Portable Media Players are easy to carry consumer electronics devices capable of storing and playing digital media. Digital media can include any combination of music, video, pictures, radio and television. PMPs typically store their data (information) on either flash memory, or on a hard disk drive attached to the device. Examples of Portable Medial Players are MP3 players (music), MP4/5 players (music and video), portable television. Sometimes cellphones, portable dvd players, and camcorders are also considered PMPs because of their playback capabilities.

Understanding the differences between different PMP solutions is made more complicated by the different technologies and associated terminology involved. Unless one is an expert in the various technologies, making sense of the specifications can be a daunting task. To assist, Jade Connections has put together a glossary of some of the more common specifications and their meanings. This compilation can be found at Digital Media Acronyms.

MP3 Players

MP3 players are relatively simple devices designed to play digital audio (music). They either have no display or a simple OLED display. Their small size makes them easy to carry and in some cases clip on the clothing. Almost all MP3 players support MP3 and WMV audio formats, with some now supporting some of the newer formats such as FLAC, AAC, OGG, and APE. On the high end, some players also have integrated FM transmitters, allowing for simple automotive use. Other optional features found in some MP3 players are FM radios and digital voice recording capabilities.

MP4 / Handheld Video Players

China made MP3 players with the ability to play video content are identified by the manufacturers as either MP4 or in the case of the newer players, MP5 players. Both labels are factually incorrect, and can be misleading if the assumption is made that the labeling corresponds to standards based video file support. In this catalog we try to document what these two designations relate to, while at the same time labeling the category as MP4 and Hand Held Video Players.

Audio Playback
Nearly all players can play MP3 formatted music, while many others support Windows Media Audio (WMA), Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), Monkey’s Audio (APE), and WAV. Audio files purchased from online stores or ripped from CDs may include copy protection, which most modern players support. Some players are compatible with open-source formats like OGG and the Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC). Every device has a bit rate limit for each compatible format.

Video Playback
When the first players with video support were produced, in an attempt to come up with a new label for the devices, the manufacturers decided that MP3 + 1 sounded like the next evolutionary step for media players. Unfortunately this was a marketing decision with absolutely no consideration to what MP4 really represented. In fact, none of the first generation MP4 players produced in China conformed to the MP4 part 14 file specification for digital audio. Rather what was supported was a low performance, proprietary video encoding format called AMV. It is still possible to find AMV support on some of the low-end 1.8-inch MP4 players, but for the most part AMV is no longer used on modern players.

The next video format used in MP4 players was AVI. AVI is a multimedia container format allowing for the combination of video and audio file information into a single file. While AVI provides the framework for this file integration, it does not specify the encoding parameters for the separate audio and video content. Most audio encoding for AVI files uses an MP3 codec, which most players can handle ok. The problem is with the video encoding. Unfortunately most MP4 players can only render very specifically formatted video that match the desired hardware and screen resolution. In particular, the frame rates, resolution parameters, and video codec must match what the player can decode and render. This results in video files that are very difficult to create, and can only work on a small number of MP4 players. Video interoperability across players is not possible.

By the middle of 2008, manufacturers decided it was about time to come out with the next generation players, so another “+1” change to the product names was in order. This is why we have an industry producing MP5 players, a technology that does not exist. MP5 of course is only a marketing term. So what does this new marketing term relate to? There is no clear definition, but generally speaking, the biggest difference with MP5 players over the previous generation of MP4 players is the handling of additional video formats. In addition to handling AVI, most newer players can play the newer RealMedia RM, and RMVB formats. Some also support MPG, FLV, 3GP, DivX, Xvid, and WMV formats. In addition to the added formats recognized, some units have the ability to automatically adjust the resolution to match the device screen (within limits). MP5 Navigation / Controls are also improved with additional support for touch screens and slide type navigation.

Image Viewing
The JPEG format is compatible on all players that are capable of displaying images. Some players are able to display additional file formats like GIF, PNG, BMP, and TIFF, while others are bundled with conversion software.

Screen
Sizes currently range from 1.8-inches up to 7 inches. As well, resolutions also vary, going up to 800 x 480 (WVGA). Most screens come with a color depth of 16-bit, but higher quality video oriented devices may range all the way to 24-bit, otherwise known as True Color, with the ability to display 16.7 million distinct colors. Screens commonly have a matte finish but may also come in glossy to increase color intensity and contrast. More and more devices are now also coming with touch screen as a form of primary or alternate input. This can be for convenience and/or aesthetic purposes.

Storage
All players come with either flash and/or hard disk storage. Flash storage capacities have reached up to 32 GB and up to 320 GB for players with imbedded HDDs. A number of players support memory card slots for the insertion of additional storage. Most modern players with card slot support use the microSD size. For most players, this translates into an ability to add an additional 2 or 4 GB through the card slot. Some newer units are starting to support SDHC (high capacity) allowing for sizes larger than 4 GB.

Other Features
A wide range of additional features are available on many of the players. Some of these include:

• FM Radio
• FM Transmitter
• Games
• Camera
• Digital Voice Recorder
• TV-Output
• Clock / Calendar

Other features we have seen include dictionary and stopwatches.

Portable Television

Portable television capabilities are being built into many types PMP types, including portable DVD players, MP4 / Handheld Video devices, and cellphones. Both Analog as well as Digital tuners are available, however the analog based products have a very short expected lifetime due to the phasing out of analog transmissions in most countries. The types of tuners chosen are very market specific as different broadcast standards are used depending upon location. A brief summary of the broadcast standards in use is shown below:

• DVB-T: Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial. Used in Europe, most of South America (except Brazil), most of Asia (except Japan, China), Australia
• CMMB: China Multimedia Mobile Broadcasting. Used in China for mobile, small screen devices.
• ATSC: Advanced Television Systems Committee. Digital standard used in North America.
• ISDB-T: Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting. Digital standard used in Japan, Brazil
• NTSC: National Television System Committee. Analog standard used in North America
• PAL: Phase Alternating Line. Analog standard used in Europe and many other places (except North America).

At the time of this writing most digital solutions are for DVB-T. A few are starting to be seen supporting CMMB, however this is only of interest for the China domestic market. ATSC and ISDB-T based solutions are expected later in 2009.

Note: Portable DVD players are not currently covered in this catalog. If you are interested in portable DVD solutions, please contact Jade Connections Sales and let us know what you are looking for. Jade Connections maintains relations with many factories producing these devices, and can provide you with a solution to meet your needs quickly.

Let Us Know What You Need!

Portable Media Players (PMPs) cover several different, but related, product areas. The products presented in this short catalog are representative of only a small fraction of the options available. Jade Connections maintains relations with a large number of factories producing these types of products. Chances are if you do not see what you are looking for here, we quickly locate and provide your desired solution. In addition, Jade Connections can work with OEM customers and factories to produce custom solutions to meet client specifications.

For almost all products, colors can easily be modified to meet your exacting specifications, as well as packaging and documentation. Custom design work related to more specific printing requirements and/or moulding can easily be accommodated. Please contact Jade Connections Sales for more specific information related to your needs.

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MP3 Players

		PMP-1101 Clip-on Shuffle Type MP3 Player – No Display The PMP-1101 is a simple to use music player with single button navigation that can easily clip onto a lapel or other clothing for easy operation. Plays MP3 and WMA digital music files. Available in blue, red, pink, silver, and black. Complete Specifications
		PMP-1102 USB Plug Shuffle Type MP3 Player – No Display The PMP-1102 is a simple to use music player that can plug directly into any USB slot without additional cables. Plays MP3 WMA, and WAV digital music files. Available in white, green, pink, black, and blue. Complete Specifications
		PMP-1201 Colorful Rounded MP3 Player with OLED Display The PMP-1201 is a small but attractive MP3 player. Features include 7kinds of EQ, A-B repeat, with Replay function, Auto Shut-off, Low power protection, and System memory status display. Plays MP3 and WMA digital music files. Available in white, green, pink, black, and blue. Solution: Ali 5667 Complete Specifications
		PMP-1202 USB Plug MP3 Player with 1” OLED Display and 30 Hours Playback, FM Radio and Transmitter The PMP-1202 is a very versatile MP3 player that can directly connect to any USB slot without additional cables. Plays MP3, WMA, WMV, ASF, WAV, APE, and FLAC digital music files. Additional features include FM radio and FM transmitter. Complete Specifications

MP4 / Hand Held Video Players

		PMP-2101 1.8 inch TFT MP4 with Rounded Bottom Controls The PMP-2101 is a simple and stylish 1.8 inch MP4 player. Available in memory configurations up to 16 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, and WAV digital music files, and AMV video. Integrated games. Available in many colors including green, blue, yellow, pink, red, silver, and black. Complete Specifications
		PMP-2102 1.8 inch TFT MP4 with Corner Hook The PMP-2102 is a stylish 1.8 inch MP4 player available in many colors. Memory configurations up to 16 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, and WAV digital music files, and AMV video. Integrated games. Standard colors include black, pink, blue, green, orange, yellow and purple. Complete Specifications
		PMP-2103 1.8 inch TFT MP4 with Side Hook The PMP-2103 is a stylish 1.8 inch MP4 player available in several colors. Memory configurations up to 16 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, and WAV digital music files, and AMV video. Integrated games and e-book functionality. Standard colors include black, white, gray, and purple.   Complete Specifications
		PMP-2201 2.0 inch TFT MP4 with Smart Touch, 6mm Thin The PMP-2201 is a stylish and versatile 2.0 inch MP5 player available in several colors. Memory configurations up to 8 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, WAV, APE, FLAC, AAC, and OGG digital music files, and RM, RMVB, FLV, MPG, DAT, AVI, MP4, WMV, and 3GP video formats. Integrated digital voice recorder, FM radio, and e-book functionality. Standard colors include pink, blue, black, and green. Complete Specifications
		PMP-2301 2.4 inch True Color TFT MP5 with Built-in Speaker, FM Radio The PMP-2301 is a compact 2.4 inch True Color MP5 player. Memory configurations up to 16 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, and WAV digital music files, and RMVB, and AVI video formats. Integrated FM radio and built-in speaker. Standard colors include black, red, orange, and blue. Complete Specifications
		PMP-2303 2.4 inch Touch Screen TFT MP4 The PMP-2303 is a compact and highly versatile 2.4 inch True Color MP4 player with touch screen navigation. Memory configurations up to 16 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, FLAC, ACC, and APE digital music files, and AVI video formats. Text E-Book functionality. Standard colors include black, and white. Solution: Rockchip 2608A Complete Specifications
		PMP-2304 2.4 inch True Color TFT MP5 with USB HDD Boot Capability The PMP-2304 is a compact 2.4 inch True Color MP5 player with touch button navigation. Memory configurations up to 8 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, FLAC, ACC, OGG, and APE digital music files, and AVI, MPG, RM, and RMVB video formats. USB HDD boot function, low battery protection function, text E-Book and FM radio (optional). Solution: Rockchip 2706 Complete Specifications
		PMP-2401 3.0 inch True Color TFT MP5 with FM Radio The PMP-2401 is a simple to use 3.0 inch True Color MP5 player. Internal memory configurations up to 16 GB with additional 4 GB using microSD slot. Plays MP3, WMA, and WAV digital music files, and AVI, MPG, and RMVB video formats. FM radio and integrated speaker. Complete Specifications
		PMP-2402 2.8 inch TFT MP5 with Touch Navigation, Camera, FM Radio The PMP-2402 uses a 2.8 inch Touch display and comes standard with a 1.3 mega pixel camera. Internal memory configurations up to 8 GB with additional 4 GB using microSD slot. Plays MP3, WMA, ACC, FLAC, and APE digital music files, and AVI, FLV, RM, and RMVB video formats. FM radio. Optional features include Digital TV, TV-Out, and 5.0 mega pixel camera. Solution: Rockchip 2705/2706 Complete Specifications
		PMP-2403 2.8 inch TFT MP5 with Sliding Touch Navigation, FM Radio The PMP-2403 uses a 2.8 inch TFT display and uses sliding touch navigation. Internal memory configurations up to 8 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, ACC, FLAC, and APE digital music files, and AVI, FLV, RM, and RMVB video formats. FM radio. Solution: Rockchip 2705/2706 Complete Specifications
		PMP-2404 2.8 inch TFT MP5 with Touch Navigation, FM Radio, WQVGA The PMP-2404 uses a 2.8 inch TFT display and uses sliding touch navigation. Internal memory configurations up to 8 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, ACC, FLAC, and APE digital music files, and AVI, FLV, RM, and RMVB video formats. FM radio, Calendar, Games. 14 hours music playing ability. Solution: Rockchip 2706 Complete Specifications
		PMP-2405 2.8 inch MP5 with AMOLED Display, Slide Touch Navigation The PMP-2405 uses a 2.8 inch AMOLED display with sliding touch navigation. Internal memory configurations up to 8 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, ACC, FLAC, and APE digital music files, and AVI, FLV, RM, and RMVB video formats. FM radio. Solution: Rockchip 2705, Codec: WM8987 Complete Specifications
		PMP-2406 3.0 inch True Color TFT MP5 with Anti-Glare Surface Technology The PMP-2406 uses a 3.0 inch True Color TFT (WQVGA) display with Anti-Glare surface technology. Internal memory configurations up to 8 GB with microSD card support for up to an additional 8GB. Plays MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, APE, ACC, OGG, RA, and M4A digital music files, and RM, RMVB, AVI, MP4, 3GP, MOV, WMV, FLV, MPG, and DAT video formats. FM radio, Games, Calendar, Stopwatch, Auto shut down. Solution: Rockchip 2706 Complete Specifications
		PMP-2407 3.0 inch TFT MP5 with Slide Touch Navigation, WQVGA The PMP-2407 uses a 3.0 inch TFT (WQVGA) display with Slide Touch Navigation. Internal memory configurations up to 8 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, FLAC, APE, and ACC digital music files, and RM, RMVB, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, and MPG video formats. FM radio, Games, Calendar, Stopwatch, Auto shut down, music and video breakpoint playing. Battery supports up to 17 hours music playback, 4.5 hours video playback. Solution: Rockchip 2706 Complete Specifications
		PMP-2408 3.0 inch TFT MP5 with Touch Navigation, WQVGA, TF Card Support The PMP-2408 is an easy to use and hold MP5 player with 3.0 inch TFT (WQVGA) display and Touch Navigation. Internal memory configurations up to 8 GB and an additional 8 GB with the integrated micro SD memory slot. Plays MP3, WMA, FLAC, and APE digital music files, and RM, RMVB, AVI, and FLV video formats. FM radio. Standard colors are black and white.   Solution: Rockchip 2706 Complete Specifications
		PMP-2409 3.0 inch TFT MP5 with Touch Navigation, G-Sensor, and Vibration The PMP-2409 uses a 3.0 inch TFT display and Touch Navigation. Internal G-Sensor automatically adjusts interface based upon device orientation. Internal memory configurations up to 8 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, FLAC, and APE digital music files, and RM, RMVB, AVI, and FLV video formats. FM radio, music and video breakpoint playing. Solution: Rockchip 2706 Complete Specifications
		PMP-2501 4.3 inch MP5 with HD LTPS Screen, FM Transmitter The PMP-2501 uses a 4.3 inch HD LTPS display with Side Button Navigation. Internal memory configurations up to 16 GB with additional 8GB possible using internal micro SD slot.   Plays MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, and APE digital music files, and RM, RMVB, and AVI video formats up to a maximum of 1280 x 720 resolution. Integrated TV-Out and FM transmitter, FM radio, games, and calendar. Solution: CC1600C Complete Specifications
		PMP-2601 5.0 inch MP5 with HD LTPS Screen, FM Transmitter, Remote Control The PMP-2601 uses a 5.0 inch HD LTPS display with Front Button Navigation. Internal memory configurations up to 16 GB with additional 8GB possible using internal micro SD slot. Plays MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, AAC, and APE digital music files, and MKV, AVI, RM, and RMVB video formats up to a maximum of 1920 x 1080P resolution. Integrated TV-Out, FM transmitter and Infrared Remote Control. Solution: Rockchip 2806 Complete Specifications

Portable Television

		PMP-3401 3.0 inch TFT MP5 with Slip Touch Keypad and Optional Television The PMP-3401 is a 3.0 inch TFT MP5 player with Slip Touch Navigation. Television (DVB-T, CMMB or Analog) with built-in antenna optional. Internal memory configurations up to 8 GB with additional 8GB possible using internal micro SD slot. Plays MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, and ACC digital music files, and RM, RMVB, and AVI video formats. Integrated TV-Out, FM transmitter (optional), FM radio, games, and calendar. Primary solution: Rockchip 2708 Complete Specifications
		PMP-3501 3.5 inch TFT MP5 with Touch Screen and Optional Television The PMP-3501 is a 3.5 inch TFT MP5 player with Touch Screen Navigation. Television (DVB-T, CMMB or Analog) with built-in antenna optional. Internal memory configurations up to 16 GB with additional 8GB possible using internal micro SD slot. Plays MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, and ACC digital music files, and MP4, AVI, FLV, RM, RMVB, and WMV video formats. Integrated TV-Out, FM transmitter (optional), clock (optional), dictionary, text to speech (optional), FM radio, games, and MP3 ID3 tag display. Solution: Rockchip 2710 Complete Specifications
		PMP-3502 4.3 inch TFT MP5 with Slip Touch Keypad and Optional Television The PMP-3502 is a 4.3 inch TFT MP5 player with Slip Touch Navigation. Television (DVB-T or CMMB) with built-in antenna optional. Internal memory configurations up to 16 GB. Plays MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, and ACC digital music files, and RM, RMVB, and AVI video formats. MP3 ID3 tag, album cover display. Integrated TV-Out (optional), FM transmitter (optional), FM radio, stopwatch, and calendar. Music play time up to 32.5 hours. Complete Specifications

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