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6.0 out of 10

Archos AV404

Information found in: from 67 sources in 15 countries.
  • User Score (13)
    8.2 8.2 from 13 reviewers
  • Expert Score (14)
    7.4 7.4 from 14 reviewers
  • Buzz Index: 0/5
  • Activity: 1/5
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  • Video player The ARCHOS 404 is the perfect companion for people on the move: its 30 GB * hard drive capacity allows you to store up to 40 movies encoded with a PC. Play them on the built-in 3.5" LCD color screen or playback on TV in high resolution up to 720 x 576 (DVD quality) with the DVR station. Play a large variety of video files, including MPEG-4 , WMV and protected WMV and read MPEG-4 AAC/H.2643 (.MP4 QuickTime files), MPEG-2 , and VOB with optional software …

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Review Summary

When considering an Archos AV404 versus the 604 model, you are essentially making a decision on screen size and the size of the overall unit. Each has excellent viewing, but the 404 offers a 3.5" video display as compared to a 4.3" display on the 604. The corresponding screen increase yields a 30% increase along that physical dimension and increases the weight by a similar percentage. The Archos AV404 features a 30GB HDD, a USB 2.0 interface, a text viewer, a voice recorder, and a built-in speaker. The u…

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When considering an Archos AV404 versus the 604 model, you are essentially making a decision on screen size and the size of the overall unit. Each has excellent viewing, but the 404 offers a 3.5" video display as compared to a 4.3" display on the 604. The corresponding screen increase yields a 30% increase along that physical dimension and increases the weight by a similar percentage. The Archos AV404 features a 30GB HDD, a USB 2.0 interface, a text viewer, a voice recorder, and a built-in speaker. The unit supports MP3/WAV/WMA, JPG/BMP/PNG, and XviD/DivX/MPEG4 ASP/WMV9 formats. Battery life is approximately 12 hours for audio and 4 hours for video. Overall sound quality is rated as very good, a shade weaker than the Cowon A2 however.

Pricing on the Archos 404 makes this unit an excellent buy. The high resolution, 3.5-inch screen and supercompact size make it an excellent choice for audio and video play. It also offers excellent video controls and photo playback features. The only drawbacks on the unit seemingly come when compared to its higher end sister, the 604. The Archos 404 lacks both the kickstand and removable battery of its big sister. Other shortcomings include the usual suspects, the proprietary USB cable, no ability to record video or audio directly out of the box without some bundled accessories and no FM tuner. Reviewers state that the Archos 404 is a PVP in an MP3 player’s body, an excellent alternative to the current iPod product. To maximize the unit, you will to spend the extra dollars for the recording kit -using the unit as a DVR is its most attractive option. If you want a bigger screen and a removable battery, the recommendations are to spend the extra $50 more for the larger 604. Otherwise, for the money this unit is one to truly consider.

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Pros & Cons

  • excellent video quality, light and compact, good voice recorder, improved gui, it s a video
  • lacks a kickstand, weak equaliser, few bundled accessories, the 604, volume not very loud
  1. Archos 404

    Reviewer: Digitaltrends
    03 June 2007
    Overall 9
    9.0
     

    The ARCHOS 404 camcorder is the perfect companion for people on the move who want to film and watch their own personal videos, enjoy music and photos on the move! Record your own... Read more

  2. Reviewer: LAPTOP Magazine
    09 April 2007
    Overall 7
    7.0
     

    The Archos 404 Camcorder adds on-the-go video recording to the excellent Generation 4 line of portable media players. Read more

  3. Archos 404 camcorder

    Reviewer: Mp3.com
    29 March 2007
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    The uberversatile Archos 404 camcorder is a good option for anyone looking to buy a compact portable video player with a nice screen. It's an OK convergence device, but it makes a far better video player than camcorder. Read more

  1. problem with new firmware

    Reviewer: John Blaxx, Digitaltrends
    17 February 2009
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    I installed the new firmware version on my archos 404 and it keep shutting down like every thirty seconds. i mean i turn it on and 30 sc after it just shuts down. is there anyway to fix that problem? Read more

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