Archos 405 2 GB Portable Media Player (Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the 405 in September and the docking station shortly thereafter.To record t.v. you need the docking station and to download a proprietary t.v. program guide using the company supplied Archoslink software.The problem is that you can't download the tv program guide due to some defect in the Archoslink software.Archos has only told me that they have referred this problem to the engineers but I have heard nothing for a monthI am not sure if this problem also effects the WiFi versions, but I would definitely not recommend buying this item until they have worked things out.Even then, the interface it very confusing and difficult to use particularly from the machine.The navigation is not at all intuitive and even once you learn the quirky system you still make a lot of mistakes at is that poorly designed.

The company web site shares the software's poor design.For example to download the Archoslink software you need to search create an account with the serial and model numbers of both the machine and the docking station, and then confirm you information and search around for the software.The web site does not save your log in and when you click on a download the archoslink software link it takes you back to the log in page.The website has not have a search function and the software is not under the downloads link where you would expect it.

The device also seems quite limited in they format of files it will play.You even need to purchase a codex to common types of files and many are not supported.There seem to be a number of similar devices out there that make a better choice.Do not be fooled by what at first seems like a low price for such a device.The added cost of the docking station and the necessary codex software significantly raise the cost and the time it takes to set up and frustration to use really add up.

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Product Description:
The Archos 405 lets you enjoy all your digital entertainment straight from the palm of your hand in an incredibly robust and portable device. Less than 1/2 inch thick, the pocket-sized Archos offers expandable memory with its built-in 2 GB hard drive and amazing video playback on its high-quality 3.5-inch full-color screen. Other great features include mass storage capabilities and photo viewing support.

The Archos 405 lets you enjoy all your digital entertainment straight from the palm of your hand. View larger.

The device comes with photo viewing capabilities, supporting JPEG, BMP, and PNG files. View larger.
For added video playback versatility, the player is compatible with MPEG4, AVI, and WMV video files. You can also record live TV or schedule a recording by using the integrated TV program guide available with the compatible DVR station (sold separately). The player features robust music playback features, too. On-board music file playback capabilities support MP3, CBR, VBR, WMA, protected WMA, and WAV files. To help round out the player's multimedia superiority, the Archos even comes with photo viewing capabilities. JPEG, BMP, and PNG files are 100 percent compatible with the player, and the player can pull up PDFs for portable review -- an ideal means to take bigger documents or e-books in PDF format on the road with you.
Because of the Archos's USB 2.0 compatibility, a variety of different media files can be quickly transferred to the device. Charging the device can also be accomplished with an active USB connection. Other great features include mass storage capabilities, automatic firmware downloads, and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. With an advanced Li-Poly battery, the player supports up to 16 hours of continuous music playback and 5 hours of continuous video playback. Weighing in at a scant 4.2 ounces, the Archos generation 5 405 measures 3.9 by 3.07 by 0.5 inches.

New Dish Network plug-in for the Archos 405.
New Dish Network Plug-in
With a new plug-in, you can transfer recorded movies and TV shows from your Dish Network set-top box directly to your Archos 405. Play back Dish Network-recorded movies and TV shows on the go or on TV--in DVD quality.
Multi-language is supported. The plug-in is compatible only with Dish Network STB models 622 and 722.

What's in the Box
Archos 405 portable media player, headphones, USB cable, DVR Station Gen 5 adapter, protective pouch, quick start guide, and legal/safety notice.

The Archos 405 lets you enjoy all your digital entertainment in the palm of your hand and provides easy access to content and personalization options to fit individual lifestyles. This pocket-sized PMP offers expandable memory and a high-quality color screen. At less than half an inch thick, this PMP's sleek and compact design holds everything you need in your pocket while you're on the move.

Personalize your Archos

Make it yours: personalize your Archos 405 to fit your unique lifestyle. Abundant plug-ins and accessories are available to customize your device to work the way you do: video your friends and family in action, record your favorite TV shows and movies, and share your photos.

Your movies, your videos

- Store and play up at least 2 movies.¹
- Play the most popular video formats: MPEG-4, WMV, protected WMV, MPEG-2^*, VOB^*, and H.264^* (*with optional plug-ins).
- Play the movies you shot on your camcorder.

Your photos

- Transfer your photos from a PC or most mass storage devices via the USB 2.0 high speed interface.
- Store and view at least 20,000 photos¹ (JPEG, PNG and BMP formats).
- Display slideshows with music and transition effects.
- Manage your files and folders directly on the device for better mobility.

Your TV

- Record your favorite TV shows or series directly on your Archos 405 with the optional DVR Station Gen 5.
- Easy programming with the TV Program Guide.
- Record the most video sources such as satellite/cable box, VCR, DVD player in MPEG-4 format.

Your music

- Store and listen up at least 1,000 songs¹.
- Play the most popular music files such as MP3, WAV, WMA and protected WMA.
- Easily organize songs with the enhanced ARCLibrary.
- Customize your view by artist, album, type of music, and title, and create your playlist on the go.

⁽¹⁾ On average; based on 3.5 mins/song & 64 kbits/s WMA, on 1000 kbits/s MPEG-4 audio/video encoding and 1h30/movie (for near DVD Quality), on JPEG, VGA