ARCHOS has released a pocket sized Digital Video Recorder that enables television to be recorded and played back on the handheld unit via its hi-res LCD screen as required. Also usable as an MP3 player, photo album and mass data storage device, the AV400 can also be scheduled to record as required directly from a TV, VCR, or cable/satellite receiver with a convenient one-time set-up TV Cradle.
The AV400 features a high-resolution, 3.5-inch or 3.8-inch color LCD screen or its contents can be viewed on a TV, PC or other video output device. AV400 features include a choice of between 20 and 100 Gb capacity, a removable battery for extended life (20-gigabyte version), an external speaker for enjoying music and video without headphones, and a built-in Compact Flash reader for transferring photos directly from digital cameras.
To be placed on or near the TV set, the TV Cradle is a docking station for the AV400 that allows you to record directly from a TV, VCR or cable/satellite tuner. Once the TV Cradle is connected to the TV, VCR or cable/satellite receiver for the first time, you will not have to reconnect the cables again, just dock the AV400 and you are ready to record or view your files on the TV.
The AV400 Recording Scheduler directly controls the tuner inside your VCR or cable/satellite receiver to automatically adjust the channel and record based on the time and duration of the schedule.
In areas where the Yahoo TV Guide is available, the AV400 Scheduler will synchronise with the Internet service so it will be possible to prepare recordings for the week or month in advance. The 100Gb model will record between up to 400 hours of TV programs and video content, and 200 full-length movies in MPEG-4 video, at DVD quality with CD quality stereo sound.
The FM Radio & Remote Control (optional accessory) transforms the AV400 into an FM radio with full MP3 voice recording capabilities, while the ARCHOS patented retro-recording system saves the entire song from the start, even it has already started playing.
The AV400 is compatible with Microsoft's Windows Media Player 10 and Portable Media Center devices. The 20GB and 80GB models are available now priced at US$549.95 and US$799.95, respectively.
