Archos Pocket Video Recorder AV420 review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Rick Broida

Reviewed on: 14 May 2005

Tags: Archos Technology, Archos AV420, colour screen, music files, information

We like:

Compact and elegant; fantastic screen; ingenious cradle; wireless remote; VCR-like TV recording with program guide; CompactFlash slot; carrying case; removable battery; excellent battery life; resume/bookmark functions; supports DRM-protected WMAs

We don't like:

Expensive; video conversion process not for novices; only 20GB of storage; song files aren't automatically indexed; uncomfortable earbuds

You might also need:

Archos 4-in-1 CompactFlash adapter; Archos FM radio and remote control; Shure E3c earbuds

CNET UK judgement:

It's not perfect, but the AV420 is by far the best portable video player we've seen

Full review:

The personal video player (PVP) has come of age. The Archos Pocket Video Recorder AV420 builds on the superlative foundation established by the Archos AV320, itself a CNET Editors' Choice winner. The AV420 has added desirable new features, lost some weight, and learned to work like a VCR and a rudimentary TiVo. It also plays MP3 and WMA files like a champ, records live and analogue audio, stores data, and serves as a photo viewer/storage unit for cameras with CompactFlash cards. Plus, you can watch two full-length movies before the battery breaks into a sweat. However, getting video into the unit remains tricky since most files must be converted before you can view them, and setting up timed TV recordings can be a hassle. But for frequent fliers, mass-transit commuters, and anyone else who wants multimedia to go, the AV420 is a dream come true. Continue Reading...