Just dreamin'

[bobsummers]

I'm intriqued by that fact that the PSP can be programmed to run other software than the "games" -- not withstanding the fact that the programming skill involved far outpaces what I, as a mere mortal, can do.

However, here's my dream. To be able to play MP3 music but with the ability to slow down or speed up the tempo, perhaps see the time remaining in a song and perhaps set a cue point to jump back to.

I'm a square dance caller. Most square dance music is on 45 rpm records -- yes they are still being pressed :-). Most callers have a small suitcase sized amplifier/turntable combination with a variable speed to allow them so slow down the music for dancers. (Note that it's OK for the pitch to change sllightly here as a result of the speed change.)

However more and more square dance music being produced on CD or in MP3 format. I have have an small MP3 player that can "play" the music, but I can't change the speed during a dance; I have to change the tempo ahead of time using PC software and create a slower (but fixed) tempo for the MP3 file which I then download to the player.

So ...
- I can use an MP3 player (no speed control, generally very small display to see how much music is left in a song -- don't forget I have to instruct/watch the dancers, not focus on the player)
- I can use a laptop (bulky, fragile, expensive - $1000+, system crashes, etc) or
- I can use a CD player such as those used by party DJ's (VERY blulky - 9"x13"x3", expensive - $600, full of all sorts of other effects such as scratching, blending that I don't need).

The PSP seems small enough, with a bit larger display area than an MP3 player, extra buttons that could be used for speed up/down, looping, setting cue points, etc.

Is this even remotely a realistic dream? There could possibly be a small market opportunity here.

tx

Bob Summers