Cowon launches A3 widescreen media jukebox

Cowon today launched the A3, a long-awaited premium version of the A2 designed with videos as its chief focus. The handheld is based around a 4-inch, 800x480 screen capable of playing DVD-level video at full quality. It can play back common video formats such as H.264, MPEG-4, and Windows Media, while also supporting enthusiast favorites like DivX and XviD. In supporting countries, it also adds a digital TV tuner that picks up over-the-air broadcasts in 1Seg (Japan), DMB (Korea), or DVB-T (Europe). An HD output connects the A3 to an HDTV for viewing at home, complete with Dolby AC3 surround sound.

Also serving as a conventional music player, the new Cowon player supports rarer formats such as FLAC and OGG and incorporates an FM radio tuner. Users can also browse Excel, PDF, and Word files. Shipments of the A3 are expected to start in Korea on November 14th, when versions with hard drives in 30GB (roughly $386) and 60GB ($463) capacities will be available. International releases are planned for the future and may include the US, though an introduction in the area would likely drop the TV tuner with an according drop in the price.