Blue Raven MediaMates Offer 7-Inch Screens

Blue Raven has introduced two new MediaMate all-in-one portable DVRs, sporting 7-inch screens and up to 80 GB of storage - but will the specs fire you up?

Blue Raven Technologies has introduced its new MediaMate 7040 and 7080 all-in-one portable media players and DVRs, offering storage capacities of 40 and 80 GB (respectively) and large 7-inch screens designed to make viewing video content possible without holding the units up your the tip of your nose and squinting.

“Blue Raven designed this product by prioritizing the features consumers care about most: price, ease of use, and a clear, large picture,” said Blue Raven’s President Glen Kashgegian in a release. “By bringing these key features together into the MediaMate, we believe this is the first product to make portable media players a viable category for most consumers.”

Chief among the MediaMates’ feature is the ability to record programming directly from a television or TiVo, enabling users to take their treasured recorded programming with them wherever they go. Users just plug the (included) AV cables into a television, TiVO, or other video source and record or transfer life video, TiVo recordings, or other video—the MediaMates include a scheduler to enable VCR-like recording of favorite shows at preset times. Users can also load the units with music, photos, and other media via USB 2.0, and an included 3-in-1 card reader enables users to transfer files and media to the player.

The new MediaMates’ 7-inch display offers only 480 by 234 pixel resolution, but users can connect it to a larger display, where it will apparently output upscaled video at resolutions up to 1080i. Blue Raven says the MediaMates will handle AVI, MPG, VOB, DAT, MP4, and DivX video along with MP3, WMA, and Ogg Vorbis audio. (Sorry: no Windows Media Video, or audio AAC support, even if it’s DRM-free). The unit offers headphone support, along with two 1-watt speakers and a line out for pushing audio to external speakers. The systems ship with a wireless remote control, that 3-in-1 card reader, car adapter, stand, and a car headrest-mounting case.

The new MediaMate series is available now through Blue Raven’s online store and selected retailers; the 49 GB 7040 model is priced at $379, while the 80 GB 7080 is carries a $429 price tag.