RCA Pearl 2 GB MP3 Player with FM Radio and Direct USB (Blue) Review

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(More customer reviews)I don't like proprietary stuff. I don't like proprietary software (iTunes, WMP), cables (the iPod dock connector) or nonreplaceable li-ions that have to be kept topped off on the charger between sporadic uses and stop holding their charge within 12 months (see also: Apple).

In other words, I am really only interested in MP3 players that are plug-and-play for file transfers with no particular software or OS required, that can run off of normal alkalines, and that use a standard USB cable of some kind or, better yet, have the USB connection facility right on the unit.

In the last few years I've bought several MP3 players - an old PNY player, couple of Sandisk m2x0 series players and a Creative MuVo v200 -which fit the aforementioned bill but had varying and sometimes serious shortcomings that have kept me looking for the ultimate in practical MP3 players. The Pearl TH1602 seems to be a new contender meeting my two big requirements, and at an even better price than the aforementioned cheapies. But, naturally, sadly, there are still some problems.

A prior reviewer mentions some frustration with ID3 tags on his Pearl not consistently working. I have found that some uploads to the player get corrupted somehow, with the tags to break partially or completely; they will appear with "Unknown Artist," "Unknown Album," etc., and many tracks in such batches will not be accessible at all. (The tags are still intact on the files themselves, as can be seen viewing the player's contents from a file-browser window - the player just seems unable or unwilling to read them.)

Once the player has broken the tags for itself like this, no amount of straight-up deletion and re-copying of those files will fix the broken tags. What *will* fix them - at least with the latest firmware, 1.2.1.0 - is 1) deleting the files from the player, then 2) renaming both the folder they're in (if applicable) and ALL of the files themselves. It doesn't have to be much - omitting or adding a hyphen somewhere in the filename will do it. You can use a mass tagging program to do this in two seconds.

I assume the player caches the actual filenames in its database on the first start after an upload, and then assumes that any filename it's seen before doesn't need looking at a second time. To be fair, I've had many similar problems with one of my Sansa flash-based players; the Pearl actually seems more willing than my Sansa to see the errors of its ways if you just rename the files and/or folder.

Commas in the artist or title tags seem to particularly befuddle the player and can help break the tags on their way to the player.

It seems RCA could fix this pretty easily in one of three ways. They could figure out what's causing tag corruption or misreads into the database, they could provide a "wipe database" option on the player that would force a new read of all files, or they could simply do what Rockbox firmware does (and what ALL mp3 players should be able to do)-- enable selection and ordered playback by folder and filename as opposed to ID3s.

I have also had some problems with the player just getting confused and weird in album or artist listings, which is usually cured with a restart.

News is good elsewhere. Sound quality is pretty decent. The player seems to be very well built and scratch resistant. The interface makes perfect sense and the radio works pretty well. The player is not gapless playback capable, but it's better / less hesitant between tracks than many. I do wish the voice recorder made its recordings at a higher sample rate, but that's par for the course on these players.

I don't know why some people are complaining that the th1602 won't play an album in order or it won't allow you to sort things in any way - I think this is user error or tag corruption. I've had no problems with organization or sensible playback order, once I've gotten it to recognize all my tags. If you go through Music --> Albums to make a selection, it has no problem playing a chosen album in correct order, and the albums themselves are shown in alpha order.

The thing is, this is considered a bottom-of-the-line device and I doubt it will see anywhere near as much attention from RCA's software team as it deserves. They will work this thing just to the point to reduce return rates and no further. But I'm actually pretty serious about my gear, and I look expressly for features that the MP3 player manufacturers consider "low end." If someone *would* bring out an AAA-powered device with a flip out USB connnection, just like this but with 16 or 32gb on it, along with firmware that really works... well, I'd certainly pay quite dearly for it. Get on it, and get on that firmware, RCA!

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Product Description:
Sleek, slender, and absolutely stunning--exactly what you'd expect from a Pearl, one of RCA's Gem line of digital audio players. Not only can you easily download and listen to your favorite songs, but you also can enjoy the ability to listen and record FM radio directly onto your Pearl.

No Cords Required
The Pearl's direct USB connector design means you can quickly download your favorite open MP3, open WMA, and unprotected AAC tracks from any computer. This multifunction device will double as your MP3 player and a USB data storage device.
Connect directly to your computer with the built-in USB for fast file transfers. Expandable
Want more room? Not a problem. Add expandable memory in the MicroSD card slot and load it up with music. This option gives you the flexibility you need to store additional songs, audio books, and other large files.
Crystal Clear View
The Pearl's 0.8-inch OLED screen provides a vibrant viewing experience. A quick glance is all you need to see your navigation or information about the current track.
Tune in While You're Out
Better than a simple FM receiver, the Pearl allows you to record while listening to an FM station. The player will store the MP3 file until you're ready to listen again or download it to your computer.
What's in the Box
RCA Pearl 2 GB MP3 Player with FM Radio and Direct USB (Black), one AAA battery, earphones