Samsung Showcases Portable DVR

The first handheld capable of direct-from-TV recording was introduced by Samsung this week. The YM-P1 stores and plays a full range of audio and video files, has a 20GB hard drive, and allows users to record their favorite programs direct from satellite or cable TV via an AV-in connection.

The unit also offers player-to-TV playback, with VGA resolution, using the AV-out connection. Recorded shows can be viewed on the unit's 4-inch TFT-LCD screen. The company says the unit has a battery life of up to six hours.

The YM-P1 player supports MP3, WMA, OGG, AC3, MPEG4, DivX, Xvid, avi, WMV, JPG, BMP and text files. The unit is Microsoft Plays For Sure Audio and Video Download enabled, as well as Audio Subscription enabled for interaction with the most popular download services. It will also take an SD card for expanded memory and additional functions, and can be used as a voice recorder.

The YM-P1 will be available in February 2006 for $399.