Review: Grundig VP6200 digital media player

Grundig’s VP6200 is the latest addition to the ever-growing portable media player market. It is more compact than some rival products but doesn't compromise on screen size, which makes it perfect for watching video on the move.

However, it's not just video that the VP6200 deals with; both audio and still images are also supported. And at 227g it's lightweight enough to hold and operate in one hand.

However, we would have liked a built-in footrest to prop it up on when watching a movie.

Like the MSI Megaview 588, the VP6200 can record video from DVD, TV and VCR straight to its 30Gb hard disk. This is big enough for around 480 hours of video at a decent resolution.

While the 3.5in colour screen displays crisp, clear images, it's also got a TV-out port for playing back video files and photo slideshows on a television. There's also an FM radio tuner and 1.3 megapixel camera, which is comparable to those found on mobile phones.

The Grundig has small built-in speakers, but they're pretty wimpy and you're far better off using headphones or hooking it up to a bigger sound system.

There's a small four-way pad to control volume, menu and media navigation. However, even though it's responsive, it requires some pressure to operate. This caused achy fingers after prolonged use.

On the plus side, the menu system is easy to use, with intuitive folders such as Video Record, Video Play and Audio Play.

Transferring files from a computer couldn't be easier – just drag and drop files into their appropriate locations on the VP6200's hard disk, or vice versa for copying files to a computer.

On the downside, though, there's no memory card slot, which would have been useful for transferring photos straight from a digital camera, for example.

As previously mentioned, one of the VP6200's handiest features is its ability to record TV programmes directly to its hard disk in MPEG4 format. Simply put it in its cradle, connect to the video source (DVD player, TV or VCR) and select 'TV Mode' from the file menu.

When the source shows up on screen, press the record button and you're off. Recording directly from a TV tuner is similar – just select 'TV in' and start recording.
Recording video clips also simple; just press the record button at the top right of the device.

The integrated camera is built on a 225° rotating wheel so that subjects can be filmed in front or behind.

Once a movie is shot, they can be reviewed and navigated using the buttons on the back. The overall screen quality and colour reproduction is very good and, in addition to the MPEG4 format, the VP6200 also supports DiVX, XViD and AVI formats.

In terms of digital music support, the VP6200 can playback MP3 and WMA files. There's also a facility to record straight from radio and from the built-in microphone.
Fully charged, the battery lasts for about five and a half hours for pure video playback, which is quite impressive. The VP6200 comes with headphones, cradle, TV and audio cables, and a carrying pouch.

In all, the VP6200 performs very well, boasts heaps of features and offers a decent amount of storage space. However, shop around and you'll find similar devices for a fraction of the cost.

Also consider
PQI mPack P600 
A very capable media player, though more storage space would be handy.
Rating: 4/5
Price: £340