- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 94 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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39 out of 40 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"The Archos AV500 is an amazing piece of equitment."
Pros: Smooth recording, album covers, 30 GB of memory.
Cons: Real time recording.
Summary: As many of you have probably done, I have researched and read the few limited reviews I could find on this item, but finally i purchased it yesterday from the Sharper Image. So far its amazing, I did have the Archos AV420 but returned it because the battery failed on me. The AV500 is truly an amazing machine. The screen is so much sharper than the AV400 that it is indescribable. You can record directly from your DVD player, VCR, Satellite or Cable Box, which I am doing as I type this. I already put about five different cd's on the AV500 from my collection from Windows Media Player, and that took a mere twenty seconds for each cd. Also, the AV500 displays the album cover for each cd. The AV400 did not recognize many of the album covers that the AV500 does. The "TV Pod" is much easier to hook up on your tv than that of the AV400, and it seems that there are many less wires coming out from the pod. The built in speaker is good if your sharing with someone else, but the included earbuds have very good audio quality. In the case comes a user guide, 2 sets of audio and video cables, a USB 2.0 cable and USB host adapter, AC adapter and charger, Stero headphones, the TV cradle and IR emitter cable, Remote control with batteries, and the Protective Case. All in all the AV500 is a must buy for anyone who likes music, photos, and videos. I am in luck too because I am going to Washington in a few days which is an eight hour drive. On average the AV500 probably will have about 4 hours of playback on the battery while on video, and 10 hours of playback for music, but I have yet to test that. I am very happy i purchased the AV500 from The Sharper Image.
P.S. A few of the reasons why I purchased the AV500 30 GB instead of the 100 GB is because it has a removable batter with the 100 GB doesn't, I would never use 100 GB of memory, there is a significant price difference between the two, and also there will be a mini video camera coming for the AV500 soon which I will purchase as soon as it is available. I spent all summer working for the AV500, and so far it has been worth every cent.
- 14 replies to this review
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thanks for the review. i have now gone and purchased one
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i was thinking about getting this and wondered about the best way to get video onto it.
do you put dvd's onto it just using the tv pod and standard av cables from a dvd player, or do you need to upload them to a computer, like music for an ipod?
also, how do you record cable without a cable box(just coaxial cable)?
thanks for the review. -
Can you download movies pre-stored on your PC to the AV-500? If yes, I would think you can download them at a faster rate than from a VCR or DVD player?
Thanks,
Al
ALAS3K -
Can you download movies pre-stored on your PC to the AV-500? If yes, I would think you can download them at a faster rate than from a VCR or DVD player?
Thanks,
Al
ALAS3K -
I have the AV420, so it's good to read a review that compares the two because from the outside it looks like they simply changed the look of the unit. However, I use mine as a 2nd TV in the kitchen and I travel very rarely, so I don't plan to invest in yet another Archos. Plus Archos comes out with new units every other day it seems. As soon as you slap down $400 for one unit, there's a new one. That's why I have owned two generation Archos PVRs already. I'll wait for the price to drop and consider this based on your review.
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Just to confirm - the AV500 100gb certainly DOES have a removable battery but it covers the entire back of the unit, hence, maybe, why you're thinking it doesn't! I have the 100gb and can guarantee it does - at least, it does in the UK and I presume elsewhere too!
Toria -
I am a very causcious buyer and i like to know everything about the machine before buying it and sadly i cant test one because i live in quebec (canada) and there are not any out yet
To me, this is the best pmp out there...
Great pics, music and vids along with tonnes of accessories and options!
For the cons- like video formatting, no kickstand, equalizer, and no multitasking... i say no worries.
Kick stand u can get a case with one.
multitasking is it that neccassary?
video fomatting get a program and
equalizers.. it al sounds the same :P
screen is beautiful and the player itslef aswell...
ita an all in one and u can record tv/movies direct from tv or audio from other sources.. well rounded!
i would really like to know if there is anything better out there that plays music (most important to me) plays videos and displays pics...with a nice screen and as compact and versatile as this machine
(sorry for spelling.. doing this late and fast)
ARCHOS AV530 v.s. COWON A2 30 gig
To me the archos is the best overall because of its versatility and removable battery and compactness. Also, i heard that screen is nicer. The cowon seems to have better audio funtions and a longer battery yet built in...
i want to know what is the best all in one out there and the better between the av500 and the A2
http://www.archos.com/products/av_500/
http://www.cowonamerica.com/products/cowon/a2/comparison.html
thanks,
taylor
taytay_jordan@hotmail.com -
Im trying to decide whether to get this player or the AV420. In don't think the 10 extra gb will matter as I don't have a lot of music. Is this device that much better than the AV420? Also, is the video conversion process very complicated?
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Just to let you know that the AV500 100GB DOES have a removable battery - I bought mine from QVCUK.COM and it has a spare battery included! Where did you get yours from or here that the 100gb version didn't have a replaceable battery?
Toria -
I see that the PocketDish AV500E (made by Archos.com) will only work with DishNetwork receiver and not other Satellite or Cable Company recievers, otherwise this would be a good product if I needed to switch to another satellite or cable company.
Archos.com cannot provide exact answers on this issue about their own version (AV500 Mobile DVR) being compatible with any cable or satellite receiver in case customers need to switch carriers! Archos/PocketDish support if very incompetent when trying to provide exact answer on this important issue!
I anyone can confirm that the Archos AV500 will work with any satellite or cable box reciever would be appreciated! -
I don't see a reference either way to support of tivo to go - is this unit supported or not?
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this is definitely on my wishlist right now. it's a pretty cool gadget with lots of features that i like
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They also have a super optional battery with 3 times the power. I have my unit on order, can't wait. Also have an AV480 which has given me good service.
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They also have a super optional battery with 3 times the power
Where to buy
Archos AV500 Mobile DVR (30GB):
$378.46
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
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Tech For Less, Inc.
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$378.46 | Yes |
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