recording.

If a massive harddrive isn't a requirement too there's some nice models that take SD cards floating around there too that can come as little as $80 all in (don't think any of them support divx tho but still do asf/MTV/etc and/or direct recording from TV/DVD.)

[Azenha]

I just visited Factory Direct's web site. It seems that they have now updated the product page for the PMC-120, whereas it previously showed the PMP-120.

Nevertheless, in follow-up to my previous posting, yesterday I hooked it up and it does in fact appear as a removable drive under "My Computer". Actually lists as a "Removable Audio Device", but when I double click on it, it's essentially a hard drive and behaves just like a hard drive. I can create directories, copy, move, delete, rename, etc just like a hard drive. In fact it has two default directories - a DATA directory and a MEDIA directory.

The MEDIA directory has all the media files (Recorded TV, Pictures, Movies, Music, etc). The DATA directory is empty, but I was able to move files back and forth so I'll be using it to store my data as if it were a removable hard drive. Also, if I try to move non-supported media onto the PMC-120, Windows identifies it as unsupported and asks to confirm if I want to continue. For example, we I tried to move an Mpeg file I got this message.

The bottom line is that you can use the PMC-120 as a 20gig removable hard drive storage unit as well as a media player at the same time by moving data to either the MEDIA or the DATA directories. In fact, you can simply drag and drop you MP3, JPG and WMV files right into the unit for play purposes. You don't have to use Media Player or any other software to move files back and forth. Simply plug it into a USB port and that's it - drag and drop.

Optionally, it also interfaces and "natively" syncs with Windows XP MCE, which is the original reason I bought it.

I'm still a bit ticked off at the WMV conversion issue, but that's a minor irritant since conversion is seamless when using Media Player. And, by adding additional CODECs, I can add format compatibility to Media Player which translates into compatibility for the PMC-120.

[Numbers]

As chance would have it, I was looking for the Cowon A2 and found it here (http://www.costco.ca/en-CA/Common/Category.aspx?whse=BCCA&topnav=&cat=2176&hierPath=79*&Browse=).

Puts the PMC-120 at FD into perspective.

[Azenha]

As chance would have it, I was looking for the Cowon A2 and found it here (http://www.costco.ca/en-CA/Common/Category.aspx?whse=BCCA&topnav=&cat=2176&hierPath=79*&Browse=).

Puts the PMC-120 at FD into perspective.

Very Nice - I like the additional DivX and XviD support (with "Codecs on the player").

However, it's over twice the price of the PMC-120. Also for those wanting MCE integration, you're still stuck with the file conversion issue (i.e. DVR-MS to a format that the player supports).

If the Cowon where the same price as the PMC-120, or even slightly higher, I grab it over the PMC-120 anytime. But atover twice the price, I'll stick with the PMC-120.

[NG]

Very Nice - I like the additional DivX and XviD support (with "Codecs on the player").

However, it's over twice the price of the PMC-120. Also for those wanting MCE integration, you're still stuck with the file conversion issue (i.e. DVR-MS to a format that the player supports).

If the Cowon where the same price as the PMC-120, or even slightly higher, I grab it over the PMC-120 anytime. But atover twice the price, I'll stick with the PMC-120.

Although the Cowon is nice I would go with this unit too even if I didn't have MCE at FD's price however part of price for the Cowon is worth the Costco customer service.

Shame they're not selling the Iriver at $240 with no MIR or something...

[btong]

Went to get one a few days ago. Hope this post can help people clear up the video sync/conversion issues. You can sync pretty much any video formats as long as they play in Windows Media Player. Most of my files are in RMVB formats. Each episode of anime (about 180mb each) will require 15-20 mins of converting. Now, when you drag rmvb files into Windows Media player to sync, it will not allow you to do that, so what you need to do is rename the extensions to avi then it will convert and sync. Alternatively you can convert it with other video converting programs like River Past Crazi Video for PMC or Xilisoft video converter to convert files to wmv format. The specs for the wmv files are as follow:

PMC

The PMC plays WMV files to the following specification...

-WMV 7,8 or 9
-320x240
-30fps max
-800kb/s CBR Video max
-128kb/s Audio (MP3 or WMA) max

(Taken from http://www.misticriver.net/showthread.php?t=39820)

After the file as been converted, just drag/drop the wmv into the the Media directory and it will transfer. It is only the conversion process that takes long, transfers are really quick due to USB 2.0.

Honestly, I am not too happy with all the conversions, it does take quite a bit of time. I also have considered the PSP at the beginning, but changed my mind due to the price of MS and 4GB limit. The Cowon A2 and Creative Vision are something that I would love to get also as their specs and even the looks of the device are much better. But seeing how this device is priced compare to the others (about 1/2 price). I don't have much to complain.

[m00j]

are there any pricematch-oppurtunities on this?

[NG]

are there any pricematch-oppurtunities on this?

No. It's a end run product. Aside from FD almost the only place you'll find this is ebay.

btong - for those interested in this unit (I'm not but still curious) how long would you estimate it takes to convert an average length episode of a the simpsons (just to pick a well known benchmark) and does it increase or decrease the size of an average episode?

[btong]

I don't really watch Simpsons, how big are the file sizes? Assuming a 30min show in avi format (640x480)with a file size of 180MB, takes about 15mins on my laptop (Pentium M 2 Ghz, 1GB RAM) and the file size will decrease to about 90MB. So there IS an advantage to all the converting, it will save much more harddisk space on the player.


btong - for those interested in this unit (I'm not but still curious) how long would you estimate it takes to convert an average length episode of a the simpsons (just to pick a well known benchmark) and does it increase or decrease the size of an average episode?

[Mighty Mouse]

So I go into my local Compusmart store I sse they have the same item for $499.99 I also noted they have a price match policy. Here goes do you guys price match they say yes. :) Will price match are major competitors and local competitors depending on item being the same product and available in stock for sale. :) :) Now heres the twist, I would like to PM factory direct for the price of $239.99 they have a mail in rebate as well that brings the price to $199.99 of course they say no, as it not possible for them to offer this product for so low. Therefore, I say well I understand that you don't match rebates but I dont want to price the thr rebate price( I don't expect much from Factorydirect in regards to rebates) just the actual price. Again the reps says no them the manager said they will not do it. >:( :mad: Then I said look at your pricematch policy it states that you will price match within the following terms:

Smart Price - Guaranteed in Store
If you find an advertised price in Canadian dollars at a retail store for a product with stock from any authorized Canadian dealer located in Canada that is lower than our price, we will gladly match it at time of purchase or within 14 days of purchase. If our own price drops within 14 days of your purchase, we will also refund the difference to you on demand. An ad must be presented and be from a local authorized dealer with merchandise in stock and no limited quantities. Ad must include date of publication. The advertised item must be new and factory sealed and eligible for the manufacturer's warranty applicable in Canada. Our SmartPrice Guarantee does not apply to restricted quantity or time limited offers, special financing offers, special educational prices, special bundles, free offers, misprints, mail-order offers, rebates, coupons, OEM products, liquidations or close outs. See in-store for details. :confused: :twisted:

As I got confirmation from Iriver that they are authorized to sell this product and that they provide full warranty coverage. :lol:

What do you all think Does Compusamrt have aright to deny the PM. This is getting to be a real issue for store to have PM guarantees and will not honour them ie. FS, BB, and staples when they had the 150% PM. Staples varification process has improved and they don't BS once the product is confirm atleast with my experience.

Feel free to comment!

[Mighty Mouse]

No. It's a end run product. Aside from FD almost the only place you'll find this is ebay.

btong - for those interested in this unit (I'm not but still curious) how long would you estimate it takes to convert an average length episode of a the simpsons (just to pick a well known benchmark) and does it increase or decrease the size of an average episode?

what is an end run product? I did a search on this forum and I still dont see why Compusmart would not PM this. Do they deny PM like how FS does?

[m00j]

what is an end run product? I did a search on this forum and I still dont see why Compusmart would not PM this. Do they deny PM like how FS does?


i was looking for a place that would PM + we could use GC's...that would be great!

[NG]

what is an end run product?

Release date: 10/1/04 http://reviews.cnet.com/iRiver_PMC_120/4864-6499_7-31135602.html?ctype=msgid&messageSiteID=7&messageID=1876434&cval=1876434&tag=uolst

It's a discontinued product.


I did a search on this forum and I still dont see why Compusmart would not PM this. Do they deny PM like how FS does?

I want to say I'm suprised that Compusmart still stocks this (at regular price at that!) but considering I was in ther a few days ago and saw tons of 4x DVDs I guess I'm not that suprised.

There's no reason they shouldn't PM this imho. I guess the manager still thinks it's worth $500. Kinda reminds me of my local Zellers that has a portable DVD player with a 4" screen on "clearance" for $180.

My question is tho - why would you want to go to the trouble to PM this at Compusmart? From reading their PM policy on the site they don't offer any extra % off and you'd lose any shot at getting the $40 MIR back that FD offers.

[NG]

I don't really watch Simpsons, how big are the file sizes? Assuming a 30min show in avi format (640x480)with a file size of 180MB, takes about 15mins on my laptop (Pentium M 2 Ghz, 1GB RAM) and the file size will decrease to about 90MB. So there IS an advantage to all the converting, it will save much more harddisk space on the player.

90 MB - pretty decent size. I'm not sure how big the other IRiver ( with the PMP prefix) mpg files are but I couldn't imagine a mpg would be smaller than that.

[coolspot]

As for everyone else I'd recommend something like the PMP from NHJ since it sells for about the same amount on ebay.

I had a PMP-120 - it's a crappy video player. The PMP-120 (not the PMC-120 from factory direct) had poor DivX support. About 1/2 the files I downloaded would not play properly.

Also the volumne was WAY too low on the PMP-120.

In anycase, I sold the machine ;)



I called three times and spoke to three different support staff since I was not satisfied with the answers that I was getting. Nevertheless, I've confirmed that the PMC-120 replaces that PMP-120 which is no longer manufactured;

It seems that both the PMP and PMC players play everything after they have been converted to the player's native video format. Specifically, the PMC-120 only recognizes WMV and the PMP-120 only recognizes Mpeg.

The PMP-120 and PMC-120 were complementary products. The PMP ran a custom version of Linux (unfortunately buggy... and no source code) while the PMC runs a Windows Media device.

The PMP could play divx, mpeg, jpeg, mp4, etc - but it's onboard codecs were limited. You did NOT have to convert the file for the PMP ... but overall it's player applications were rudimentary and unreliable (i.e. sometimes you could not fast forward with certain files - I had to "resave" the file in VirtualDub to make them work OK).

The PMP advertised a USB host port - it allowed you to copy files from USB mass storage devices over to the PMP... but I couldn't not get it to work reliably.

Overall, I would never buy a iRiver poduct again... the never bothered to upgrade the firmware for the PMP and left the product hanging! If I ever buy a media player again... it's going to be from another company.

http://www.misticriver.net has more information on these products.

[NG]

I had a PMP-120 - it's a crappy video player. The PMP-120 (not the PMC-120 from factory direct) had poor DivX support. About 1/2 the files I downloaded would not play properly.

Also the volumne was WAY too low on the PMP-120.

In anycase, I sold the machine ;)


Do you mean the Iriver or NHJ (since you quoted my text about the NHJ model)?

As for divx support to me partial divx support is better than none imho since you'll be able to get some non transcoded divx to play and others you'll be able to convert and still benifit from the better compression. I'm able to get a 180 mb file down to about 40-50 mb compared to the 90 mb referenced earlier for the PMC-120 on my RCA 2780 which sounds quite like your review of the PMP-120 (even down to the non-source code linux).

Having said that the PMC-120 sounds pretty decent if someone is running MCE and doesn't mind the size.

[NG]

Got a PM about my RCA 2780 and thought others might be interested in case the PMC-120 isn't their cup of tea.

Hey NG, this is kinda off topic to the post regarding the PMC-120, so just PMing u asking you a few questions on the RCA 2780. Do you know if there are any good deals around for that? How long does the battery last? Mind giving me a little review on the formats it plays and how you like it? Thanks.

Hi,

The unit has been out of production for quite awhile. It was actualy the first PMP/PVP on the market iirc. There aren't any stores selling them now that I know of but I've seen them go for ~$100 USD on ebay before.

When/if you get it you'll want to update it to the last firmware release however even that doesn't fix what most people have a problem with - no play lists for mp3s. Not a problem for me since I just use it for video.

My battery is lasting about 90 minutes or so for video. About 110-120 when it was new. I'm toying with taking it out of the unit (cracking it open) and taking the battery into be rebuilt and I may do that if the new release of PVPs in the fall look bland/too expensive.

Formats: It won't play any divx with B frames with some firmware and with other firmwares it'll play it with audio/video sync issues. However if you use the portable video template in dr. divx/divx converter or any PDA/PVP template in pocketdivxencoder every file I've encoded has worked - as well as many just downloaded (perhaps about 1/2).

Like the Archos line it records from tv and plays back. TV recording/playback of tv recording are about SVCD quality on a TV. Divx looks as good as the file is.

My biggest complaint with the unit is the size however all hard drive 3.5" screen units are about the same size.

For ~$100 used or ~$200 new I would recommend it as long as you don't mind it's limitations.

Cheers
Gordon