| | |  | MP3 Players & Accesories | Home » » » Sony Walkman NWZ-S544 Series 8 GB Video MP3 Player (Black) | | | | | | | Description: | | Enjoy hours of continuous music and video wherever you go with Sony's S540 Series. Enjoy a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, wide format support, an FM radio, voice recording, and plenty more in a slim, easy-to-use media player. Built-in stereo speakers deliver rich sound when you want to listen without headphones. Voice and FM recording function lets you capture lectures, business meetings, and radio broadcasts.8 GB and 16 GB models available.Models available in black, pink, red, and violet. | | | Features: | |
• 8 GB capacity for about 2,000 songs
• Up to 42 hours of audio or 6.5 hours of video on a single charge
• 2.4-inch, 262,144-color LCD with 240 x 320 QVGA pixel resolution
• Supports MP3, WMA (DRM), AAC, and Linear PCM audio formats; AVC, MPEG-4, and WMV (DRM) video formats; JPEG image files
• One-year limited warranty
| | | Product Details: | | | Product Length:
| 0.7 inches | | Product Width:
| 0.5 inches | | Product Height:
| 0.12 inches | | Product Weight:
| 0.17 pounds | | Package Length:
| 6.4 inches | | Package Width:
| 4.6 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.1 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.2 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 116 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 116 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
168 of 172 found the following review helpful:
 Reliable Sound GearOct 22, 2009
By JDP
When searching for a new mp3 player the trail always leads me back to Sony. Its more about overall quality then brand loyalty. Over the years Sony's Walkman line has gone the distance and more. The all new Sony S Series Walkman adds to the legacy.
The S-540 8gb Walkman brings it on with a crisp, color enhanced 2.4" LCD screen that is easy on the eyes. At 2" x 4" x .4", it comes in a bit larger then its older cousin. A larger body undoubtedly is required to provide support for the external speaker system. The speakers won't get confused with my home system anytime soon but they do provide an excellent source. With headphones on, this mp3 player delivers a cornucopia of sound. Missing but not that noticeable is the noise reduction feature. The on board equalizer can be tweaked to one's own preferences or users can choose one of the six presets.
The Navigation pad located directly under the screen is a breeze to operate. Three controls are located on the right side of the unit. One locks in the controls. The second one allows for easy switching from speaker to headset. Volume is the third control. The standard headphone jack and a USB port can be found on the bottom of the unit. The detachable flip out stand is an okay feature that allows for easy standing on my desk or shelf top. I would have preferred that it was permanently mounted.
The S-540 supports mp3, mp4, AAC, AVC, WMV, WMA, and PCM. PCM is Sony's version of WAV. It pairs well with Napster. Rhapsody is a no go. Downloading my playlists from Windows Media Player was a breeze without the usual hiccups associated with older mp3 players. I did download a couple of photographs on this model. The display was outstanding. Unlike my older Walkman, this model doesn't offer the wallpaper photo display option.
The built in FM tuner picked up all ten of my stations. With auto scanner functionality, thirty preset slots are available. The FM radio is crystal clear when using the headset as an antenna. The alarm and timer features are a nice addition. This model also has an impressive on board microphone located on the bottom of the unit. There are three voice settings. Voice playback quality was excellent. Battery life has always been biggie with Sony. On a full charge, I got almost a full thirty five hours of music.
This Sony mp3 player comes packaged with a USB cable, flip stand, ear buds, installed operating manual, and the standard one year warranty. Body finishes for the 8GB model include; black, red, pink and violet. The 16GB unit comes in a black or red body.
Economically priced, this latest edition to the Walkman line is a durable and reliable product that simply delivers. Easy to use and loaded with features, the Sony S-540 is a prime time performer.
146 of 151 found the following review helpful:
 privacy alert!Nov 02, 2010
By MM Jake
I like this device, but everyone should know what's in the EULA (End User License Agreement). Under the heading SOFTWARE DATA COLLECTION AND MONITORING is "The SOFTWARE contains features which may allow SONY and/or third parties to collect data from, control and/or monitor computers and devices running or interacting with the SOFTWARE. You hereby consent to such activities."
When installing the software the option to agree or disagree with the EULA appears. I disagreed and canceled the software installation. I can still use Windows Explorer to drag-and-drop files. I thought by not agreeing with the EULA (and thus not installing the software) I lost the ability to convert video files but the option appears each time I transfer such files. It must be inherent in the player. See below for more.
Other reviewers say that the screen scratches easily. The player doesn't come with a case cover and I didn't want to pay $20 for one so I bought a pack of Body Glove WriteRight Universal e-Reader Static Cling Screen Protector, 2 Pack (9202401) and cut one out to perfect screen size. I can get 4 total but the first one I put on is holding firm.
I do like this player for playing audio. The screen is easy to see even in daylight and the player is really easy to navigate. Audio sounds good and video and pictures look good, too, but if you're buying this primarily to watch videos be aware that it's like watching them on the screen of a typical digital camera. I bought this mainly for playing mp3 audio but thought it would be worth a few extra dollars for the ability to view pictures and video clips. After using this myself and watching other people squint to see my pics & vids I don't exactly regret buying this, it's still a great mp3 player, though the screen is better suited to menu functions & navigating than it is video viewing.
I suggest going with the 16GB version. I ripped my entire CD collection, about 200, to low-quality MP3 files and the player's memory is just about filled up. I'd also like to convert my albums and cassettes to MP3 format, but I will need another player. I shoulda gotten 16GB.
As I said above even if you don't agree with the EULA and don't install the Sony software you can still drag and drop files. When I connect the player to my Windows 7 computer, Windows Explorer automatically appears. What's really great is when transferring video files to the Walkman, the option to convert them pops up; click on Convert and Copy and within a few seconds it's done. AVI files convert to WMV. Even files that are already WMV for some reason need to be converted; if I choose not to convert them they don't show up on the player.
Update on the battery: after a full recharge I can listen to music for many hours though not near the 42-hour claim. Still, I am impressed with the battery life (so far).
Made in China.
50 of 53 found the following review helpful:
Great Sound QualitySep 28, 2009
By minnzo
This unit has great, traditional Sony sound quality. And I write this not even using the headphones yet, but simply from the built-in speakers. Perhaps I am aging, but I do like to listen to music (and definitely radio) without headphones. This player has a good sound that is very clear and detailed with not much in the low frequency, but real clarity in the mid to high frequencies. Don't expect theater sound with these little guys, but it is respectable - my neighbor even heard it while outside and said it sounds good, and I was surprised he could hear it!
So far great battery life, very easy to use (esp. w/ media monkey), and a nice looking player. The directional pad could be a bit bigger, but that is a minor suggestion to a great sounding player at this price. Highly recommended.
21 of 21 found the following review helpful:
A Sony that plays Rhapsody subscription. Finally.Sep 05, 2010
By Nick
I remember a few years back Sony still didn't make a compatible subcription music player. It was a shame since the players had up to 50 hours battery life, not to mention the sound quality was the best.
Now I find this beauty at best buy and I snatch it in the spot. As an added bonus, the player sports speakers. Are you freaking kidding me? This is great. Though I got to admit they are kind of weak of course, but still strong enough to play in the shower.
The sound is great, and 8 gigs are packing lots of music. I just been testing the video player and I have no complaints, though I've been having some trouble with compatibility. It is supposed to play mp4 video but mine doesn't. What I had to do was convert the video to wmv and then use the included software so that it automatically converts to a compatible format. It won't play H.264 either.
That is easy to fix though. If you're ripping a dvd or converting a video, just make sure you do it to a wmv file, then use the "Content Transfer" sofware and you're good to go. The video looks pretty good in the player I must admit. Vibrant colors, flawless playing.
I noticed the battery charges really fast. I mean really fast and lasts a whole day of music playing and then some the next day.
I'm satisfied that Sony finally came to terms with Microsoft's crappy DRM copyright protection.
IMPORTANT: Some here said that you can't fast forward in audiobooks or music, and that it does it very slow. That's not true, if you want to fast forward really fast, you have to pause the song/audiobook and it will fast forward. If you do it while in "play" it will forward slowly so you can listen to where you're at.
15 of 16 found the following review helpful:
always happy with Sony productsJan 03, 2010
By J. Bailey
i purchased this unit recently for two reasons. 1, its a Sony, and 2, its NOT an iPod. So far I love it. I use higher end sony earbuds with it, and the sound is beautiful, tons of bass and crystal clear highlights. Menus are intuitive and easy to use.
I also like the utility that transfers items to the unit. Drag a video to it and it automatically converts it for use on the Walkman. (assuming it isn't a DRM protected iTunes video...) Or, if you've just downloaded an album from the Amazon MP3 store, just drag the folder to the Walkman utility and its on the player in seconds.
I use Winamp to sync podcasts and playlists, the Walkman shows up and I have had no issues.
Video looks great on the screen, and the built in speakers are convenient.
The Walkman is also a perfect size and weight. Any you can't beat the price.
I recommend it.
See all 116 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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