This is an MPEG player which uses an external hard drive case. It also supports MP3 and JPEG playback, and includes a remote.

Canopus, Inc. will release the "MTPlayer MP20-HDD" MPEG playback unit, which uses a hard drive case, in the first part of January. While it's Open Price, it should be around 19,800 yen. At the same time, they will also release the exclusive hard drive case, the "MTHDD25" for 4,980 yen. Supported operating systems are Windows ME, 2000, and XP.

The MTHDD25 is a HDD case which connects to the PC via a USB 2.0 connection. Users can attach o­ne of these into their MP20-HDD main unit. You can insert a 2.5 inch hard drive up to 120GB, under 9.5mm. A hard drive is not included.

Upon inserting the MTHDD25 into the MP20-HDD, users may play MPEG-1/2, MP3, or JPEG files stored o­n the MTHDD25. Playback of audio and video is accomplished via the S-Video output, Composite output, Analog RGB output, Component output(cable not included), or analog audio output (mini plug).

The MPEG-2 files capable of being played are those which have been encoded using the presets from the MTV and MTU hardware encoders. MPEG-1 files must be above 320x240. For MP3, VBR and ID3 tags are not supported. JPEG files up to a resolution of 5,120x3,840 may be displayed.

The front of the unit also has various memory card slots, such as CompactFlash, SD Memory Card, MMC, SmartMedia, Microdrive, and Memory Stick.

Since the hard drives supported must be formatted using FAT32, the maximum file size is 4GB. For making partial files, "MpegClipper" software is included. Though consecutive playback of divided files is possible, there will be a short pause between two files. Folder and file names must be normal size English characters to be used.

Also, when using Windows 2000 and XP, users cannot current format their partitions to larger than 32GB. However, a free update to remove this limitation is planned.

Included is a multi-function remote capable of controlling every aspect of the device, exclusive pouch, Composite cable, S-Video cable, and audio cable. Power comes from an included AC adapter. The dimensions of the MP20-HDD are 162 x 111 x 30mm (W x D x H).

Original Article:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20031211/canopus1.htm

Product Information:
http://www.canopus.co.jp/catalog/mtplayer/mtplayer-hdd_index.htm

News Release:
http://www.canopus.co.jp/press/2003/mtplayer-hdd.htm