GristyMcFisty used our news submit to tell us that CNET has given a review on an all-in-one device that combines the features of a portable MP3 player, personal video recorder (PVR) and a colour display in a single portable unit.
Like a portable MP3 Jukebox, it has a 20GB hard drive, but also has a 3.8 inch 640x304 colour display for the playback of video content. It features external connectors for connecting up to an external sound source and standard TV along and also features a remote control.
It has a capacity for over 370 hours of MP3 music or 40 hours of video on its 20GB hard drive. It uses the same processor and features of the Jukebox Multimedia 120; its predecessor, but its design has been improved to give a Palm-like GUI and feel and make it simpler to use. When connected to a PC via USB 1.1/2, its hard drive appears like a removable disk drive similar to plugging in an external hard drive. It includes MusicMatch Jukebox Plus 7.5 as an alternative for transferring music. This software will encode CD, WAV and MP3Pro tracks to the MP3 format, but WMA and other codec lover's will need a third-party application for converting their tracks to MP3.
Like a digital VCR, this device performs real-time capture of TV and VCR via its composite and S-Video connections. Unlike many VCRs, it has outstanding capture capabilities to even allow it to capture 'copy-protected' video such as from a DVD player without any problems. It uses MPEG-4 as its video codec and recorded content can be transferred to a PC for PC playback or to free up space. Other features include analogue and S/PDIF digital audio inputs and outputs and a built-in microphone. It supports real-time MP3 encoding with ID3 tagging and slideshow playback of images.
 This fine portable entertainment device proves that you can take it all with you.The good: Plays and records audio and video; nice image quality; excellent user interface; wireless remote; interfaces with standard TVs and audio equipment; stores and displays digital photos; 20GB storage capacity. The bad: Heavier and bulkier than hard drive-based MP3 players; no carrying case; you must convert most downloaded video to play it. By Nancy Feldman, September 4, 2003: The first portable video player (PVP) fit for mainstream use, Archos's AV320 Video Recorder is every commuter's dream come true. The AV320 is an excellent MP3 player, displays downloaded or recorded video on its own screen or any television, and can hold more than 370 hours of music or 40 hours of video on its 20GB hard drive. And although this PVP has the same processor and features as its predecessor, the Jukebox Multimedia 120, a vastly improved design and a Palm-like GUI make the AV320 so easy to use that it won't invoke any nightmares. However, the device's steep price reflects its encyclopedic option set. |
If it catches on, it looks to be the future replacement of video recorders, portable MP3 players and possible even palm PCs. Archos expects to start shipping an FM tuner and a 3.3-megapixel camera add-on at a later stage. The camera will allow digital stills and also function along with the built-in mic as an MPEG-4 digital camcorder 🙂 It would be handy to be able to go on holidays with just two gadgets: a mobile (cellular) phone and an all-in one unit that functions a Camcorder, Camera, Personal stereo, MP3 player, pocket TV (playback) and a Dictaphone.
Pricing varies from $ 561 - $ 649 according to CNET. It does have a few downsides to it: No carrying case is provided with the product, it is heavier and more bulky than a typical Jukebox MP3 player and most video content requires conversion to MPEG-4 such as DivX before this
device can play it.
Source: CNET Reviews
