2001 Technology Launches Montego Portable Media Player

While apparently available in the US for about 4-6 weeks now (though possibly in low supply), the Montego Portable Media Player recently launched by 2001 Technology (with a Sigma media processor) is news to us – and probably to you as well.

The Montego Portable Media Player is a USB2.0 handheld hard-drive player, supporting video, music, and photos. It comes standard with a 20GB drive – but options for 30/40/60/80GB are available. It packs in a 3.5″ LCD with 320x240 resolution, and a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that gives about 3.5 hours of video playback (decent for such units). The Montego also has a built-in kick-stand on the back, for easy handsfree viewing of movies. If you want to take it on the road, there’s a car power adapter/charger, as well as a seat-back in-car holder, which combine to transform the Montego into a full car media player.

Format support includes MP3 and WMA audio tracks, MPEG, DivX, and XviD video recordings, and JPEG photo files of any size. Most impressive is that the unit supports video files up to full D1 resolution (720x480). The Montego comes with a docking cradle with wide-ranging video out connections, including A/V (composite), s-video, and full component, with 3:2 pulldown and 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio support. Obviously, when displaying to a TV it can play D1 content in full resolution, rather than the cramped 320x240 internal screen, and combined with a widescreen component TV set this could be quite a unit. For audio, the Montego has a standard stereo minijack, as well as a built-in speaker for sharing, and stereo audio component jacks in the cradle. Add in the inclusion of a wireless remote control, and we’re certain you’ll want to use the Montego not only on the road but also in your home theater as well.

I should note the included cradle is more than just an AV output interface. It also packs in USB2.0 connection for syncing, power connection for battery charging, and most significantly a 10/100 ethernet connector (plus built-in software) for streaming media from a PC to your TV using the Montego as a convergence device! This company has truly thought of pretty much everything they could throw in! I’m also guessing that because of the ethernet interface, it might be possible to do your syncing over the network, meaning the cradle and unit could be near your home theater rather than next to your PC.

The Montego weighs in at 470g with the battery pack, and is 5.6″ x 4.7″ x 1.2″ in size. Pricing is around $450 US.

We’ll pass along more info when we get to do a hands-on review. Until then, if it peaked your interest definitely use our link to go pick one up today, or read on to the next page for the full press release.