Panasonic has announced the release of two new models of MD recorders. Slated to hit the market on February 25, the SJ-MR240 portable MD recorder is 8% lighter than the predecessor model MR240. The SJ-MR240 measures 77.8x71.9x13.9mm and weighs 85g. The latest recorder offers a maximum continuous playback time of 130 hours, the world's longest. The product features a wide LCD and a jog dial for easy editing and control operations. It comes with a stereo microphone and an easy-to-use remote controller.

Also available is the SJ-MR270, a model that supports Net MD and USB audio.

Matsushita will manufacture 20,000 units of the SJ-MR240 and 10,000 units of the SJ-MR270 per month. Both models are open-priced.