Archos PMA 430
Due out at the end of January is one of my greatest regrets.
It's the same old thing. Buy a good product and a month later they come out with something you never expected.
My Archos 480 is the ultimate "What is this" device that does som many things well, I don't know what to tell people when they ask me what it is.
The PMA 430 will take this to new extremes.
How do I get my hands on one of these...
---------------------------------------------
At the Consumer Electronics Show 2005 on January 6, 2005, Archos introduced the Pocket Media Assistant PMA430, a new generation of ARCHOS smart portable devices that combines full audio and video capabilities with wireless connectivity and a new Linux® platform in one slim, pocket-sized product. The PMA430 (previously referred to as the AV500) is the most versatile portable video recorder/player (PVR/PVP) on the market today.
With the PMA430, Archos extends its focus on helping consumers eliminate multiple portable devices by combining essential entertainment features—music, video, photos and gaming—with Internet access in one integrated handheld product. The PMA430 features the same slim, sleek and light-weight form factor as the industry-standard PVR/PVP AV400, with additional revolutionary features that put it generations ahead of competing PVPs. The PMA430 includes an LCD touch screen for fast and easy navigation, a 30 gigabyte Hitachi hard drive, and the ability to act as a USB Host for attaching other mass storage peripherals, such as digital cameras, keyboards, hard drives and other portable devices. The new Linux platform allows for customized applications to be written specifically for the PMA430.
The PMA430 continues the ARCHOS tradition of letting consumers record video directly from a TV, VCR, cable box or satellite receiver, schedule recordings, record and play video and music, and view photos in multiple ways. The PMA430 now features several ways to connect to the Internet, gaming features and light personal information manager applications.
Enjoy All Your Personal Entertainment Wherever You Go
The Pocket Media Assistant PMA430 offers a range of unique ways to experience and enjoy favorite entertainment content:
* Record, Store and Play Back up to 120 Hours of Video1
Record video directly from a TV, VCR, cable box or satellite receiver; schedule recordings remotely; and store up to 120 hours* of TV content or 60 full-length movies* in MPEG-4 SP format.
* Record, Store and Listen to more than 6500 songs1 or 650 CDs1
Record and play MP3, WAV and WMA music files (including Windows Media DRM protected files) with the enhanced music center, and use the ARCLibrary to view by artist, albums, genre, title, year, and playlists. Create a playlist while on the go using the touch-screen and record your own voice through the internal microphone.
* Transfer and View up to 300,000 Thousand Photos1
Transfer, store and view up to 300,000 photos (JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF files) directly from another mass storage device or digital camera using the built-in USB host connection, or computer using the high-speed USB 2.0 interface.
* Play Games
Play Mophun™ and Qtopia™ games found on the device or downloaded from the ARCHOS web site.
Stay Connected While on the Road
Essential applications make the PMA430 the first smart entertainment device:
* Connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet Cable and IrDA
The PMA430 features built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi for accessing the Internet from any wireless hotspot, or you can connect to the Internet via Ethernet with an optional USB Ethernet adaptor or by using the IrDA port of your mobile phone.
* Customize Your PMA430 with Linux-based Applications
The new Linux platform allows you to customize the PMA430 by creating and/or adding third-party software compatible with Linux 1.5 or higher.
* Browse the Internet and Stay Connected
Connect to stock quotes, check sport scores, read news and stay connected using the Opera™ Web browser.
* Connect to a Number of USB Devices Anywhere you Are
The PMA430 connects via USB 2.0 (backward USB 1.1 compatible) and acts as a USB Host for transferring files directly from other powered mass storage devices such as other ARCHOS products, digital cameras, Ethernet adapters, keyboards and portable hard drives.
* Send and Receive E-mail
The PMA430 features an e-mail client enabling you to read, create and send e-mails from personal and business e-mail accounts (POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP protocols supported).
* Stay Productive on the Road
Personal information manager software from Qtopia offers a large number of applications such as an address book, agenda, calendar, and more, with the PMA430 able to synchronize contacts, tasks, to-do list and appointments from computers running Microsoft Outlook™.
Optional Accessories, Pricing, Availability
Optional Archos accessories for the PMA430 include a USB-to-Ethernet cable to connect to Local Area Networks for fast Internet access, replaceable battery, USB Keyboard, styli four pack, AV travel kit, car adaptor, travel case and stand-up travel case for propping up the PMA430 to watch videos on the road. The Pocket Media Assistant PMA430 comes with a TV Cradle, remote control, headphones, protective flap, stylus, removable battery, USB 2.0 cable, power adapter and universal power plugs.
The PMA430 will start shipping in later this month for a price of $799.95, and will be available at major retailers nationwide and on the Archos web site at www.archos.com <http://www.archos.com/> .
Product Specifications
Capacity:
30GB
Interfaces:
High-speed USB 2.0, compatible USB 1.1, PC & Mac USB Host port compatible Mass Storage Device Built-in WiFi connection (802.11b technology) IRDA 115 kb/s port
Operating system:
Linux Qtopia™ with embedded ARCHOS multimedia applications
Video playback:
MPEG-4 SP with MP3 or ADPCM stereo sound, near DVD quality up to 704x480 @ 30 f/s (MTSC), 720x576 @ 25 f/s (PAL), AVI file format
Video recording:
MPEG-4 SP with MP3 stereo sound, near SVCD quality (optimised resolution for standard TV through composite video line-in) with up to 512x384 @ 30 f/s, in AVI format
Music playback:
Stereo MP3 decoding @ 30-320 kb/s CBR & VBR, WMA (including Microsoft® PD DRM protected files), WAV
Music recording:
From any analog source into MP3 or WAV (PCM) format Voice recording with built-in microphone
Photo viewer:
JPEG , PNG, GIF or BMP
PIM functionalities:
Qtopia™ software to manage your address book, agenda, calendar, calculator. PDF viewer
Games:
Qtopia™ embedded games and Mophun™ game engine to play games downloadable from Archos web-site
Display:
3.5" TFT transflective touch screen (QVGA) 320x240 pixels, 262,000 colors and TV output
AV connections:
Composite Video/ E Earphone/Line Out jack. Built-in microphone and speaker. TV cradle to connect to TV with analog audio/video In & Out to RCA jacks, S-video In, and IR receiver for remote and IR emitter for tuner control, SCART In & Out for European version. Travel audio-video kit in option to record audio and video analog source on the move
Battery life:
Up to 4 hours* for video playback or 9.5 hours* for music Removable battery; additional battery available as an option
Scalability:
Download firmware updates from www.archos.com
Power source:
Internal: rechargeable Li-Ion batteries External: AC charger/adapter
Dimensions:
Approx. 125 x 78 x 20 mm (4.9" x 3.1" x 0.8")
Weight:
280 g (9.9 oz)
System requirements:
PC: Pentium® III 800 MHz or higher, Windows 98 SE (with driver downloaded from ARCHOS web-site), ME, 2000 or XP. 64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended) with USB port and CD-ROM drive Mac: 9.2 or X (10.2.4) USB Manager version 1.2 or higher with USB port and CD-ROM drive
1 GB = 1 billion bytes. Formatted capacity is less.
Part number: 500595
UPC Code: 690590 505957
Freguently Asked Questions
What is the ARCHOS Pocket Media Assistant PMA400?
The ARCHOS Pocket Media Assistant PMA400 is the world’s first handheld portable video player to combine full audio and video capabilities with wireless connectivity, a Linux® platform and a personal information manager – all in one slim, pocket-sized device.
What are the main features of the PMA400?
Be Entertainment Whenever You Go
* Video – Record video directly from a TV, VCR, cable box or satellite receiver; schedule recordings remotely; and store and play back up to 120* hours of TV content, or 60* full-length movies in MPEG-4 SP format.
* Audio – Record and listen to more than 6,500* songs, or 650* CDs, in the MP3, WAV and WMA (including Windows Media DRM protected files) formats; view by artist, albums, genre, title, year and playlists; create playlists while on the go using the touch screen; and record your own voice using the internal microphone.
* Photos – Transfer, store and view up to 300,000* photos (JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF files) directly from your PC or another mass storage device, such as a camera.
* Games – Play Mophun™ and Qtopia™ games found on the device or downloaded from the ARCHOS web site.
Stay Connected
* Wireless – Access the Internet from any wireless hotspot with built-in 802.11b WiFi, or connect via Ethernet with an optional USB Ethernet adaptor or your mobile phone’s IrDA port.
* Linux – Customize by creating and/or adding third-party software compatible with Linux 1.5 or higher.
* Internet – Browse the Internet, connect to stock quotes, check sport scores, read news and stay connected using the Opera™ Web browser.
* USB 2.0 – Connect to a number of mass storage devices via USB 2.0 (backward USB 1.1 compatible) for transferring files directly from other ARCHOS products, digital cameras, Ethernet adapters, keyboards and portable hard drives.
* Email – Read, create and send e-mails from personal and business e-mail accounts (POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP protocols supported).
* Productivity – Keep on top of your address book, agenda, calendar, and more, with Qtopia’s personal information manager software that synchronizes contacts, tasks, to-do list and appointments from computers running Microsoft Outlook™.
How does it relate to the Pocket Video Recorder AV400?
The PMA400 incorporates all the same popular multimedia functionalities of the AV400, but adds exciting new features such as wireless connectivity, an Internet browser, Linux platform for customizing applications, PDA features, and an office suite.
What is the capacity of the hard drive?
The PMA400 ships with a 30GB Hitachi hard drive.
What formats does it support?
The PMA400 reads the open standard formats needed for mobile entertainment:
* Video: MPEG-4 SP video files with MP3 or WAV ADPCM sound track. Reads DivX®** 4.0 & 5.0, XviD™
* Audio: MP3, WMA (including copy protected files with Microsoft® PD DRM) and WAV (PCM and ADPCM)
* Images: JPEG, PNG and BMP
What is the storage capacity for movies, music and photos?
* Record, store and play back up to 120* hours of video (TV) content or 60* full-length movies.
* Record, store and listen to more than 6,500* songs, or 650* CDs.
* Transfer and view up to 300,000* photos.
What is the quality for video playback and recording?
The PMA400 plays back MPEG-4 video files at full DVD resolution up to 704x480 at 30 frames per second. It also records (encoded in real-time) SVCD quality – optimized resolution for standard TV through composite video line-in up to 512x384 at 30 frames per second.
Will you offer an SDK for developers?
Yes, we will introduce an SDK and special Web site designed for accessing applications for the PMA400 when the product is available, at the end of January.
Does it offer games?
One free Mophun™ game is included on the device, and additional games can be purchased directly on the ARCHOS web site (www.archos.com <http://www.archos.com/> ). There is also a series of games ready for play in the included PDA software.
What types of files can be viewed on the device?
A high-resolution 320x240 transflective screen (or TV display using the integrated office file viewer) gives consumers the power to view:
* Microsoft* Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents
* HTML web pages with frames, images and links
* JPEG, PNG, and BMP bitmap images in color or black and white
* Text and CSV files, WMF and EMF diagrams (and soon Adobe PDF documents)
What types of DRM does the device support?
The PMA400 features WMA DRM compatible with Windows Media Player 10, supporting all major online music stores.
What is the battery life?
The PMA400 offers up to 10 hours of music playback and 4-5 hours of video playback between charges.
What additional items come with the device?
The PMA400 ships with a TV cradle, remote control, headphones, protective flap, stylus, removable battery, USB 2.0 cable, power adapter and universal power plugs.
What additional accessories are available?
Optional accessories include a USB-to-Ethernet cable, replacement battery, USB keyboard, styli 4-pack, AV travel kit, car adaptor, travel case and stand-up travel case.
What is pricing and availability?
The PMA400 will be available worldwide in January 2005 at major retailers nationwide and on the ARCHOS website (www.archos.com <http://www.archos.com/> ). The suggested retail price is $799.95 U.S. and 799.99€ (including VAT) in Europe.
It's the same old thing. Buy a good product and a month later they come out with something you never expected.
My Archos 480 is the ultimate "What is this" device that does som many things well, I don't know what to tell people when they ask me what it is.
The PMA 430 will take this to new extremes.
How do I get my hands on one of these...
---------------------------------------------
At the Consumer Electronics Show 2005 on January 6, 2005, Archos introduced the Pocket Media Assistant PMA430, a new generation of ARCHOS smart portable devices that combines full audio and video capabilities with wireless connectivity and a new Linux® platform in one slim, pocket-sized product. The PMA430 (previously referred to as the AV500) is the most versatile portable video recorder/player (PVR/PVP) on the market today.
With the PMA430, Archos extends its focus on helping consumers eliminate multiple portable devices by combining essential entertainment features—music, video, photos and gaming—with Internet access in one integrated handheld product. The PMA430 features the same slim, sleek and light-weight form factor as the industry-standard PVR/PVP AV400, with additional revolutionary features that put it generations ahead of competing PVPs. The PMA430 includes an LCD touch screen for fast and easy navigation, a 30 gigabyte Hitachi hard drive, and the ability to act as a USB Host for attaching other mass storage peripherals, such as digital cameras, keyboards, hard drives and other portable devices. The new Linux platform allows for customized applications to be written specifically for the PMA430.
The PMA430 continues the ARCHOS tradition of letting consumers record video directly from a TV, VCR, cable box or satellite receiver, schedule recordings, record and play video and music, and view photos in multiple ways. The PMA430 now features several ways to connect to the Internet, gaming features and light personal information manager applications.
Enjoy All Your Personal Entertainment Wherever You Go
The Pocket Media Assistant PMA430 offers a range of unique ways to experience and enjoy favorite entertainment content:
* Record, Store and Play Back up to 120 Hours of Video1
Record video directly from a TV, VCR, cable box or satellite receiver; schedule recordings remotely; and store up to 120 hours* of TV content or 60 full-length movies* in MPEG-4 SP format.
* Record, Store and Listen to more than 6500 songs1 or 650 CDs1
Record and play MP3, WAV and WMA music files (including Windows Media DRM protected files) with the enhanced music center, and use the ARCLibrary to view by artist, albums, genre, title, year, and playlists. Create a playlist while on the go using the touch-screen and record your own voice through the internal microphone.
* Transfer and View up to 300,000 Thousand Photos1
Transfer, store and view up to 300,000 photos (JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF files) directly from another mass storage device or digital camera using the built-in USB host connection, or computer using the high-speed USB 2.0 interface.
* Play Games
Play Mophun™ and Qtopia™ games found on the device or downloaded from the ARCHOS web site.
Stay Connected While on the Road
Essential applications make the PMA430 the first smart entertainment device:
* Connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet Cable and IrDA
The PMA430 features built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi for accessing the Internet from any wireless hotspot, or you can connect to the Internet via Ethernet with an optional USB Ethernet adaptor or by using the IrDA port of your mobile phone.
* Customize Your PMA430 with Linux-based Applications
The new Linux platform allows you to customize the PMA430 by creating and/or adding third-party software compatible with Linux 1.5 or higher.
* Browse the Internet and Stay Connected
Connect to stock quotes, check sport scores, read news and stay connected using the Opera™ Web browser.
* Connect to a Number of USB Devices Anywhere you Are
The PMA430 connects via USB 2.0 (backward USB 1.1 compatible) and acts as a USB Host for transferring files directly from other powered mass storage devices such as other ARCHOS products, digital cameras, Ethernet adapters, keyboards and portable hard drives.
* Send and Receive E-mail
The PMA430 features an e-mail client enabling you to read, create and send e-mails from personal and business e-mail accounts (POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP protocols supported).
* Stay Productive on the Road
Personal information manager software from Qtopia offers a large number of applications such as an address book, agenda, calendar, and more, with the PMA430 able to synchronize contacts, tasks, to-do list and appointments from computers running Microsoft Outlook™.
Optional Accessories, Pricing, Availability
Optional Archos accessories for the PMA430 include a USB-to-Ethernet cable to connect to Local Area Networks for fast Internet access, replaceable battery, USB Keyboard, styli four pack, AV travel kit, car adaptor, travel case and stand-up travel case for propping up the PMA430 to watch videos on the road. The Pocket Media Assistant PMA430 comes with a TV Cradle, remote control, headphones, protective flap, stylus, removable battery, USB 2.0 cable, power adapter and universal power plugs.
The PMA430 will start shipping in later this month for a price of $799.95, and will be available at major retailers nationwide and on the Archos web site at www.archos.com <http://www.archos.com/> .
Product Specifications
Capacity:
30GB
Interfaces:
High-speed USB 2.0, compatible USB 1.1, PC & Mac USB Host port compatible Mass Storage Device Built-in WiFi connection (802.11b technology) IRDA 115 kb/s port
Operating system:
Linux Qtopia™ with embedded ARCHOS multimedia applications
Video playback:
MPEG-4 SP with MP3 or ADPCM stereo sound, near DVD quality up to 704x480 @ 30 f/s (MTSC), 720x576 @ 25 f/s (PAL), AVI file format
Video recording:
MPEG-4 SP with MP3 stereo sound, near SVCD quality (optimised resolution for standard TV through composite video line-in) with up to 512x384 @ 30 f/s, in AVI format
Music playback:
Stereo MP3 decoding @ 30-320 kb/s CBR & VBR, WMA (including Microsoft® PD DRM protected files), WAV
Music recording:
From any analog source into MP3 or WAV (PCM) format Voice recording with built-in microphone
Photo viewer:
JPEG , PNG, GIF or BMP
PIM functionalities:
Qtopia™ software to manage your address book, agenda, calendar, calculator. PDF viewer
Games:
Qtopia™ embedded games and Mophun™ game engine to play games downloadable from Archos web-site
Display:
3.5" TFT transflective touch screen (QVGA) 320x240 pixels, 262,000 colors and TV output
AV connections:
Composite Video/ E Earphone/Line Out jack. Built-in microphone and speaker. TV cradle to connect to TV with analog audio/video In & Out to RCA jacks, S-video In, and IR receiver for remote and IR emitter for tuner control, SCART In & Out for European version. Travel audio-video kit in option to record audio and video analog source on the move
Battery life:
Up to 4 hours* for video playback or 9.5 hours* for music Removable battery; additional battery available as an option
Scalability:
Download firmware updates from www.archos.com
Power source:
Internal: rechargeable Li-Ion batteries External: AC charger/adapter
Dimensions:
Approx. 125 x 78 x 20 mm (4.9" x 3.1" x 0.8")
Weight:
280 g (9.9 oz)
System requirements:
PC: Pentium® III 800 MHz or higher, Windows 98 SE (with driver downloaded from ARCHOS web-site), ME, 2000 or XP. 64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended) with USB port and CD-ROM drive Mac: 9.2 or X (10.2.4) USB Manager version 1.2 or higher with USB port and CD-ROM drive
1 GB = 1 billion bytes. Formatted capacity is less.
Part number: 500595
UPC Code: 690590 505957
Freguently Asked Questions
What is the ARCHOS Pocket Media Assistant PMA400?
The ARCHOS Pocket Media Assistant PMA400 is the world’s first handheld portable video player to combine full audio and video capabilities with wireless connectivity, a Linux® platform and a personal information manager – all in one slim, pocket-sized device.
What are the main features of the PMA400?
Be Entertainment Whenever You Go
* Video – Record video directly from a TV, VCR, cable box or satellite receiver; schedule recordings remotely; and store and play back up to 120* hours of TV content, or 60* full-length movies in MPEG-4 SP format.
* Audio – Record and listen to more than 6,500* songs, or 650* CDs, in the MP3, WAV and WMA (including Windows Media DRM protected files) formats; view by artist, albums, genre, title, year and playlists; create playlists while on the go using the touch screen; and record your own voice using the internal microphone.
* Photos – Transfer, store and view up to 300,000* photos (JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF files) directly from your PC or another mass storage device, such as a camera.
* Games – Play Mophun™ and Qtopia™ games found on the device or downloaded from the ARCHOS web site.
Stay Connected
* Wireless – Access the Internet from any wireless hotspot with built-in 802.11b WiFi, or connect via Ethernet with an optional USB Ethernet adaptor or your mobile phone’s IrDA port.
* Linux – Customize by creating and/or adding third-party software compatible with Linux 1.5 or higher.
* Internet – Browse the Internet, connect to stock quotes, check sport scores, read news and stay connected using the Opera™ Web browser.
* USB 2.0 – Connect to a number of mass storage devices via USB 2.0 (backward USB 1.1 compatible) for transferring files directly from other ARCHOS products, digital cameras, Ethernet adapters, keyboards and portable hard drives.
* Email – Read, create and send e-mails from personal and business e-mail accounts (POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP protocols supported).
* Productivity – Keep on top of your address book, agenda, calendar, and more, with Qtopia’s personal information manager software that synchronizes contacts, tasks, to-do list and appointments from computers running Microsoft Outlook™.
How does it relate to the Pocket Video Recorder AV400?
The PMA400 incorporates all the same popular multimedia functionalities of the AV400, but adds exciting new features such as wireless connectivity, an Internet browser, Linux platform for customizing applications, PDA features, and an office suite.
What is the capacity of the hard drive?
The PMA400 ships with a 30GB Hitachi hard drive.
What formats does it support?
The PMA400 reads the open standard formats needed for mobile entertainment:
* Video: MPEG-4 SP video files with MP3 or WAV ADPCM sound track. Reads DivX®** 4.0 & 5.0, XviD™
* Audio: MP3, WMA (including copy protected files with Microsoft® PD DRM) and WAV (PCM and ADPCM)
* Images: JPEG, PNG and BMP
What is the storage capacity for movies, music and photos?
* Record, store and play back up to 120* hours of video (TV) content or 60* full-length movies.
* Record, store and listen to more than 6,500* songs, or 650* CDs.
* Transfer and view up to 300,000* photos.
What is the quality for video playback and recording?
The PMA400 plays back MPEG-4 video files at full DVD resolution up to 704x480 at 30 frames per second. It also records (encoded in real-time) SVCD quality – optimized resolution for standard TV through composite video line-in up to 512x384 at 30 frames per second.
Will you offer an SDK for developers?
Yes, we will introduce an SDK and special Web site designed for accessing applications for the PMA400 when the product is available, at the end of January.
Does it offer games?
One free Mophun™ game is included on the device, and additional games can be purchased directly on the ARCHOS web site (www.archos.com <http://www.archos.com/> ). There is also a series of games ready for play in the included PDA software.
What types of files can be viewed on the device?
A high-resolution 320x240 transflective screen (or TV display using the integrated office file viewer) gives consumers the power to view:
* Microsoft* Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents
* HTML web pages with frames, images and links
* JPEG, PNG, and BMP bitmap images in color or black and white
* Text and CSV files, WMF and EMF diagrams (and soon Adobe PDF documents)
What types of DRM does the device support?
The PMA400 features WMA DRM compatible with Windows Media Player 10, supporting all major online music stores.
What is the battery life?
The PMA400 offers up to 10 hours of music playback and 4-5 hours of video playback between charges.
What additional items come with the device?
The PMA400 ships with a TV cradle, remote control, headphones, protective flap, stylus, removable battery, USB 2.0 cable, power adapter and universal power plugs.
What additional accessories are available?
Optional accessories include a USB-to-Ethernet cable, replacement battery, USB keyboard, styli 4-pack, AV travel kit, car adaptor, travel case and stand-up travel case.
What is pricing and availability?
The PMA400 will be available worldwide in January 2005 at major retailers nationwide and on the ARCHOS website (www.archos.com <http://www.archos.com/> ). The suggested retail price is $799.95 U.S. and 799.99€ (including VAT) in Europe.
posted by Christian Farmer at 9:07 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home