CyberHome HD-4000 and HD-7000: 4-inch and 7-inch PMPs
By Marc Perton 
posted December 23rd 2005 8:30PM
posted December 23rd 2005 8:30PM
While CyberHome is hyping their
new HD-4000 and HD-7000 PMPs as being able to output 1080i video, what really makes these interesting to us is the
display size. After all, the only way you're going to get 1080i out of one of these is with an external HD display, and
chances are, that's not the main reason you're going to pick up a PMP (that first P does stand for something, right?).
On the other hand, the fact that the HD-7000 will have a 7-inch display definitely piques our interest. After all, in
this era of shrinking portable video players — some sporting screens as small as 1 inch
— it's nice to see that someone is moving in the other direction and coming out with a player that sports a
screen we might actually be able to look at for more than 10 minutes at a time without causing permanent retinal
damage. Just don't call it HD.
Interesting... they make no mention of hard drive size, but do point out they bundle an external DVD drive. Wonder if the extra drive requires another battery or power adapter?
The DVD ability might get this device into the typical minivan family, unlike the Zen Vision or Cowon A2 which probably only ends up with us uber geeks. Though considering you can get a portable DVD player for less than 50% the cost, maybe not...
Did anyone visit their web page? More than the PMP 4000 and 7000, I was impressed by the LAP-9100, an under-the-counter DVD/TV/AM-FM Clock Radio/CD player with MP3, JPG, and MPEG-4 support. Oh, did I mention that it has a 9" screen, and "easily converts to a hand-held portable unit" all for only $349? Granted, the PMP-7000 could probably be duct-taped under my counter for when I DON'T need to carry it around, but its still just 7", and doesn't do CDs/DVDs. For my money, that sounds more practical than a PMP costing twice as much.
They don't mention the resolution of the item itself, which is the most important aspect for me. Any idea what it is?
Now that is what the Video iPod should have been like in the first place. All it needs is a bigger HDD.
I have recently bought a Archos AV500. It has a 60GB HDD (you won't find it on their site, they only show 30GB and 100GB but it does, I have seen it for myself), and is only available at 3 retailers in the UK and 1 in Franch. Incidentally, all 3 in the UK are owned by the same company.
The Archos has a 4" inch screen, 480 by 272 resolution (the same as a PlayStation Portable) and has brilliant video quality because of it. It records straight of the TV, can schedule recordings, and I consider the screen size to be perfect.
It only plays a handful of video and audio formats and doesn't support anything but JPEG's and Bitmaps (not even progressive), and can't multitask (ie. you can't view your photos while still listening to music). It has both USB Host and normal USB ports, a nice 3.5 inch headphone jack, and a lovely case.
Overall I consider it to be amazing, and for £300 ($519.93) a real bargain, considering the 30GB model is available for £340 ($589.25). With the iPod 60GB costing £300 ($519.93) here, I'm certain the Archos is better. Yes, to think the iPod costs $100+ more here than USA. Thats the problem with British technology.
Anyway, if any of you are heading to the UK (or live here) anytime soon, head to www.currys.com, or www.dixons.com, or www.pcworld.com. It's product code is 108042. I know it's a lot more than the iPod is over in America ($519 to $399) but it is worth it.
I think it is great that Cyberhome is branching out into this exciting type of product. I have several of their items that I purchased from Home Shopping and I am happy with all of them, they are well thought out, have great value for the money and are easy to use. I also like how they present them on TV and give you great new ideas on how to use them. I am looking forward to seeing these soon and finding out exactly how they work.