Sega Vision Emerges With TV Tuner, MP3 Playback

Alas, the Sega Vision is actually real, offering many multimedia features including television and radio reception, MP3/MP4 playback, eBook support and more. Sorry, no gaming rig here.

Sega Nerds got its hands on the Sega Vision device at ATEI last month, finally beholding Sega's first device since the Dreamcast, marveling over its surprising capabilities of playing... flash games. However, according to the site, Sega Prize Europe decided to can any kind of gaming function for the time being, unhappy with its support for simple flash games. With that said, Sega isn't trying to compete with Sony's PSP or Nintendo's DS, but rather claim a portion of the portable media player market. Still, Sega did not rule out game support altogether, but said that the option could be available in later models.

In essence, Sega Vision plays most video files including AVI, MP4 and one additional, unspecified format. Sega Vision also plays MP3 files, take pictures via a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera, serves as a text/eBook reader, can record the users voice, and most importantly, offer radio and television reception. According to Sega Nerds, the device is no bigger than a 30 GB video iPod, perhaps slightly bigger than a credit card. Although it only has 2 GB of built-in internal memory, there is a slot for an expandable micro SD card.

Despite its size, the radio and TV tuner uses a fold out aerial that collapses neatly back into the Vision when not used. For now, the device only receives analog transmissions, however Sega plans to implement digital TV and radio capabilities in later models. There is even talk of using touch-screen technologies.

"For what it is, the device is actually very cool.  It is very light, easily fits in your pocket, and performs its functions very well," said Sega Nerd's Graham. "My favourite functions were definitely the video player and TV tuner.  I know there are better devices out there, but Sega is hoping that these will be a cheaper alternative to them and it offers more functions than most PMPs out there."

For now, the Sega Vision PMP is only available as a prize within Sega's UFO Catcher arcade machines. However, the company plans to sell the device online and in certain retail outlets. Sega's aim is to reach the penny-pinching consumer looking for a cheaper alternative to the meatier PMPs currently on the market. As of now, no date has been set for a public release, however the device supposedly will cost around $100 to $130 when it becomes available.

Announced back in October 2008, the Sega Vision is the company's first new consumer electronics device since withdrawing support for its Sega Dreamcast console back in 2001.