Archos FM Radio and Remote Control Add-on for AV400 Pocket Video Recorder

by Archos

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.7 x 1.1 x 0.5 inches ; 1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002Y6ASU
• Item model number: 500656
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 25, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Archos AV400 pocket video recorder can do many things, but one thing it can't do is play and record FM radio. At least, it couldn't before the handy Archos radio/remote add-on came along. The compact device, which measures a mere 2.7 by 1 by 0.5 inches (W x H x D), plugs directly into the AV400, where it receives the entire FM frequency and broadcasts it through the stereo headphone jack. But playback is just the beginning. The device also takes advantage of the AV400's spacious hard drive to digitally record your favorite FM songs or programs. Users can literally record thousands of hours of music, public radio programs, and other broadcasts for later listening.

The radio also takes a page from the Tivo handbook by offering a 30-second retro-record buffer. Thanks to the digital delay, a listener can hit record a half-minute after a song starts and still archive the entire thing. No more missing the first few notes of a favorite tune because you were asleep at the switch. And when the song is over, you can edit out any unwanted passages, such as the last few notes of the previous song. The AV400 records its audio files in WAV format--a simple, easy-to-manipulate file type.

Users can also record memos through the radio, as it features a built-in microphone ideal for archiving meetings, song ideas, and more. And when you're not playing DJ, you can instead use the device to fast-forward, rewind, play, pause, skip, and adjust the volume of your AV400. The remote function is similar to the thumb remotes of many portable CD players, and is a handy feature when exercising, for instance.

Additional features include a small built-in clip for securing the device to your clothing, an easy-to-read LCD screen with backlighting, and a straightforward tuning knob with six buttons. The radio/remote is also battery-free, drawing its power from the AV400 itself. As with all Archos products, it's covered by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Radio/remote with clip, user's manual.

Product Description

Recording off the radio directly into MP3 could not be simpler by using the FM Radio & Remote Control. Connect it to your Archos AV300 OR 400 series MP3 device to play your favorite MP3 songs or listen to the FM radio in stereo, quickly find your selected station with the tuner and press 'REC' to start recording off the radio directly into your device.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Reply to other poster, February 9, 2005

By 

Hugh C. Howey - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Archos FM Radio and Remote Control Add-on for AV400 Pocket Video Recorder (Electronics)

The reason you might need this is because the Gmini 400 does not come with the remote. The 400 is a great unit, but I will refrain from covering here since this is about the remote.

The remote is great, but severely lacking in one feature: you can not turn the unit on with the remote. You can turn it off, but not on. This flaw keeps me from giving it the 5 stars it otherwise deserves. I hate having to fish my 400 out of my pocket just to power it up when the remote is handy.

Other than that, the display is great, and the various knobs perform multiple functions, giving you a ton of control. I also like the layout and the varying feel of the different functions, which allows me to DJ without looking at the unit.

It works for several Archos models and there is a manual for the remote downloadable from Archos' website. It is a great read if you are on the fence about purchasing this accessory.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Its OK . . ., July 21, 2005

By 

PhysicsMan (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archos FM Radio and Remote Control Add-on for AV400 Pocket Video Recorder (Electronics)

I think its still worth buying, but there's only one line. The thing shows only one line. The song name doesn't scroll, there's not timing information on the current playing media, and the controls can be difficult. Its still worth the convenience of leaving the player in your bag. And the lighted buttons are cool.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice addition to the Archos AV400, January 4, 2008

By 

OregonBay (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archos FM Radio and Remote Control Add-on for AV400 Pocket Video Recorder (Electronics)

It's a nice addition that you may use some of the time. I bought this a few years back after buying my AV420 that did not come with it. The remote works pretty well, once you get used to the non-straightforward control scheme. If you already have the AV400 and use it regularly, this might be a good buy. I give it three stars based on the controls and ease of use.