Archos 320 good TIVO companion
Written: Jan 02 '04
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Pros: Good sound and Video, Easy to use, well though out product
Cons: Price
The Bottom Line: I recommend to TIVO addicts everywhere. This is TIVO - TO GO!
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| newmanra's Full Review: Archos Jukebox AV320 (20 GB) Digital Media Player |
This review only covers the TIVO to Archos video recording functionality of this device. I had been waiting for a portable DVR for a long time now and Archos has come through with a good product. The reason I bought the Archos was that I wanted to be able to watch my TIVO recordings on the train to/from work. I first bought the RCA Lyra and within 5 minutes of using it I realized that RCA makes low end TVs so why the heck would I think they could make a cutting edge product like this. I returned it and got my Archos delivery 2 days later.
When the product came I needed to install a firmware update which was pretty simple. I used the CD that came with the device to install the drivers on my WIN 98 SE computer. I think the drivers already exist on XP and ME so those with those operating systems don't need this step. Once the drivers were installed, I went to the archos web site and downloaded the new firmware update in about a minute and it was immediately recognized by the device. It installed without a hitch.
In order to record from TIVO you need to use the included DVR accessory. This plugs into the port on the side of the Archos and has composite video and svideo port. Basically, all you need to do is attach the video and audio wires from TIVO's output to the Archos inputs and you are ready to transfer. The next step is to go into the "VideoCorder" icon. Each video you record is stored in a file. The VideoCorder enables you to name this file and tweek settings such as input volume, brightness, and recording time. There are also a number of other settings that you can adjust. I did not need to adjust anything except file name. At this point I turn on TIVO and choose the show I want to transfer. I use Tivo's "Transfer to VCR" option. I press transfer on TIVO and Record on Archos and away it goes.
One thing I was worried about was that transferring TIVO programs to Archos might be distort the sound and/or video quality. I was actually surprised at how good it looks and sounds. One thing that does stink is that it takes one hour to transfer a one hour show. This is a TIVO limitation however, not an Archos limitation. The Television does not need to be on when you do the transfer so I usually record before I go to bed. The Archos will automatically turn itself off after the recording time is up.
To watch the recording you simply plug in the included headphones, select the video icon and select the file to play. Thats it. It has a joystick that you can fastforward and rewind with.
Here is what I don't like about the Archos:
1- I hate having to name files, I wish it automatically incremented file names kind of like on my digital camera.
It has a crude digital keypad that you navigate by using the tiny joystick.
2- One time I recorded a show without sound because I plugged the audio feed into the output port by mistake. It should warn me that there is no audio input.
3- When you fast forward and reverse you can't see it whiz by. You need to watch how many minutes/seconds go by. It's not so bad once you get used to it.
4- This thing cost 500 bucks and they didn't even include a case.
What do I love about the product:
1- It works as promised.
2- It is very intuitive.
3- The directions are easy to follow and complete.
4- Good video/audio quality
5- Decent screen size for one person
I would recommend this product to TIVO addicts everywhere.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 500
Recommended for: Music Lovers - High Capacity Storage for an Entire Album Collection
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Epinions.com ID:
newmanra
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Member: randall newman
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 3 members
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