ARCHOS AV300
WishList Assessment
6/23/2003 v1.0

With the release of the AV300, Archos has addressed many of the items in our WishList from the JBM20. Below is a list of the WishList issues addressed and how they were addressed. I've split it into Firmware and Hardware categories. At the bottom is the start of a new WishList.

WishList - Firmware:

  • More than one zoom level viewing images > 4 zoom levels: 100%, 200%, 400%, 800%
  • 100% zoom scales the picture to the boundaries of the screen > Check - Any JPG Size
  • Correct Aspect Ratio Image Viewing > Check
  • Copy and Move files and directories without a PC > Check - See the new Double Browser
  • Color: More use of it in the UI > Makes full use of the Color LCD
  • Clearly showing what the first file in a folder is- put a scroll bar on the right. > Has Scroll bar on Right
  • Save in addition to the current Save-As > Check
  • Playlist view - can see what song is playing from the current playlist > Check
  • While playing, add a song to the playlist without interruption > Check
  • auto slide show for pictures directories > Check
  • More Intuitive user interface. > Much improved over previous models

WishList - Hardware:

  • Wired remote > Comes with the FM Module
  • IR remote > Comes with the DVR Module
  • Big LCD module (4"ish) > 3.8" of LCD Heaven
  • Camera Module v2: 2+megapixels > 3.3mpix Camera Module
  • DVD res DivX support > Near DVD resolution: 640x306@30fps
  • No Pixel Shimmer > No longer a problem!
  • Higher contrast LCD > New LCD is much more viewable in daylight
  • Built-in USB2.0 > Check
  • Better buttons > Check
  • FM receiver > FM Module
  • Hard-drive access indicator > HD Access LED Built-In
  • Better Battery Life > Over 5 hours video and 9+ hours MP3 playback

New WishList:

Now how could the AV300 be better? Below are a few starters. For a more detailed list, click here.

  • Full DVD res playback (720x480@30fps / 720x576@25fps)
  • 640x480@30fps DVR Recording (& CamCorder)
  • Better Video format support (MPEG1, Divx3, DivxPro, PCM Audio)
  • Half the thickness and weight.

-Shane Brinkman-Davis

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