KR20050097799A - Portable multimedia electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD The present disclosure relates to portable audio video electronic recording, storage and playback devices. A user can store music or movies and watch them on a built-in display or television. Video can be recorded and stored from any video source. Digital photos or videos can be captured through the built-in camera. The built-in TV tuner allows you to watch and record television programs. The music can also be recorded and played back from the stereo or computer anytime, anywhere. Audio can be heard by connecting headphones, built-in speakers or the device to stereo. Image viewers store digital pictures on the device for viewing. Images can be easily transferred between the device, the digital camera and the computer. Hard disk drive and memory card ports are provided for storing data. Infrared ports provide remote control and wireless access.

Description

Portable multimedia electronic device {PORTABLE MULTIMEDIA ELECTRONIC DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a multimedia device. In particular, the present invention discloses a portable audio video electronic device for recording, storing and playing music, movies and images.

At present, electronic products are becoming more and more complicated. Due to the impracticality and inefficiency of storage media, prior art, such as video-tape machines, has been specified. Since the data is stored in a linear manner, moving to the desired portion of the tape for viewing and listening is slow and time consuming.

Also, new technologies, such as video compact disc (VCD) players, are simply playing back pre-recorded material. A user using this type of device does not allow the user to own a multimedia experience by recording audio and video material that the user wants to watch or listen to.

Besides. These devices are intended for use at home or in one place. Due to their size, the user could not take the device to another location for use.

In addition, these devices require a separate monitor or display to view video data.

Therefore, there is a need for a portable audio video electronic device small enough to easily record, store and play music, movies and images and to be easily transported for mobile use.

As embodied and described in detail herein, in order to overcome the disadvantages of the conventional methods and achieve these and other advantages in accordance with the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a portable device for recording, storing and playing music, movies and images. It is to provide an audio video electronic device.

The portable audio video electronic device of the present invention is to provide a mobile multimedia or movie recording, storage and playback device. Users can record and save their favorite movies to watch them on the built-in color display.

Alternatively, the device can be connected to a standard television for viewing. Portable audio video electronics provide standard audio and video inputs and outputs, such as, for example, Phase Alternation Line (PAL), National Television Systems Committee (NTSC), or Sequential Couleur Avec Memoire (SECAM) type TVs. Allows you to connect to any type of TV.

The video can be recorded and stored from any video source such as, for example, a television (TV), a digital video disc (DVD), a video compact disc (VCD), a video cassette recorder (VCR), a digital video camera, or a computer. . In this way, the user can record what he / she wants from any video source, and can easily play back video data anywhere.

In addition, the portable audio video electronic device of the present invention provides a mobile audio or music storage and playback device. The music can be recorded and played back anytime, anywhere. Using standard audio input, music can be recorded from any audio device such as, for example, stereo or computer.

The mobile multimedia electronic device of the present invention also provides a digital photo album and a wallet. Digital photos can be stored and viewed on the device. In addition, pictures can be easily transferred between the device, the digital camera and the computer.

In addition, portable multimedia electronic devices provide digital video recorders and digital photos with built-in cameras. Digital images are taken and can be viewed as digital photo album works. Video images can be recorded, stored and played back at any time by the built-in display or an external display. The camera features digital zoom for images and movies.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate these and other objects of the present invention through the following description of the preferred embodiments.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are conventional and are intended to explain the invention as claimed in more detail.

The accompanying drawings are intended to be in more detail and constitute a part of this specification. The overall drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with this specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar parts have been given the same reference numerals in the drawings and the specification.

1 is a block diagram illustrating components of a portable multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The portable audio video or mobile multimedia electronic device 100 of the present invention includes a central processing unit (CPU) 115 such as, for example, a TI TMS320DSC25 CPU.

The device also has a memory 120 with flash memory and SDRAM memory. This flash memory is, for example, 2 Mb flash memory. SDRAM memory is, for example, 32 or 64 Mb SDRAM memory.

CPU 115, memory 120, and firmware provide operating performance, functionality, and operating system for device 100.

The portable audio video electronic device 100 includes a keypad 105 for controlling the device 100, status indicators 130 representing various states or conditions, storage means 125 for storing data, a rechargeable power source Battery 150 for supplying audio, a built-in microphone 110 for receiving a voice input, a built-in speaker 135 for providing audible sound and audio, a built-in display 140 for displaying video and video, a digital video or video It further includes a camera 145 for capturing and a TV tuner 148 for recording TV viewing or TV programming.

In some embodiments of the invention, some components, for example, the built-in microphone 110 or the built-in speaker 135, are not included if they are not desired or to reduce costs.

The device further has an audio video input, for example a standard RCA 3-in-1 AV input or an s-video input. Using these inputs, the video can be recorded and stored from any video source such as, for example, a TV, DVD, VCD, VCR, digital video camera or computer. In this way, the user can record what they want from any video source at any place and can simply play this video data. In addition, via audio input, music can be recorded from any audio device such as, for example, stereo or computer.

If it is desired for the user to use an external video display instead of the built-in display, the device can be connected to a standard television for viewing. Portable audio video electronic devices provide standard audio and video outputs, allowing the device to be connected to any type of TV, such as, for example, PAL, NTSC, or SECAM type TVs. In addition, if audio only playback is desired, the audio output of the device can be connected to a stereo system.

The audio video output of this device has, for example, a standard RCA 3-in-1 AV output or s-video output. In addition, this output is user selectable, allowing the user to select an appropriate output for a display type such as PAL, NTSC, or SECAM.

Currently, three major standards are in use around the world. PAL is an analog television standard commonly used in Europe and other countries, NTSC is used in the United States and Milbon, and SECAM is used in some countries in Eastern Europe. Although the refresh rates and color resolutions between the standards for forming a video image are different, the user of the device selects an appropriate display type, so that multimedia can be easily viewed on any standard type of display. Due to this universal feature, the device can be used anywhere in the world, which is an advantage of the present invention.

For example, a businessman traveling to the United States, Europe, and Asia can use one device to display promotional material to a customer. This not only reduces costs, but also ensures compatibility.

The device further includes a TV tuner with an F-connector input for cable input and an F-connector output for cable bypass. This TV tuner is an NTSC, PAL, SECAM, NTSC and PAL, or NTSC, PAL and SECAM tuner. In addition to the output, the input mode is user selectable, allowing the user to select an appropriate input of cable or TV type such as PAL, NTSC or SECAM.

In use, the user connects the cable TV to the F-connector input and selects the appropriate input mode. The user then selects the desired channel using the keypad or IR remote control. TV programming is selected on the built-in display or an external display.

By audio video input, audio and video from the TV tuner and data from the F-connector input can be recorded. For example, after selecting the desired TV channel, the television programming can be recorded in the storage means. In addition, due to the real time clock feature, the recording time and channel can be pre-programmed for independent recording, whether or not the user provides time or recording.

The invention further includes an embedded video display. The video display is, for example, a 3.5 "thin film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) with white backlighting. It reproduces stored audio and video anywhere without an external display or TV. The resolution of the display is for example 480 x 234. Alternatively, the built-in display is a 3.5 "cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) LCD or a 3.5" LED LCD.

The portable audio video electronic device further includes a storage means, so that the user can store his or her favorite movie or music in the device. In one embodiment of the invention, the storage means comprises a hard disk drive, for example a 2.5 "ATA / IDE compatible hard disk drive. The hard disk drive is formatted with a FAT or FAT32 file system, thereby providing a computer operating system. Alternatively, the hard disk drive is a compact but expensive 1.8 "IDE HDD or an inexpensive 3.5" IDE HDD. Additional storage is provided by the memory card port. The data can be stored on a removable memory card in. The HDD includes an ATA, IDE, or Serial ATA (SATA) compatible hard disk drive.

In one embodiment of the invention, the hard disk drive is a removable hard disk drive. This attaches and detaches the device's HDD to another compatible device such as a computer. This feature further increases the convenience of easily transferring large amounts of data.

Data interfaces such as USB 2.0 or IEEE 1394 interfaces are included to facilitate data transfer between the device, computer and digital camera. Since the hard disk drive is formatted with the FAT32 file system, compatibility between this device and other devices is improved. When the device is connected to a computer via a USB interface, files or multimedia data can be transferred easily and conveniently between the devices. In addition, the high speed characteristics of the interface allow high speed data transfer.

In addition, the file system and high speed interface allow the device of the present invention to be a portable mass storage device. In addition to audio and video files, many computer operating system compatible data files can be transferred from a computer and stored on the device of the present invention. In this way, extremely large files that are not stored on a CD-ROM can be easily transferred to another location without moving the computer system.

As an example, the entire contents of the hard drive of the computer system can be backed up on the device. The device can then be moved to another location and restored to the cup computer at a remote location. Therefore, the user no longer has to worry about losing files or data when working in multiple places.

The device further has a power input, for example a 12 volt direct current (DC) input. AC power can be used on the DC adapter through 100-240. This allows the user to plug the device into a standard AC wall outlet to power the device. Since the AC-to-DC adapter is a universal 100-240 volt AC adapter, the device can be used anywhere in the world regardless of the AC power type.

In addition, the device further comprises a battery, for example a 1840 mA / 3680 mA 3.6 volt rechargeable lithium (LI) ion battery. This battery allows the device to operate anywhere without external power. For example, a user can watch a stored movie conveniently during a long flight and record data at any place without an external power source. Because the battery is rechargeable, it can be recharged at a convenient time. A battery monitor that provides the user with the necessary information indicates the current battery status or charge level, informing the user if the user needs to recharge. The battery monitor may be a separate display, a status indicator such as an LED, or may be displayed on the built-in display.

In addition, this apparatus of the present invention includes an automatic power-off characteristic. The power supply will turn off after an adjustable or user selectable length of time. For example, after a period of no input in the menu system, the power to the device will automatically turn off. This feature saves battery charge and battery life and reduces charge frequency. The user selects a length of time to activate the power-off feature and enable or disable this feature.

A keypad or button is provided to navigate the menu system and to take into account the operation control and setting characteristics. The keypad can be, for example, power on, mode selection, stop, play, hold, stop, fast forward, track forward, fast rewind, track back, channel up, channel down, menu up, volume up, menu down, Volume down, repeat, shuffle and erase.

The power on key allows the user to turn the device on or off. Stop, Play, Stop, Fast Forward, Track Forward, Fast Rewind, Track Back, and Hold allow the user to easily control the position of the media. Volume up and volume down keys allow the user to control the volume level of the audio. Menu ups and downs allow the user to scroll or move through the menu system. Repetition causes the media to repeat continuously until the stop is pressed. Shuffle allows the play order of the media to be randomly accessed. Erasing allows the stored media to be erased as desired.

In one embodiment of the invention, the menu system is an on-screen display (OSD) menu system for playback, recording and setting selection and characteristics. Since the menu is displayed on the internal display or an external display company, the user can easily navigate the menu and select, select or view the current status or characteristics as desired.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the menu system is a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI type system used in this embodiment provides a more professional user interface than the OSD type system. Various control or setting operations are easily navigated and performed. The GUI provides a familiar computer-type interface, for example an icon based system. The user navigates quickly through the area of the system to perform the desired action. This allows new users to use the device quickly and efficiently.

In addition, the menu system provides localization features. Multiple languages are supported, making this device available worldwide. For example, a user in the United States may select English and a Japanese user may select Japanese.

The device of the present invention further comprises an infrared interface and an infrared remote control. This infrared remote control allows the user to control the device or navigate the menu system remotely without using a keypad. This is particularly useful when the present invention is used as a presentation tool. The user can address the audience from a central location and controls the device located behind or to the side of the room.

In addition, the infrared port provides WLAN support, for example 802.11g or 802.11b support. This allows media clips to be shared remotely and for better integration with computer systems. Without being connected by a cable, data can be transferred or exchanged between the device of the present invention and other compatible devices such as computers. This gives convenience to the user.

A real time clock program is provided for scheduling recording of audio video data or battery recharge or backup. This feature allows the user to connect the device to a video source and set a time schedule for recording. Therefore, the user can easily record AV data even at inconvenient times. In addition, the user can, for example, set a schedule for battery charging or backup while the user is sleeping.

The portable audio video electronic device of the present invention further includes a status display. The status display is for example an LED or multiple LEDs. These status displays are power indicators, high speed interface indicators, encoding indicators and decoding indicators.

The power indicator indicates when the power is on. The high speed interface indicator indicates when the device is connected to another device through a high speed interface such as a USB 2.0 interface. This allows the user to quickly determine if a device is properly connected and to shorten troubleshooting time if the device is not communicating.

Encoding and decoding indicator (s) indicate when encoding or decoding occurs. Encoding and decoding formats are, for example, MPEG4, MP3, and JPEG or other multimedia formats.

The portable audio video electronic device of the present invention further includes a multimedia support for various multimedia formats.

In the audio portion of the device, an audio codec such as an MPE codec is provided. Music or audio data recorded in the MP3 format can be reproduced by this device. The bit rate can be adjusted from 32 to 320 kbps. The sample frequency is selected from 32 / 44.1 / 48Khz. Since the MP3 format is a compressed format, much time of audio data can be stored and reproduced on the storage means. In one embodiment of the invention, a headphone or earphone output is provided to allow a user to listen to audio data through the headphone without connection to a stereo system. Alternatively, in one embodiment of the present invention, a built-in speaker is provided, allowing a large number of people to connect the device to a stereo system to listen to audio.

In addition, the audio performance of the device is equipped with a voice codec, for example a G.726 codec and a built-in microphone. The G.726 Recommendation was developed by the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). G.726 describes the principle functions of the adaptive differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM) encoding and decoding algorithms. Thus, the user can record their voice through the microphone and play audio on the device. This bit rate can be selected between 16/24/32/40 Kbps.

The apparatus of the present invention can encode and decode various audio formats. The device provides audio support including encoding and decoding file formats such as MP3, G.726, AAC, WMA, RAM, and RM. MP3 is currently the most popular format in the world. Although not a high quality format, G.726 is commonly used for voice recording and playback where high reliability is not required. WMA is Microsoft's format, RAM and RM are RealNetworks formats, and AAC is the audio standard format.

Video codecs, for example MPEG4 codecs, are also provided for recording and playing back multimedia data. The frame rate can be selected from 23-30 fps for example for encoding and decoding. The bit rate can be controlled from 100Kbps to 2.5Mbps. Video data can be controlled with the record, play, stop, stop, fast forward, and fast reverse functions. The video size is, for example, 640 × 480 or 320 × 240. By means of the video portion of the device, various types of video files, for example MPG or AVI, can be watched.

The apparatus of the present invention can decode and encode multiple video formats. Video formats for decoding are, for example, MPEG-4, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, WMV and DivX 5.0. Video formats for encoding are, for example, MPEG-4, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and WMV. Each of these formats has its own advantages. For example, the MPEG-4 format provides a compressed file size that facilitates Internet transfers. MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 formats are the most popular formats in the entertainment industry that allow large amounts of available content and are the standard formats for VCDs and DVDs. The WMV format is a Microsoft Corporation format.

In addition to these formats, the device provides the Microsoft Windows Media Player format and can play file formats such as AVI and ASF files.

An advantage of the present invention is the live signal display. When the user wants to record video from the video source device, the video is displayed on the internal display or an external display. This provides immediate feedback to the user, allowing the user to know that the video source has been correctly entered into the device. This also ensures that the correct video data is recorded. The live signal display also acts as a preview, allowing the user to cue up the video data at the correct or desired position before recording.

The apparatus further includes an image viewer. Video viewers allow users to save digital photos in file formats such as JPEG, JPEG2000, M-JPEG, GIF or BMF format to view these photos. The JPEG format is the preferred format because it produces high quality images with very small file sizes. In this way, users can create photo wallets or photo albums containing hundreds of thousands of photos and view these photos with family or friends in multiple places. Image viewers enable viewing of these images in full screen or thumbnail format. Using this thumbnail format, the user can easily scroll through these images to find the desired picture. The zoom in and zoom out functions provide a means for the user to view selected portions of the image or very fine details of the image.

The video viewer also has a slideshow. The video can be viewed in an automatic slideshow without user adjustment.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a CMOS or CCD camera or sensor. This camera allows the user to shoot still or moving video. In camera mode, the user can use a device similar to a digital camera. The subject to be photographed is accurately positioned by viewing this subject on the built-in display. When positioned correctly, the user presses a capture or photograph key to take a digital picture of the subject. This key can be a dedicated key or a multifunction key on the keypad.

In addition, in the video mode, the user can use a device similar to the video camera. When the subject is correctly positioned, the user presses a key to start recording the video. When recording is complete, the user presses the key again to stop recording.

Digital zoom is provided for use in camera and video modes. This feature allows the user to zoom in or out to capture the subject at a desired magnification.

In one embodiment of the invention, a memory card port is provided. This memory card port allows a user to store or exchange data through a memory card such as a compact flash (CF) or secure digital (SD) card. For example, when using a camera, digital photos or videos can be stored on a memory card. The user can then remove the card and use the data stored on another compatible device. This memory card port enhances the convenience of transferring or exchanging data between devices.

The flexible nature of the device's storage system makes it easy to transfer, exchange or store data between internal hard disk drives and removable memory cards.

2, this diagram is a block diagram illustrating an audio and video encoding decoding component of a portable multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Voice is recorded to this device through an external microphone or built-in microphone 205 connected to microphone input 200. When the speaker speaks, the voice signal is encoded by the voice encode codec 230 and stored in the storage device 245. When the user wants to play back the recorded voice, the data is retrieved from the storage device 245 and decoded by the voice decode codec 250 and through the built-in speaker 270, headphone output 275 or audio output 280. Is output.

The video or movie is recorded by connecting an external video device such as a DVD player to video input 215 or s-video input 220. Alternatively, video is recorded via the built-in camera 223. The audio of the video is recorded by connecting the audio input 2100. The video (along with the audio) is encoded by the video encode codec 240 and stored in the storage device 245. When the user wants to play the video data The data is retrieved from storage 245, decoded by video decode codec 260 and output via video output 290, s-video output 295 or displayed on embedded display 285.

In addition, television programming is recorded via cable TV input 232 and TV tuner 233. Cable TV output 234 or cable TV bypass provides cable TV output for connecting an external TV.

Images, such as JPEG format images, are stored in the storage device 245 via a high speed interface 225, such as a USB 2.0 interface, or by the memory card port 228. When the user wants to watch the image, the image is retrieved from the storage device 245 and decompressed by the image decompression codec 265 and output through the video output 290 or the s-video output 295, It is displayed on the built-in display 285.

The high speed interface 225 is also used to store files or data directly on the storage device. For example, instead of recording video via video input 215, by connecting the device to a computer, the video file is sent directly to storage 245 via high speed interface 225. The video file is then watched as described above.

In addition, data or files are stored in storage 245 via high speed interface 225 and later retrieved via high speed interface 225 at some location. In this way, the device acts as a portable storage medium.

Similar to the high speed interface 225, data may be transmitted through the infrared port 229. This wirelessly connects this device to another compatible device.

3 is a block diagram illustrating an input / output interface of a portable multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In summary, the device provides a variety of inputs and outputs, the inputs and outputs of which are microphone input 305, audio left input 310, audio right input 315, video input 320, s-video input ( 325, infrared input 330, power input 335, headphone output 345, audio left output 350, audio right output 355, video output 360, s-video output 365, memory It has a card port 370, a cable TV input 375, a cable TV output 380, and a bidirectional high speed interface 340.

Note that in some embodiments of the present invention, all, some or a combination of these inputs and outputs is provided. The apparatus of the present invention is suitably customized to the needs or requirements. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, no s-video inputs and outputs are provided. Thus, video is recorded through the video input or the cable TV input.

The portable multimedia device of the present invention provides numerous advantages over conventional devices. Due to mobile video or cinema, watching movies on the go is very easy anytime, anywhere. Movies can be recorded, stored and watched on a high resolution embedded display. Video data can be recorded from any video source, such as a TV, DVD, VCD, VCR, or digital video camera. Due to the hard drive, numerous hours of video can be stored and played on this device.

In addition, due to the built-in camera, digital video or video can be recorded by this device. This eliminates the need for a separate device such as a digital camera or a digital video recorder.

Due to the built-in TV tuner, connecting the device to a cable TV allows the user to watch and record television programming.

In addition to mobile video features, audio such as music or spoken language can be stored and played back at any time and in any place. The huge library of audio data is stored and enjoyed on the go. The user can listen to the audio through the headphones and connect the device to an external stereo system.

Digital images or photographs may be stored on the device. This video can be shared with the user's family or friends. In addition, pictures can be easily transferred between digital cameras, computers and the present invention through high speed interfaces such as a USB 2.0 interface. This allows users to easily store large amounts of digital photos without having to purchase many memory cards for the camera.

In addition, the stored multimedia data can be viewed on an external display. The device can be connected to any type of TV with standard audio and video cables. In this way, the user can record the data even in a distant place such as his friend's house and simply play the data.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope or principles of the invention. As described above, it will be appreciated that various changes and modifications or equivalents thereof of the present invention which are within the scope of the present invention are covered.

The portable audio video electronic device of the present invention allows a user to record, play back and watch video and audio data anytime, anywhere.

1 is a block diagram illustrating components of a portable multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating audio and video encoding decoding components of a portable multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

3 is a block diagram illustrating an input and output interface of a portable multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

115: central processing unit

120: memory

125: storage means

130: status indicator

150: battery

Claims (31)

A portable multimedia electronic device, Video recording means for recording video from an external video source; Audio recording means for recording audio from an external audio source; Video playback means for playing a video; Audio reproducing means for reproducing audio; An image viewer for searching an image; A built-in display for displaying video or video; A rechargeable battery for supplying power; A keypad for controlling operation; One or more status indicators to indicate status; And, A portable multimedia electronic device having storage means for storing data. The method of claim 1, Microphone in, audio left in, audio right in, video in, s-video in, infrared port, power in, headphone out, audio left out, audio right out, video out, s-video out, bidirectional high speed interface, cable TV And a memory card port or a combination thereof. The method of claim 2, And the operation of the device is controlled by remote control via an infrared port. The method of claim 1, A central processing unit, flash memory, dynamic random access memory, and firmware providing operational performance, functionality, and operating system for the device. The method of claim 1, A portable multimedia electronic device further comprising a built-in microphone for voice recording. The method of claim 1, A portable multimedia electronic device further comprising a built-in speaker for playing audio or voice. The method of claim 1, A portable multimedia electronic device further comprising a switch to select between a phase alternation line (PAL), a National Television Systems Committee (NTSC), or a sequential couleur avec memoire (SECAM) video type. The method of claim 1, And a real time clock program for scheduling data recording, battery recharging, or backup schedules. The method of claim 1, And an on-screen display (OSD) or graphical user interface (GUI) menu system for displaying playback and recording controls and for displaying settings, options, parameters and characteristics. The method of claim 1, The keypad includes power on, power off, mode selection, stop, play, hold, stop, fast forward, track forward, fast rewind, track back, menu up, volume up, menu down, volume down, channel up, channel down, And controlling zoom-in and zoom-out or a combination thereof. The method of claim 1, And the at least one status indicator comprises a power indicator, a high speed interface indicator, an encoding indicator, a decoding indicator, a battery level monitor, or a combination thereof. The method of claim 1, And the storage means comprises an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), an Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), or a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) compatible hard disk drive. The method of claim 1, And the embedded display comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) display panel. The method of claim 2, The bidirectional high speed interface comprises a universal serial bus (USB), a USB 2, or an IEEE 1394 interface. The method of claim 1, And a codec for encoding or decoding voice, audio, video or video. The method of claim 1, Multimedia support is provided for MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVI, DivX, ASF, WMV, WMA, AAC, MP3, G.726, JPEG, JPEG2000, M-JPEG, GIF and BMF formats. A portable multimedia electronic device. The method of claim 1, And the device records audio or video from an external audio or video source connected to the audio or video recording means. The method of claim 1, A portable multimedia electronic device further comprising a camera for taking a digital picture or recording a video. The method of claim 1, And further comprising a television tuner, wherein the television program is recordable via video recording means. A portable multimedia electronic device, Central processing unit, flash memory, dynamic random access memory, and firmware providing operational performance, functionality, and operating system for the device; TV programming tuning TV tuner; Video recording means for recording video from an external video source or from a television tuner; Audio recording means for recording audio from an external audio source; Voice recording means for recording voice; A camera for taking digital pictures or recording voice; Audio reproducing means for reproducing audio and voice; An image viewer for searching an image; Microphone in, audio left in, audio right in, video in, s-video in, infrared port, power in, headphone out, audio left out, audio right out, video out, s-video out, cable tv in, cable tv Output, bidirectional high speed interface, memory card port, or a combination thereof; A built-in display for displaying television, video or video; A rechargeable battery for supplying power; Power On, Power Off, Mode Select, Stop, Play, Hold, Stop, Fast Forward, Track Forward, Fast Rewind, Track Back, Channel Up, Channel Down, Menu Up, Volume Up, Menu Down, Volume Down, Zoom In and A keypad for operation control having control for zooming out or a combination thereof; One or more status indicators including status indicators having a power indicator, a high speed interface indicator, an encoding indicator, a decoding indicator, a battery level monitor or a combination thereof; And, A portable multimedia electronic device having an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), or Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) compatible hard disk drive for storing data. The method of claim 20, And the operation of the device is controlled by remote control via an infrared port. The method of claim 20, A portable multimedia electronic device further comprising a built-in microphone for voice recording. The method of claim 20, A portable multimedia electronic device further comprising a built-in speaker for playing audio or voice. The method of claim 20, A portable multimedia electronic device further comprising a switch to select between a phase alternation line (PAL), a National Television Systems Committee (NTSC), or a sequential couleur avec memoire (SECAM) video type. The method of claim 20, And a real time clock program for scheduling data recording, battery recharging, or backup schedules. The method of claim 20, And an on-screen display (OSD) or graphical user interface (GUI) menu system for displaying playback and recording controls and for displaying settings, options, parameters and characteristics. The method of claim 20, And the embedded display comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) display panel. The method of claim 20, The bidirectional high speed interface comprises a universal serial bus (USB), a USB 2 or an IEEE 1394 interface. The method of claim 20, And a codec for encoding or decoding voice, audio, video or video. The method of claim 20, Multimedia support is provided for MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVI, DivX, ASF, WMV, WMA, AAC, MP3, G.726, JPEG, JPEG2000, M-JPEG, GIF and BMF formats. A portable multimedia electronic device. The method of claim 20, And said device records audio or video from an external audio or video source or from a television tuner connected to said audio or video recording means.