Perfectly Designed for Portable Video, New Products Feature Large Screens, Playback of All Standard Video Formats in Full DVD Resolution, TV Recording and Video Download Services Support
ARCHOS, Inc., a global consumer electronics manufacturer and inventor of the portable video player, introduced today the latest in portable media players with the ARCHOS 404 and 604 models. The new products are a part of the Generation 4 line of portable media players, announced separately today. The first available in the line, the ARCHOS 404 and 604, play back all standard video formats(1), offer extreme portability and feature the most brilliant, award-winning screens in the industry. The new products will support movie downloads from the popular online video services and recording of content directly from the TV or DVD player(2). The new ARCHOS 404 and 604 are priced at $299.99 and $349.99, respectively, with retail availability in early September.
As a part of the new Generation 4 line, the ARCHOS 404 and 604 share a sleek metallic silver casing with new right-side button layout and graphical interface for simplified navigation and control. The optional DVR Station accessory turns the 404 and 604 into portable Digital Video Recorders that let consumers schedule and record favorite movies and programming from the TV, DVD player(2) or cable box directly onto the device. With a 30GB hard drive capacity, the ARCHOS 404 and 604 can store 30 movies(3), 130 hours(3) of TV programming, 300,000 photos(3) or 15,000 songs(3).
“Our new 404 and 604 devices are the first in our Generation 4 line-up to hit the market, and we’re thrilled to introduce consumers to an entirely new, easy and exciting product line from ARCHOS,” said Henri Crohas, ARCHOS founder and chief executive officer. “With the best screen technology in the industry, and the most affordable price-point for the capacity, the 404 and 604 are expected to be a big hit with consumers this fall and throughout the holidays.”
The ARCHOS 404 and 604 are perfectly designed for watching video on the go, whether using a PC, Macintosh or home theater system. The broad range of features includes:
Large, Bright Screens: The new Generation 4 screens are even larger and sharper than before, boasting more than 16 million colors.
Broadest Range of Video Formats: The new products support all standard video formats(1), including MPEG-4(4) ASP and WMV(5) in full D1 resolution, AVI and can read MPEG-4 AVC/H.264(6)(MP4 QuickTime files), MPEG-2(7), with optional software plug-ins.
DVD Quality Video Playback: View content from the device onto a TV for high-quality DVD playback with 5.1 surround sound.
Music-Enhanced Photo Slideshows: Enhanced photo slideshows now include music and transition effects.
PDF Viewer: For the first time, view PDF documents on the device.
Optional DVR Station for TV Recording: Add extra features such as direct recording from a TV, DVD player, cable box or satellite receiver with the DVR Station.
Optional Docking Adapter for Quick Charge and Data Transfer: Use the optional Docking Adapter to quickly charge the battery and transfer music, video, photos and files.
Optional Video Cable for TV Play-Back: Plug in the A/V Cable to view video and photos from the device to a TV in high quality.
Optional Travel Accessories: A new range of convenient travel accessories includes replaceable batteries, chargers, travel and protective cases, portable speakers, DVR Travel Adapter for recording content on the go, and hands-free video filming with the Helmet Camcorder.
The Industry’s Most Portable Large-Screen Media Players
The 404 is one of the thinnest and most affordable portable video players on the market today at only .6 inches thick and under $300. The 404 measures 4 x 3 x 0.6 inches and weighs 6.75 ounces, yet boasts a large 3.5-inch color LCD screen. The 604 features an extra sharp 4.3-inch display, removable battery and kick-stand for easy tabletop viewing. The 604 measures 5 x 3 x 0.65 inches and weighs only 9 ounces.
The ARCHOS portable video player screens are rated best in the industry, with the new products improving on the previous technology. An independent study by DisplayMate Technologies awarded the AV 500, predecessor to the 404 and 604, the top honor for its screen, beating out all other competing products in screen quality and clarity. Raymond Soneira, president of DisplayMate Technologies said, “During our intensive laboratory testing and evaluation of the photo/video image and picture quality of six top MP3 and Personal Video Players for CNET, the Archos AV 500 had the best overall image and picture quality, and it was the only unit to receive a grade of ‘A.’ In fact, it performed significantly better than the other units in almost every category.”
Pricing and Availability
The 404 is priced at $299.99 while the 604 is $349.99. ARCHOS is accepting pre-orders today on its Web site at http://www.archos.com. The products will be available at other online and retail outlets beginning in early September. All ARCHOS portable video players come with headphones, USB cable, DVR saddle for connecting the optional DVR Recorder, and protective pouch.
About ARCHOS
ARCHOS is a global consumer electronics manufacturer and the technology leader in the field of portable entertainment. Committed to the most innovative technology and inventor of the portable video player, ARCHOS offers award-winning pocket-sized products that feature audio and video recording, photo viewing, and other multimedia and productivity applications for the enjoyment of the most exciting entertainment anywhere, anytime. ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. More information is available online at http://www.archos.com.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
1GB= 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity is less.
(1) MPEG-4 ASP, WMV (including protected WMV) and the possibility to read H.264, MPEG-2, and VOB files with optional software plug-ins (codec downloadable from http://www.archos.com)
(2) External video output disabled for Macrovision-protected content.
(3) On average; based on 3.5 mins/song & 64 kbits/s WMA (for better quality 128 Kbit/s or more recommended), on 500 kbits/s MPEG-4 audio/video encoding and 1h30/movie (for near DVD Quality 1500 Kbits/s encoding or more recommended), on JPEG, VGA.
(4) MPEG-4 ASP@L5 AVI (up to DVD resolution) (MPEG-4: ISO standard by Moving Picture Experts Group; AVI: audio/video file container by Microsoft) without GMC and Quarter Pixel.
(5) MP@ML, up to DVD resolution
(6) Up to DVD resolution and AAC sound
(7) MP@ML up to 10 Mbps (up to DVD resolution) and AC3 stereo sound
