If you have yet to preorder the already famous and super hyped Microsoft Zune HD, you might want to hold on those preorders just yet since there's a new player in town. Both literally and… less literally, this new player is one of the many that will probably try to take on the mighty Zune. And it comes with a new category to add to our “portable media players” list. Dubbed Portable Video Players (PVPs), the new line of Ainol V8000HD PMPs are ready to prove their worth.

The V8000HD line is comprised of three devices: the V8000 HDG (5 inches screen, 800 x 480 resolution), V8000HDB (4.3 inches, 480 x 272 resolution) and V8000 HDA (4.3 inches, 800 x 480 resolution).

Curious as to what the motivation between calling it a Portable Video Player and not a Portable Media Player is? Well, it seems Portable Video Players are centered around full H.264 codec support (and here I was thinking it was for Player Versus Player type gamers only).

It features HDMI output (which seems to be built in instead of needing a dock like a certain Microsoft portable media player I know), high definition audio support, but also standard component and A/V output. Regarding the H.264 part, it seems the player will be able do handle up to 1280 x 720 HD.

It has an included USB port that allows for external storage access as well. The devices really look good too. Definitely Asian in design (only normal since they are Asian in origin), they have a nice design that, for some reason, gets me thinking about candy.

I haven't a clue as to neither what the pricing will be for these ones nor what the release date is. We will get back to you with further details as they are made available.


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