Version: 2008
  • On ZDNet: Why Linux isn't enough
advertisement

Archos 404 (30GB)

2 of 38

Full user review

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    2.0 stars

    "still needs work"

    by billg1969 on January 6, 2007

    Pros: big hard drive, small form factor

    Cons: slow processor

    Summary: While the size of this device is great and the hard drive space is appealing, I believe the technology of the processor needs more work. I do a lot of video compression for mobile devices and this device was less then what I would expect. My encoded MP4 files (which you have to purchase an extra plugin for $20 in order to playback) would loose sync very quickly. Before long the audio track would not match the video track. Yet, the exact same MP4 file plays back flawlessly on my Qtek s200 phone. I have no idea how this device has the processor power to play back DVD VOBs as is described in numerous places. Maybe other video formats playback better but MP4s not so good.
    Updated
    Upon further testing, it seems this device has been fine tuned to WMV files. They work great, picture and audio quality can be left pretty high and the audio/video does not fall out of sync. So, compress WMV files and stay away from MP4's for this device.

    Was this review helpful? YES | NO

    Reply to this review

  • 2 replies to this review
  • reply by: ogodefacto on April 10, 2007

    You simply didnt know how to use your 404 and now that you are figuring it out, your 4/10 rating still stands. 404 Perfect? Absolutely not. But your review is unjustified.

  • reply by: ogodefacto on April 10, 2007

    While Archos can be commended/criticised for providing/making you purchase the MP4 codec, THIS IS NOT AN MP4 DEVICE!!! This is a DIVX/XVID device, and THAT is why people want it. When transcoding is necessary, use the included software, or use a pro package like Total Video Convertor. The cinema/Mp4 plugins are CONVIENENT, but truly not necessary. There is 10x (easily) more DIVX/XVID content out there, and what MP4 content there is, it almost ALL started out as DIVX/XVID that someone transcoded to MP4. Downlaod an XVID/DIVX movie from bit torrent, copy it onto the 404, start watching. It's that simple.

Write review Back to product review See all 38 reviews

Submit your review

Log in or create an account to submit your review for:

Archos 404 (30GB)

ORLog in with your Facebook account
1. Rate this product:
(Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
2. One-line summary:(Summarize your review in one line. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 55 characters
3. Pros:(Tell us what you like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
4. Cons:(Tell us what you don't like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
Bottom-line summary:(Explain to us in detail why you like or dislike the product, focusing your comments on the product's features and functionality, and your experience using the product. This field is optional.)
0 of 5000 characters

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks are prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit

Compare prices for Archos 404

This product is currently not in stock at any of our online merchants.

Email me when this product is available

advertisement

Special sponsor stores

advertisement

Compare this portable video players (pvps) to: