JVC debuts flash memory audio players with direct recording

JVC has rolled out two new digital audio players that can record music directly from an audio source. The new JVC XA-F57 and XA-107 are available with 512 MB and 1 GB of flash memory, respectively, and are available in several different colors. The players can handle MP3, WMA and WMA-DRM formats.

Both the XA-F57 and the XA-107 connect to a PC via a USB 2.0 port and the device shows up as another drive, allowing users to simply drag the files over. The players can also directly convert audio sources into MP3s. Users can connect a CD, radio or tape source into the analog input and the player will do the conversion. Another interesting feature is that the earbud headphones securely lock into the player and double as a lanyard.

The players will be available later this month and the 512 MB model will sell for $100, while the 1 GB version will retail for $150.