Register Hardware

Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/03/16/archos_unveils_700_tv_pvr/

Archos readies twin-tuner handheld PVR

By Tony Smith
Published Thursday 16th March 2006 11:04 GMT

Media player maker Archos will ship what it claims is the world's first portable movie player with two integrated digital TV tuners and built-in PVR functionality in two months' time, the company said yesterday. It also announced a new music player, adding support for Plays for Sure-branded download services.

archos 700 tv portable pvr - daleks copyright bbc/terry nation

The Archos AV 700 TV contains a 40GB hard drive for programme storage, though it'll also hold and play music and photos, and Archos has integrated the Mophun mobile phone games engine. It's really about video, though, and the device boasts a 7in widescreen display to show them off in all their glory.

With two tuners, the 700 TV allows users to watch one channel while recording another. The device can be connected to a regular TV, so it doubles up as a set-top box. But it comes into its own out on the road. Archos said the player's external antenna has been souped up to enable digital TV reception at speeds of up to 130kph/81mph - something it claims is impossibe with existing digital TV receivers.

The Archos 104, like the 700 TV, supports Windows Media Player 10 and Microsoft's latest DRM system. The 104 is a 4GB hard disk drive-based music player that will replace Archos' current Gmini XS 100 player. The new machine has a 1.5in, 262,144-colour OLED screen and comes in grey, black or pink colour schemes. Weighing 80g, the 104 measures 9.1 x 4.3 x 1.4cm.

Both devices will ship in May, Archos said. The 700 TV will retail for around €699 ($841/£482), while the 104 will set you back approximately €199 ($239/£137). ®