3. Functions Galore

As we've already said, playing audio files (MP3, OGG, ASF or WMA) is only one of the numerous possibilities offered by the H320. Its hard disk can store any file, but above all it can display JPEG-format photos and text. With its automatic picture reframing, we were able to display a photo with 2048 x 1536-pixel resolution without problems. All photos are stored in one folder, and while you can't run an automatic slide show, you can move from one image to another as simply as you do with songs.

But even better, the H320 is capable of downloading pictures directly from a digital camera, without transiting via the PC. In addition to its USB 2.0 connector, it has a USB 1.1 port to which an external peripheral can be connected. The H320 recognizes the device plug-and-play fashion, and acts as a USB host; all you have to do is transfer the files. In addition to cameras, the H320 also works with other MP3 players and even USB hard disks. The only condition is that the peripheral in question be able to act as an external storage unit (paradoxically, this is not the case with iRiver's memory MP3 players, which means that the H320 won't recognize them).

The other functions are more classic, and we won't spend time on them - except to mention that FM radio, Dictaphone and MP3 encoding functions are all available and all very simple to set up and use.

Sound Quality To Match

Nor will you be disappointed by the sound possibilities of the H320. The headphones are of high quality and deliver good balance between highs and lows. Numerous settings are available to let you personalize the listening quality. There's no fully configurable equalizer, however - only a few built-in presets (rock, jazz, classical, etc.). On the other hand, an innovative function lets you display a precise frequency band spectrum, which lets you adapt the sound to the quality of the headphones or an external amp, if one is being used. And as usual with iRiver products, there's no skimping on power. The volume can be turned up to 40, but at 15 the sound is already big.