Customer Reviews

Archos AV320 Video and MP3 Jukebox Recorder

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Finally, Archos gets it!! With this model, Archos has addressed most of the drawbacks of previous models. This product is actually in a class of its own! It does everything it claims to do, and does it well! The interface has also been drastically improved, though it is not obvious how to use the 3 "soft" buttons at first since the buttons are aligned vertcally at the right while the functions are listed horizontally at the bottom of the screen. However, a quick glance at the button descriptions in the quick-start guide is all you need to understand how everything works. Yes there is actually a quick start guide in addition to the well-written manual. The interface is much improved by the addition of a joystick. Also, the Operating System now allows file-handling functions such as rename, delete, etc to be done right on the jukebox, whereas a PC was required before. Also as with previous models, the jukebox looks like a hard-disk when connected to the PC which means transferring files back and forth is as easy as drag-and-drop (as opposed to using proprietary programs). The USB 2.0 connection is extremely fast and definitely a plus.

AUDIO: My biggest problem with previous models from Archos (as well as most competing products) was that they needed pre-amplified mics to make live recordings since the only audio input was line-in. Also live recordings in previous models tended to pick up hard-disk noise when using the internal mic, and some hum while using the line-in input. This model finally adds support for non-amplified mics. The audio input jack doubles as line-in and mic-in. Live recording is now very clean with no hard-disk noise, even when using the internal mic. I recently recorded a live concert with fantastic results. This model adds official support for playing WMA files. UPDATED: The latest OS update (free on their website) adds support for playing AND recording in WAV format (in addition to the MP3 format), which took care of the only major complaint I had with this model. You now have a full blown DAT recorder in your pocket! This update also allows you to do some basic audio and video editing on the unit itself. Way to go Archos!!

VIDEO: Video looks very good indeed on the large 3.8" LCD screen. May not exactly be DVD-quality as they claim, but its darn close! The included DVR module allows you to record MP4 video on the fly or you can convert videos to MP4 on your PC and transfer them to the unit. You can also use an optional camera accessory (AVCam 300) to capture live MP4 video to the hard-disk, in effect converting the jukebox to a VHS-quality camcorder.

PHOTOS: Pictures look great! The unit supports both JPEG (non-progrssive) and BMP. You can use the optional memory card readers to upload directly into the jukebox bypassing your PC, or you can download pictures from your PC. Or use the optional camera accessory (AVCam 300) to take live photos to the hard-disk at a 3.3 Megapixel resolution.

DRAWBACKS: The main problem is that battery life is less than 4 hours when watching videos. And since the battery is a proprietary non-removable Li-Ion battery, you can't just pop out the old battery and put in a new one. Of course, if you (like me) use it mostly for music, then the battery life is a healthy 8-9 hours especially if you allow the LCD to stay off (it goes off automatically after a few seconds). Also for the hefty price tag, Archos should have included the optional wired remote that adds FM Radio support. The lack of an included carrying case is puzzling especially since the cheaper Archos models all came with cases. Go out and buy a case right away to protect that huge LCD screen. A final (minor) complaint is the increased size as compared to the older models and the much smaller iPod. In an effort to save some money Archos uses standard 2.5" notebook drives instead of the 1.8" hard disks used in the Apple iPods. However the upside to this is that if you fill up the hard-disk, upgrading to 40, 60 or even 80GB using a standard notebook hard disk is not too difficult or expensive. There are many sites online that give you detailed instructions on how to do this. Of course, opening the jukebox will void your Archos warranty ..

VERDICT: Overall, the ease of use, the features, as well as the quality is miles ahead of any other competing product as well as older Archos models. Despite the minor drawbacks, Archos has done an outstanding job. This jukebox is well worth the hefty price tag, especially considering the new 30GB Apple iPod costs just a little less than this and plays MP3 files only with no recording ability whatsoever.

At last I have received my av320 after a 1 month waiting line. This baby does everything previous archos players did...only better. Video is very clean and smooth and the demo movie included in the player showed no pixelation and was very sharp. With its 3.8" lcd screen no longer do you have to squint or strain your eyes to see video or pictures. Picture zooming has been greatly improved over the previous archos multimedia players as now you can zoom to a huge 3x times over instead of the small 2x zoom from previous JBM models. Sound is excellent but could use a little bit of more fine tuning options which can be fixed with future firmware. The bundled DVR100 is able to record from any video source with a composite or s-video connection be it a DVD player, VCR, camcorder or TV. With the DVR100 you can record video on the fly. No longer do you have to rip and encode dvd movies to your computer, just simply plug the video cables to the DVR100 and to your dvd player, press play on your dvd player and then hit record on your archos, recording in real time. Its that easy. It encodes video using the divx codec. Overall I was very impressed with its quality in design and excellent interface navigation menus. Although I gave it 5 stars (no regrets!) I will list the "cons": First, the player can become pretty hot like a hot cofee mug, especially when viewing video for an extended amount of time. Second, its thick 1.25", and heavy. Third, and no surprise like the previous archos players, the bundled headphones [are bad], so I suggest you buy some good headphones. Fourth, the navigation joystick can easily be accidently moved, changing the song you were listening to to the next track as I found out. Fifth and last, I don't like the placement of 'headphone jack in' which sits upright of the player. I would have preffered it be placed on the side so as to cause less obstruction of the screen. But overall THIS is what all mp3/mp4 players should be (Apple take note). It may seem pricey for a lot of people but it is worth every penny.

Like many, I was deciding between Archos and RCA. I'm sure RCA has released I good product but...after doing research I had my doubts about the RCA(bad software, delays, side by side reviews,etc).
I'll try to keep this short. Overall this is a good device, it does what it claims to do very easily.
PROS:
+Nice screen
+Easy Navigation
+Easy to Record Audio/Video
+Easy to transfer files
+Sound and Video quality is great
+Clean design
+Controls are good(except when the middle joystick button option is on)
+The ablity to have ad-ons(My deciding factor)

CONS:

-The weight...its not a brick but its heavier then Iexpected(this weighs 12.5oz/RCA weighs 12.8oz...according to official specs)
-The price..but its a new product from a small company

I have only had it for a week(I ran though most of the functions) so I might find more nagging things. But so far, so good

My real rating is 4.5(The price should be lower)

The Archos AV300/320 holds a lot of promise as an all-in-one entertainment center that lets you play video, audio, photos, and more. It works well as a DVR (digital video recorder) and can be fun to use, but there are many problems that make the high price tag rather unjustified.

First of all the documentation is rather inadequate and confusing. Same goes for the interface. Your second impression would be how "cheap" the device looks and feels upon unwrapping. Don't expect your friends to go "wow" when they see it, although the 3.8" screen, when turned on, can get their attention. On the other hand, two problems: first, the screen is passive-matrix, not active-matrix. And I thought nobody uses passive-matrix any more! Second, the "big" screen drains the built-in LiIon battery fast; I average about 2 hours watching videos. So don't expect to pack this with you luggage so you can watch a feature film on your next flight. Third this is a brick and quite heavy for a modern portable, even without the DVR adapter (which you need to copy CDs and DVDs) and the bulky AC adapter. Finally, customer support is rather inadequate, you get long waits on hold and unhelpful support technicians.

On the plus side, you can indeed copy DVDs to the AV320, although that would be illegal. Any lawyers here to clarify the situation? Video and audio quality is pretty good, but again, because the built-in screen is passive matrix, it leaves much to be desired.

Overall, there are a lot of problems with the AV320, even though it's expensive. If you are a total gadget freak and have to have video on the go, this may be worth the price tag.

First, I also have the Archos JB Multimedia with all accessories and also tried the Neo Jukebox. Waiting for the new RCA Lyra to compare.... but this little device is the first useful on the market. The at least for me not readable display of the previous models is replaced with a decent 3.8" display. Even movies are enjoyable. Tried it on several flights and battery life in mixed use did let me enjoy one 2 hr movie and about 2 hrs of music before recharge was necessary. Sound quality is great over my car stereo. Easy to record movies with AV module, S-VHS recording is even better for clearer image quality. I've changed the drive right away to 80 gig, very easy if you follow instructions. But the unit has some BIG drawbacks:
The case is cheap plastic and scratches very easy, the joystick is not the best either, nor the buttons. All a little fragile for guys with big hands. The plugs are randomly put around the device and have no(immediate readable) markings. Very confusing to hook up the power supply or headphones or AV In/ Out cables. The display has a cheap plastic cover and scratches very easy. I sticked screen protector on the screen. With more data on the device it slows down. At 60 gig now I need to have patience sometimes. The device needs a travel case and additional external batteries which are now only available in Europe. But alltogether a great device......

I bought the Archos 20 gig expecting nothing much. Was I wrong!!!! I am blown away by this gizmo as it compares to the RCA Lycra video jukebox!!!! It even competes with my Sony TV/VCR handheld which takes a direct digital signal in quality.

The screen is pure clarity! Beautiful! The unit is heavier, very sturdy. The video is all I'm interrested in, but if you put music on it and the image data is with the music file, that image (artists' CD cover) will show while the song plays.

Back to the video...easy as punch. The 20 GB (AV320) comes with a remote control and DVR attachment! You get your money's worth! Recording from the TV's digital cable box rendered beautiful images. Especially the cable channel! I suppose the quality of the source determines the quality of the playback, and cable movies must be digital because they looked like DVD quality!!!

I then made the haunting attempt to do what I could not on the RCA - transfer movies from my computer to play back on the Archos. Unlike the RCA, the Archos comes with software that makes this easy, so in one step I did it and it worked!!!!!

The sound is awesome!!!! Yes, it's bulky, but that's because it's using a laptop hard drive whereas the iPod uses a smaller one. It's like carrying a small brick around. But the iPod is a music player, and that's why I use it for that and this for video.

So far one downside: A case doesn't come with it and won't be available until the end of the month from their website for an additional $40. I'm going to hold on to my screen cover that came with it until then.

This is why I slave away at work! This is sooo cool!

Finally, I found the device, which does most of things I was looking to have in mp3 player and does it fine. It plays mp3, wma, wav audio formats, records mp3 and wave formats, plays video with good quolity on ntse or pal TV as well as on the internal screen, has an optional FM remote control and works as external hard drive with no drivers. The user interface is really good, I compare it with Creative nomad, the interface on this player is much more user friendly. Yes, it is pretty big and havy, however not as bad as I thought. You will need to buy a case for it, however there are quite many available on the internet, and they are chip. And finally, nice surprise, the description sais that it does not have a replasable battery, however the internal battery is very easy accessable and can be easily replased. Just one screw and you open the battery door. It is possible to buy the battery from on-line stores for really good price and I already got one as a backup for long flights. So, 6 hours of video...

When I first started researching mp3 players I was drawn to both this one and the RCA Lyra. I loved that I could play movies on either one of these instead of just music, like the Ipod. Although the Archos is slightly larger than the RCA Lyra, I think the Archos is a much better find. I've had mine for about 8 months and I love it! I bought it so that I could watch movies or listen to music on the bus for long rides instead of puling out my laptop and this has performed in every way possible. Archos has also updated the software for the player and posted it on their site so the operating system can be updated.

All of the reviews I read before buying said the controls were very confusing at first, I didn't think so. I liked that fact that there was a joystick-like cursor. I also love the DVR attachment becuase if I wanted to I could record movies or Tv shows and take them with me.

I already have almost 2,500 songs on it, 6 movies, and lots of pictures on it and have barely made a dent in the 20GB. One of the other things that really drew me to the Archos was that both the battery and the harddrive could be replaced, unlike an Ipod.

But, the major selling point on the Archos was the AVcam. This is another attachment that turns the player into both a digital camera and a digital video camera. I love this part! I'm not a big picture taker so I wasn't looking for any high powered, high megapixel, super fast camera and this one works fine for me. The pictures turn out great and this video on the player is wonderful. The one disappointment about the camera is that it doens't take very good night pictures but if you change the setting to "flurescent" it works much better. I know that Archos is no longer making the AVcams but if you can find one and just want a simple digital camera I would highly recommend that.

After using this for a few months I have just a few complaints. When watching a movie during the day sometimes the screen is hard to see, but I guess that happens with all screens. Also, the missing case was a little bit of an issue becuase I used to throw this in my backback but when I bought the AVcam it came with a really nice case, otherwise use a PDA screen protector, they are the perfect size. My last complaint is about the AVcam becuase it takes forever to boot up into camera mode but as long as your not using it to take action shots it's fine.

Overall, even though it is larger than the other digital players on the market, I would say this is well worth the money.

I looked long and hard at both the RCA Lyra and this device. I picked this one and am not dissappointed!

It does everything they say. When recording DVDs, it provides near-DVD quality playback on a normal TV, awesome playback on the unit itself and the ability to download that file to your computer and view it there as well.

If you have movies in .avi format already and want to download them to the unit, there is a utility to convert the resolution and sound into smaller sizes that will still look great on the unit, but save more than half the space.

I use the space saving option for most movies. The larger file opition is needed for action movies where things are happening very quickly on screen.

This unit offers enough versitility to satisfy gear heads and can be "Bard Simpson easy" to use for those who barely know how to work a VCR.

The size is right. It fits very well into my brief case. It has a smaller footprint than my PalmPilot, but is about half again as thick and weighs a little more.

I recommend picking out a nice padded case to protect the screen. Also, get yourself a small pull-string nylon bag for the cables and charger.

You're gonna like this.

PROS:
This is just an AMAZING product for playing/recording audio-video. I'm waiting for the AVCAM 300 eagerly. Card readers are awesome.. I use them with my dig camera and camcoder. Battery life is fine. I use this to even backup my laptop data. It is worth $$$. Would be nice if we get 40GB for that money though.

CONS:
I have 500 songs including many albums and if I play this in RANDOM/SHUFFLE mode, it will always play the same sequence of songs everytime whatsoever. This just sucks since I'd exactly know that song #37 would always follow after song #12 and song #212. CHEEPOS, THEY COULDN'T USE A BETTER RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR ALGO! ARCHOS ENGG TEAM FIX IT FIRST WILL YA? U guys did a great job everywhere else. CMON. They charge a lot for shipping and for their accessories. This is where they make the real money. And there website wont accept a different shipping/billing address. Hello, people travel a lot. You are missing out many online customers. It also misses any security features. Would be nice to have a simple password lock for data folders.