ARCHOS unveils first portable digital TV receiver and recorder, combining PVR functionalities and a DTT receiver for viewing any recording while on the move
AV700 TV delivers best possible digital TV reception and multiple mobile viewing possibilities, like in a car at up to 130 km/h, due to diversity reception technology
IGNY, France - ARCHOS, a global consumer electronics manufacturer and leader in portable digital entertainment solutions, has introduced the ARCHOS AV 700 TV, the world's first portable digital TV receiver and recorder that combines portable video recorder (PVR) functionalities, two antennas and two DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) tuners for viewing and recording free digital TV while on the move.
A major technological breakthrough, the AV 700 TV uses a mobile diversity processing reception system applied to a portable video player recorder created by ARCHOS (patent-pending) that significantly enhances reception inside a building, at ground level and even enables digital TV viewing in a car at speeds up to 130 km/h [80mph], which is impossible today with standard single-antenna DTT receivers.
The AV 700 TV features a built-in DVR for recording digital TV directly to the device in MPEG-2 TS and offers Electronic Program Guide capabilities to make scheduled recordings (where available).
It features a 40GB* storage capacity able to store up to 35 hours of recorded digital TV programs(8), 160 hours of encoded videos (1) with a PC, 400,000 photos(1) or 20,000 songs(1).
The Advantage of Diversity Reception Technology
To make digital TV viewing and recording possible in a car, in buildings, and at ground levels, the AV 700 TV employs a special diversity processing reception system applied to a portable video player/recorder that incorporates two antennas to get the best possible signal; two tuners (working in parallel) to receive and process simultaneously the signals; and two processors to extract the TV signal from the noise. This sophisticated signal processing receiver provides a clear and stable image and viewers can enjoy better indoor reception in fixed places and in a moving vehicle, even in very poor reception conditions.
"ARCHOS is elated to be part of the exciting new wave of digital TV technology and we're proud to introduce a portable device for viewing and recording free digital TV in all sorts of places outside the living room," said Henri Crohas, ARCHOS chief executive officer.
"The AV 700 TV is the perfect gadget to watch and record the World Cup soccer championship this summer wherever you are. Imagine recording a match while at work and then watching it during the nightly commute back home."
Digital TV Viewing & Recording, Video, Photos, Music, Gaming and Storage in One
The new ARCHOS AV 700 TV features the following capabilities:
• Watch Digital TV in a Car: Watch free digital TV in the car on the 7in wide screen display. Use the optional back-seat car holder and let the AV 700 TV entertain the kids during long car trips.
• Watch Digital TV at Home, Work, and More: Take TV watching out of the living room and into other rooms of the house. Enjoy watching a documentary while cooking the evening meal, take in a live football match during your lunch break at work, or check the weather forecast while on a camping trip with the family.
• Use the Built-In DVR to Record TV Directly on the Device: The built-in digital video recorder records up to 35 hours of digital TV programs directly on the device in MPEG-2 TS digital quality. Make scheduled recordings using the Electronic Program Guide (where available). Record from an analog video source such as a TV. VCR. DVD player, cable box or satellite receiver, in MPEG-4 format using the optional TV Pod or AV travel cable kit.
• Use as a DTT Receiver and Get Free Digital TV at Home: Simply connect the device to a television set to serve as a UHF receiver (474 to 858 MHz) and watch hours of your favorite programs with no need to install a roof antenna.
• Preset Up to five Different Reception Locations: This convenient feature allows you to preset tip to live reception zones (with 100 channels per location) such as home, vacation home, or other countries in Europe.
• Enjoy Watching TV and Videos on a 7in Widescreen Display: The device boasts a large 7in widescreen display and integrated kickstand for maximum in viewing comfort. Playback MPEG-2 TS, MPEG-4(3), WMV and protected WMV(5) (ready for VOD) video tiles.
• Enjoy 40GB* of Storage: Store up to 35 hours of recorded digital TV programs(8), 160 hours of encoded videos(1) with a PC, 20,000 songs(1) or 400,000 photos(1).
• Store, Transfer, and View Photos: Enjoy up to 400,000 photos(1) and view several at a time or in slide show mode. Transfer photos directly from your digital camera (4); or card reader using the USB host port. Make slide shows on the LCD or TV.
• Record (9)and Listen to Music: Store up to 20,000 Songs(1) and playback MP3. WAV, WMA and protected WMA music files using the ARCHOS music center. Organize your music with the ARCLibrary and make playlists without using a computer.
• Purchase or Rent Protected Music and Videos: Compatible with content from online stores using Microsoft's Windows Media PlaysForSure technology (protected WMA and WMV files).
• Easily Autosync Content: Sync up your AV 700 TV content with Windows Media Player 10 every time you connect the device to your PC for on-the-go viewing.
• Play Games(6): With the Mophun gaming engine, you can purchase and download games from the ARCHOS web-site and enjoy playing them on the 7in wide screen display.
• USB Host Port: Features a USB host port, enabling you to connect an external hard drive and play compatible content without transferring files.
• Use as an External Hard Drive: Connect to a computer as an external hard drive using the high-speed USB 2.0 interface.
Pricing and availability
The AV 700 TV will begin shipping in May to retail stores in Europe and will be available for purchase at http://www.archos.com, with a suggest retail price of 699 € (including VAT).
The AV 700 TV comes standard with AV cables, remote control (including batteries), carrying case, headphones, USB 2.0 cable, USB host cable adapter, power supply, two antennas in a carry case, and a cable for connecting to a home antenna. Additional product information and add-on accessories are available on the ARCHOS web site.
Optional accessories
The AV 700 TV has a complete set of accessories for even more enjoyment from the device, including an additional TV docking pod, AV travel kit, back-seat car holder, additional power charger adapter, car charger, and a travel case.
Notes
*1GB =1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity less.
(1) On average; based on 40GB* Hard drive; based on 3.5 mins/song & 64Kbits/s WMA, on 500 Kbits/s MPEG-4 audio/video encoding & 1h30/movie (for near-DUD quality encoding at 1500 kbits/s or more recommended) & on JPEG, VGA.
(2) External video output disabled for Macrovision-protected content.
(3) MPEG-4 SP with B-Frames AVI (MPEG-4: ISO standard by Moving Picture Experts Group; AVI: audio/video file container by Microsoft) up to 720x480@30f/s NTSC or 720x576@25f/s PAL; has not been certified by DivX Inc., may not read all DivX 4.0 & 5.0 files; does not read DivX 3. 11 & 6.x files; DivX registered trade mark of DivXNetworks, Inc.
(4)Only models compatible with USB Mass Storage Class and Picture Transfer Protocol.
(5) Microsoft WMV9 SP up to 480x360@30f/s and 900 Kbits/s; supports WM DRM.
(6) Morphun games, availability not contractual, check from www.archos.com
(7) Calculated with the included battery and based on an audio use. Battery life will vary according to the use.
(8) On average based on a video bitrate@2500Kbits/s in MPEG-2 TS.
(9) With optional AVF travel kit or TV pod.
About ARCHOS
ARCHOS is a global consumer electronics hardware manufacturer and is the technology leader in the field of digital portable entertainment solutions. Committed to the most innovative technology, ARCHOS offers award-winning digital pocket-sized products that feature audio & video recording, photo viewing, gaming, as well as 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.
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