MP3 players and DVRs could soon become more expensive in Japan, if the country’s government successfully introduces a levy on sales of these devices.

According to a report in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs wants to force MP3 player manufacturers to pay a royalty charge to copyright holders that may have lost out as a result of illegally recorded content.

An official tariff hasn’t been set yet, but it’s rumoured that manufacturers may be forced to pay several hundred yen per device – a cost that will no doubt be passed onto the consumer.

Since 1993, the Japanese government has placed a duty on devices and media capable of recording music, such as mini-disc machines and cassette players. This charge is usually several per cent of such a device’s retail cost.

The levy doesn’t cover digital media payers, which contain their own storage. Back in 2005, the Japanese government tried to extend the law to cover these devices, but it failed to do so. Continue Reading…

Sony Korea(www.sony.co.kr) announced the launch of its new premium mp3 player ‘Walkman NWZ-A820/A720 Series‘ which are available in three capacities, 4GB, 8GB and 16MB.

Adopting a 2.4-inch QVGA LCD screen with LED backlight, these mp3 players also supports video codec including AVC(H.264/AVC) and MPEG4 in 30fps, and features bundled Sony’s 13.5mm EX series earphone.

Measuring 5.1×9.39×0.93cm at 58g weight, the NWZ-A820 comes in black and pink while the NWZ-A720 does four different colors such as black, white, pink and gold.

Everyone’s talking about China these days. The impact of the world’s fastest ever growing economy on the western world is huge – and it now extends to the world of iPod docks, in the form of the BooM China system from TwinMOS.

And yes, that thing that looks like a vase is actually a subwoofer…

The BooM China has been designed in collaboration with a traditional Chinese artist, and is released to coincide with the Chinese new year – as well as to celebrate China hosting the 2008 Olympic games.

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01 August 2007 – The Creative HQ-1440 full size headphones are perfect for digital music which is great for you iPod/MP3 player wearing people. Actually these headphones will work just as well with your home stereo system because the audio from any source will sound amazing. And they are super comfortable to wear thanks to the plush (and soft) velvet covered ear pads!

Manufacturer’s Description
The Creative HQ-1400 headphones deliver excellent playback for all your digital music – from your home entertainment system to your portable music player. Powered by studio-quality drivers and complemented with soft velvet earpads on an adjustable headband, the headphones offer the perfect balance between comfort and performance.
The large velvet earcups and closed-back design completely covers your ear with plush fittings for better noise isolation and comfort, while the adjustable headband makes it easy to sit comfortably back with cushioned padding.

The 40mm drivers deliver accurate playback whatever the music genre while the quality cable and gold-plated plugs ensure the smoothest transmission. Designed to restore the suppressed details of your music, the HQ-1400 is the perfect headphones for any MP3 players.

Continue Reading…