Vivitar's DVR390H, the 20GB 6-in-1 multimedia handeld
posted September 10th 2004 4:05PM
Look, we don't mean to be playa hatas, but we're not so sure about Ricoh's Vivitar DVR390H 6-in-1, which is
apparently an MPEG4 camcorder, digital still camera, PVR, MP3 player, voice recorder, and—in a real stretch—a digital
photo frame. The tiny 4.17 x 2.8 x 1.26-inch $1000 AUD ($700 US) device has a 20GB hard drive, 3.6-inch color LCD, SD
slot, voice recorder, PVR-style video input for sourcing from TV, VCR, and DVD, and a 3.1 megapixel digital still via
its rotating lens piece. But it really gets sketch when Ricoh states the lithium-ion battery "can capture an
outstanding 15 hours of VGA movies, 24,000 high quality still images and more than 5000 MP3 music files". So it's not
that we don't think it can do this stuff (well, we don't think it can shoot 24,000 stills in one charge), it's just
that we get a little concerned with the quality when they spread a device this thin.
[Thanks Zaphod]
Well, the Archos Jukebox Multimedia and subsequent products did a fair-to-middlin' job of it all those features, so I wouldn't assume that it's a total POS. Not innovative either, though.
Technically 5 hours of video is 43,200 stills (at 24 fps), maybe that is what they are hinting at
Ricoh might only own Vivitar distribution Down Under. This PMP is made by Premier Image Tech of Taiwan; it was on their stand at the PMA show.
There have been several if not many of these with similar if not indenticle function costing more or less the same, yet offering most of not all the fucntionality but not delivering. Sorta. The idea is cute though.
...is a cellphone, a GPS, and a touchscreen and stylus for PDA functionality (and a software upgrade to linux). Maybe a couple USB ports so that you can hook up fans and coffee warmers.
When you look at the 6 individual items of the 6 in 1 all pertain to a similar technology i.e. digital video and audio. Basically all the encoding and decoding will be supported by a few main pieces of silicon with an exceptional driver layer, so how can you say it is spread too thin. As long as the user interface is good and the case and camera lens are not a pieces of S*** it will be a good product.
I have seen it advetised in the argos or index catalogue at £249 uk pounds which represent excellent value for money, obviously argos have not got any stock yet.
They have this on auction world tv sky ch651 in uk and sister station chase it tv sky ch666, also bid on (www.auctionworld.tv). I've been watching this item because it seemed too good to be true and its been going for around £235 to £260. I won this for £240 plus £8 p&p. Won this last thursday night and waiting for it now. If its any good i'll sell my digital camera and old sharp viewcam(not computer compatable)and mail back with how good or not so good it is.
I too purchased one of these on Auctionworld on the 26th September. Still not arrived though and looks as though the company is a rip off!! Check out blagger.com for feedback on auctionworld. If it does arrive I'll review it on here.
Ok, went into a camera store in the city, held the thing in my hand and even got to use it a little.
The Good: Seems to do everything promised in the article at ok quality. Plus, it can be mounted on a tripod, the camera module rotates, the battery is removable and the price is AUD $900.
The Bad: The device is very thick (I found the weight to be quite acceptable, even with the camera module attached, but you're not going to be able to stick this gadget in a pocket and forget about it). Unlike the Archos, (I think) you have to actually be present to record from TV (i.e. it's not programmable)
i.e. I found it tempting (esp. at the price), but I'll probably wait until the Archos 500 comes out before I decide.
Kap
HOPE NO ONE HAS DELT WITH AUCTIONWORLD AS THEY HAVE GONE BUST AND YOU WILL NOT GET YOUR GOODS OR A REFUND. I WAS LUCKEY TO GET MY MONEY BACK THROUGH MY CREDIT CARD COMPANY.
SO IF ANYONE IS STILL WAITING FOR THAT 6 IN ONE CONTACT YOUR CREDIT CARD NOW---------------
ANYONE WHO HAS DELT WITH AUCTIONWORLD TO BUY THE 6 IN 1 WILL NEED TO CONTACT THERE CREDIT CARD AS THE COMPANY HAS GONE BUST AND ARE NO LONGER TRAIDING YOU WILL NOT GET A REFUND OR YOUR GOODS ----------------
I have had the DVR390H for 3wks,3wks to long.it locks up on almost every occasion its used,the batt.has to be removed to reset,the sound is not really worth having its so low,the video quality in poor light is terrible,the batt.lasts no time at all,and it over heats,went to vivitar site and it is not even listed so no support,still should I need an expensive hammer it will be useful,or in winter i can use it for a hand warmer.be warned
WITHDRAW DVR390H FROM THE MARKET ALTOGETHER
Yes Peter Alden you are right.I have had the same problem with the DVR390H for 3 weeks too and i will be returning it for a full refund.
It crashes all the time.
Please buyers out there do not buy THAT THING!!!
I had one for 2 weeks tryin gto get it to sync the sound and video to no avail. It ain't great but it is cheap so you get what you pay for. Menu is clunky and bolt on video a joke (especially as you need a separate microphone. This unit seems to come from the lets just keep adding items design workshop with little thought to the whole "experience". Still the screen is crisp andit has 20gb storage. Am still awaiting my replacement though :( 4/10
i just got the DVR-390H. the issues i have got with this device is that the build quailty is not so good. its rather on the bulky side. the menu is straight froward and simple.lastly, the battery life is terrible. wat use is a portable device if the battery only last for under an hour.
dont get me wrong, this device has its good sides to. it plays Divx media format. my own device doesnt crash funny enough. but i must warn u that at times, when u turn it on and try to play a movie file, it says no files found. just go back to the main menu and then back to the movie player and it works.
I received my DVR390H in the post yesterday.
After spending hours trying to take a single picture / video with no success, all I got was an empty file and an egg timer as it kept crashing. How can a gadget that is 'so easy to use' come without any operating instructions?
I NEED A NEW BATTERY FOR MY DVR-390H WHERE DO
I GET ONE AND HOW MUCH ARE THEY
I NEED A NEW BATTERY FOR MY DVR-390H WHERE DO
I GET ONE AND HOW MUCH ARE THEY I BOUGHT THIS
CAMERA FOR MY GRAND-DAUGHTER THE BATTERY IS
CRAP I SHALL LOOK SOME-WHERE ELSE FOR A CAMERA
NEXT TIME