Logitec has come up with a portable HDD that can also be connected directly to a TV for video, audio or image playback. The interestingly-named "dvdjuke Pod" (I wonder how long it will take Apple to come calling??) will be available in 40GB and 80GB versions from early December.

Logitec will release the "dvdjuke Pod", a portable HDD capable of TV output, in two specifications in early December.

The 80GB "LAV-DJP80U2" will retail for 44,100 yen while the 40GB "LAV-DJP40U2"will retail for 32,970 yen. Supported operating systems are Windows 2000 (SP4 or later), Windows XP(SP1 or later) and Mac OSX 10.2.8 - 10.3.6.

Multimedia files stored on the portable HDD can be displayed on a TV. Available TV connection interfaces are S-video, composite video and stereo audio. A combination optical/co-axial output provides support for Dolby Digital output. Using an optional cable (not included), 5.1 channel output is possible.

Supported video formats are MPEG-1/2, DivX and XviD. Audio files that can be played back include MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, AC3 and OGG. JPEG image files are also supported and can be displayed as a slideshow. In addition, DVD-Video image files (ISO format) can also be played back. Normal DVD operations such as menu use and chapter changes are possible with the included remote control.

The portable HDD connects to a PC via USB2.0. Supported HDD formats are NTFS, Mac OS Extended and FAT 32. Power is supplied by bus power with auxiliary power provided by an included split USB cable if necessary. For TV output, an included AC adapter is used.

The portable HDD is W16 x D132 x H80 mm and weighs 220g. The "SimDisc3 OEM" Windows CD/DVD emulation software is also included.

Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2004/1115/logitec.htm

News release:
http://www.logitec.co.jp/press/2004/1115_02.html

Product information:
http://www.logitec.co.jp/products/mplay/lavdjpu2.html