Rio Forge

Infobox Information appliance
title = Rio Forge


caption = All three flavors of Rio Forge MP3/FM players. The unit in upper left is in Menu mode, the others are playing back music.
manufacturer = Rio
type = Digital audio player
releasedate = July 2004
connectivity = USB mass storage device
lifespan =
unitssold =
media = MP3, WMA, Audible
operatingsystem =
input =
camera =
power = AAA cell, NiMH or alkaline
cpu =
storage = 128, 256 or 512 MB built-in, up to 4GB more with SD 1.0 card
memory = Flash memory
onlineservice =
dimensions =
weight =
touchpad =
predecessor = Rio Cali
successor =
related =

The Rio Forge is a digital audio player produced by Rio. While it competed in the same market as Apple Computer's iPod mini, it is considerably different as it plays from internal memory, SD card or FM broadcast and runs on a single AAA battery.

There are three main models with either 128, 256 or 512 MB of internal flash memory, which can be supplemented with flash memory (SD or MMC Card) to add up to 4GB of storage. Available colors included blue (512mb) silver (256mb) and red (128mb). The player is one of the few which is actually light enough to wear with an armband.

A Rio Forge can play MP3, WMA and Audible audio files, and receive FM broadcast. All except the 128mb model can record the FM broadcast reception to memory. It is Microsoft Windows, Linux and Macintosh compatible since it is usable as a USB mass storage device. The included management software runs on Windows and Mac.

The Rio se510 is a 512MB Forge variant without an MMC/SD memory slot nor an FM tuner, with a light blue case.

D&M Holdings Inc., which owns the Rio brand, announced its exit from the portable MP3 market on August 26, 2005. The players are still supported and the most recent firmware is still available on the corporate website. Replacement parts, accessories, and factory renewed units are also offered for sale via the Rio website.

Quick Feature List

* Up to 4.5 gigabytes of storage with optional 4GB SD card.
* 5-Band equalizer with several presets
* Plays MP3, WMA, Audible, and FM broadcast
* Built-in mini USB connector
* Mounts as USB mass storage device with a drive letter; users can drag and drop data and music files onto the player in Windows Explorer or included software
* Runs on single AAA NiMH or alkaline battery offering up to 20 hours music playback
* Windows and Mac compatible (the player itself is Linux compatible as well, but not the software)
* Includes Rio Music Manager, software used to manage the digital music library
* Audiobook support: Supports playlists which can be used to play the files in an audiobook in the correct order.
* Audiobook support: Supports "bookmarks" which allow one to return later to the exact playlist/track/time in the audiobook

Popularity with travelers

Because it is one of the few mp3 players which run on alkaline batteries, the Forge is popular with international travelers and backpackers who do not wish to be burdened with battery chargers and voltage converters. Furthermore, there is no downtime where the player has to be attached to the wall for recharging, allowing continuous use even on transoceanic flights. The Forge also has a power setting which enables operation with rechargeable AAA-size NiMH batteries.

Popularity with audiobook users

Because it it one of the few mp3 players to support "bookmarks", the Rio Forge is popular with audiobook listeners. In the middle of a large file, the user can save the place in the track in any one of up to eight "bookmark" slots. This means that there is never a problem with losing the place in an audiobook. As some audiobooks can be 40 hours long, this simple feature is a big advantage. The player also supports playlists, which allow the user to play the files in the correct order.

Reliability issues

If the version of firmware is older than v1.33 (released in July 2005), the player could lock software-activated controls from operating. The solution is to reset the player with this procedure: remove the battery and let the internal capacitors discharge for several minutes, then connect to a PC by the USB cable and reinstall the firmware. The issue is gone in post-July 2005 firmware, which can be installed by downloading special software from the Rio website. Two later unofficial versions of Forge firmware are available; v1.66 which added MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) support, and v3.04 "The Developer's Cut" which added several new features.

Forges also suffer from a design flaw where the case-mounted controls operate switches which are surface-mounted on the internal PCB. If either is out of tolerance, the control (usually the volume) will not operate. It is recommended to replace such a player, which are still available online. Another option for players with volume control failure is to use headphones with an in-line volume control.

External links

* [http://www.rioaudio.com/shop/_templates/cat_list_Rio.asp?cat=73] - Rio catalog page for its flash players.
* [http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/company/press.asp?ID=604 Rio Audio Expands its Award-Winning Lineup of MP3 Players] - press release
* [http://www.trekstor-uk.co.uk/beta/forge-3.04.exe Rio Forge firmware "3.04 The Developer's Cut"]