Video Functions:
Chief among the features available on the new AV 700 is the ability to record programs directly from a television, DVD player, VCR, cable box or satellite receiver without the need for a computer. The AV 700 does this by being placed inside a special docking station which is hooked directly to one of the previously mentioned video sources. The AV 700, once connected, proceeds to record the playing video as a MPEG 4 movie file at what Archos says is DVD quality. Between 40 and 250 full length movies can be saved on the player’s 100GB hard drive (a 40GB option is also available), depending upon what settings they are recorded under and what else is already stored.
Besides recording movies, the AV 700 can also control and record television programs like a Tivo. It works by using special software in the player to control the television, VCR, satellite receiver or cable box’s tuner. This software changes channels and records based upon your advanced scheduling of specific recordings up to a month in advance. The AV 700 pulls down television schedule information from the Internet so the latest listings you view on it are always current.
All video programming and other functions of the AV 700 are viewable through the player’s wide 7-inch color LCD display. This large of a screen, normally seen on portable DVD players, is a first for devices in the portable video player category.
The AV 700 also supports DivX video files and allows the direct transfer of home movies from a camcorder which has a USB Host port.
Other Functions:
Beyond the video features, the AV 700 is fully loaded with plenty of other goodies. For starters, the player lets you record music directly from a source such as a home stereo. It plays MP3, WAV and WMA (included protected) music files. It can hold up to 55,000 songs, depending upon how they have been recorded and what else is stored on the player’s hard drive. The player is also capable of auto synchronizing with Windows Media Player 10 and supports the ability to play content from online subscription services like Napster and CinemaNow.
The AV 700 also allows users to play Mophun games, store and view a huge collection of JPEG digital image files and transfer other types of files such as documents and spreadsheets directly from devices like computers, digital cameras and USB keys for transport and backup.
Accessories included with the AV 700 will be the docking station, AV cables, a remote control, protective case, headphones, USB 2.0 cable, USB host cable adapter and power adapter.