Archos TV Plus announced

Not really a surprise that Archos is finally really tying to break into the set-top box business, given its propensity for DVR-recording functionality in its portables line and partial ownership by Echostar, but it looks like the Apple TV has a new device to worry about: the Archos TV. We're still getting details in, but it looks like the 80 - 250GB box will pull content off your home network via WiFi or Ethernet, as well as grab from external storage, in addition to recording DVR-style with component in (and HDMI out). More on this new media streamer we get it.

[Neeko @ Jun 14th 2007 2:20PM]

ok this looks very interesting. FINALLY something to replace my modded XBOX1 to play all formats. But it all depends on what options we get for file formats. Hopefully itll be a little open for modding.

[DutchGuy @ Jun 14th 2007 2:21PM]

DivX and Xvid please please please?

[cs0875 @ Jun 14th 2007 2:25PM]

Nice knowing you AppleTV, say hi to Newton for me.

[Maestro @ Jun 14th 2007 2:39PM]

The picture says HDMI IN and OUT. Maybe I am missing something, but apart from AV tuners, what else has HDMI inputs that isn't a full fledged TV? Would I actully be able to record HD programming in full HD from my cable box to a PC?

[Jon @ Jun 14th 2007 2:59PM]

Maybe the "In&Out" was just for component ? Not including HDMI

[Craig @ Jun 14th 2007 6:27PM]

Even if the "in" was component, that would still be very cool. I'm not aware of any devices that will record component video, except for relatively high-end PC video capture cards.

[Maneki Neko @ Jun 14th 2007 2:39PM]

Crossing fingers for something exactly like the Xbox Media Center but with support for HD.

[Rock Stone @ Jun 14th 2007 2:44PM]

YES YES YES! Very Good Archos. More deets please...

[Dan @ Jun 14th 2007 2:53PM]

I know its probably too much to hope for (due to immense processing power of HD encoders), but if this thing can record HD and playback all sort of HD formats (ala xbox1 xbmc + HD support), then I will buy one post-haste.

[Mark @ Jun 14th 2007 3:11PM]

Since this isn't out yet, can anyone tell me what they think is currently the best way to watch content from your computer on your tv? More specifically, through a portable device?

I travel a lot and would like to watch movies and tv shows in dixv format on hotel tvs. Any suggestions?

[Eric Bandholz @ Jun 14th 2007 3:37PM]

Well, you could do a couple of things. You could broadcast your TV from your hometown to your laptop and watch it anywhere (watch on your Laptop). But essentially the best way to watch video is with a TV out card for your laptop. Unfortunately I am up to date on video cards to recommend for this project.

[Eric Bandholz @ Jun 14th 2007 3:37PM]

Woops, I forgot to say that you can broadcast using a Sling box.

[gibber9583 @ Jun 14th 2007 3:26PM]

This sounds pretty good here.... I've heard very good things about Archos products. Do their PMP's support most if not all formats(mainly divx and xvid)? If so, then this should

[Ryan @ Jun 14th 2007 3:44PM]

DVR-like functionality - free as in beer-esque TV schedule information? CableCard?! Forget AppleTV - this could be a TiVo killer.

[INTERNETSAVIOUR @ Jun 14th 2007 3:46PM]

"More on this new media streamer we get it." what? I assume you meant to leave out the "as" there on purpose. isn't that convenient for you....

[classicX @ Jun 14th 2007 3:47PM]

The 'bye bye Apple TV' comments are a little premature. A lot of people said "bye bye cable DVR" when Tivo announced the Series 3, but how many of those people stayed with their cable DVR when they announced the price point?

[Lucas @ Jun 14th 2007 3:56PM]

Since my Archos 504 supports a ton of video formats I have to think this will as well (after the 10th firmware update :-)

[Stephan @ Jun 14th 2007 3:56PM]

Please let it be Component and HDMI input. I know that HDMI can look better but it is also easier to start raising flags so you can't record. Of course they could just start to pipe lower resolution to the component output. I haven't seen a standalone PCI card that can do either one for under a few grand. So if they do it, and I can connect it to my PC for a home server then sign me UP!!!!!!!

[Neeko @ Jun 14th 2007 4:17PM]

yeah i think the idea of a STANDALONE MEDIA PLAYER that has the ability to play many formats is a media techies dream. iam looking to replace my modded xmox since now it decides to turn on by itself. BUT shes been soo good to me so far.. Well see Archos well see.

[Lucky_You @ Jun 14th 2007 4:26PM]

Yawn...
If it's up to standard Archos "quality," best have that warrenty handy.

[pines @ Jun 14th 2007 5:04PM]

Price point look to be around 292-398US.

[mike @ Jun 14th 2007 5:36PM]

Nice knowing you AppleTV, say hi to Newton for me.
-

Cuz Apple has alot to learn from Archos about marketing and branding. Oh yeah, and the iTunes store promotes Apple TV 24/7...

This will be forgotten...

[JohnTitor @ Jun 14th 2007 7:24PM]

I don't know what you mean mike
Apple has lead the industry thanks to its marketing ability
Archos is just good at getting great products out with loads of features

[Andrew @ Jun 14th 2007 8:04PM]

This is nice and all, but according to the slides that were shown this thing is strictly for the European market.

[Doe Eyes @ Jun 15th 2007 11:06AM]

what about this one --- Digizon w/ the H.264 high video quality
http://www.kcsdigital.com/

[Pete @ Jun 18th 2007 6:54AM]

Guys, many of you are asking about portable, multi format players.

They've been out for a while.
Many found here for the UK market, but there's other sites in US too.
http://www.kjglobal.co.uk/acatalog/Multi-Media_Players.html
Most now have DVI or HDMI out. Outpical sound or 5.1 out.
You can buy them as kits, add your own drive of desired size.
We take ours with us on holiday with an extra lead for Europe's scart when there's no guaranteed HD tv at the other end.

I've used products from Freecom and IAMM. All are great and worth checking out.
The TVix products are also worth keeping an eye on for their DVB tuners and PVR recording functionality.
Most of them will play back VOB files, so you can rip straight from your owned DVD's without fear of losing them if you take them on holiday.

They outstrip anything from MS, Netgear, Sony or other mainstream rivals for media playback.

[Pete @ Jun 18th 2007 6:56AM]

Oooops, typo.

"Outpical" = "Optical".

I had two streams of thought and they merged. bleh.