[Updated Jan. 5, 2004] — Archos will begin distributing its Linux-based “fourth generation” personal video recorder/player (PVR/PVP) this month. The Pocket Media Assistant PMA400 boasts a 30GB hard drive, wireless Internet access, and “a host of additional new features,” according to an Archos spokesperson.

According to Archos, the PMA400 can record video directly from a TV, VCR, cable box, or satellite receiver. It can also record and play music. A browser interface for scheduling recordings can be accessed over the Internet. The device can also be used to view photos, play games, or run third-party Linux applications of all kinds, the company says.

Archos says the PMA400's Linux-based operating system will enable users and third-party software providers to develop applications for the platform. The device's Linux environment is based on Qtopia, so the device should be capable of running much of the software developed for Sharp's Zaurus and other Qtopia-based Linux PDAs, with at most a recompile. Archos plans to distribute an SDK (software development kit) for the PMA400 through a dedicated community website it plans to launch.

The PMA400 includes a QVGA (320 x 240) TFT touchscreen. The built-in Hitachi hard drive has a capacity of 30GB, and additional storage devices — along with peripherals such as digital cameras and keyboards — can be connected through a USB 2.0 host port.

The device's audio/video outputs support “near DVD quality” at up to 704 x 480 resolution at 30 frames/sec (MTSC) or 720 x 576 at 25 frames/sec (PAL), and AVI file format at up to 720 x 480 at 30 frames/sec (NTSC) or 720 x 576 at 25 frames/sec (PAL), according to Archos.

Archos previewed the PMA400 at CeBIT last Spring.

The PMA400 is similar to the AV420, shown here
Archos lists features of the PMA400 as follows:

• Stores up to 120 hours of content, or 60 full-length movies (in MPEG-4 SP format)
• Records from TV, VCR, cable box, or satellite receiver, and supports remote Internet scheduling
• Stores up to 650 CDs, and supports MP3, WAV, and WMA formats, including Windows Media DRM-protected files. ARCLibrary software indexes content and supports playlists, as well as voice recording through internal microphone
• Stores up to 300,000 jpg, png, bmp, or gif files, and supports USB mass storage devices such as digital cameras
• Supports Mophun and Qtopia games
• Supports Wi-Fi, cabled Ethernet (with USB adapter), and IrDA mobile phone networking
• Customizable with Linux applications
• Opera browser, email client, and Qtopia PIM (personal information manager) suite
• USB 2.0 host support

CEO Henri Crohas said, “ARCHOS redefined the MP3 player market with its portable video devices that do far more than play music, and is now raising the bar in the emerging PVP space at a time when many companies are just jumping in.”

Specifications

Archos currently lists the following specifications for the PMA400 . . .

Capacity:	30 GB.
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 704×480 @ 30 f/s (MTSC), 720×576 @ 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 512×384 @ 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.
Games:	Qtopia embedded games and Mophun game engine to play games downloadable from Archos web-site
Display:	3.5-inch TFT transflective touch screen (QVGA) 320×240 pixels, 262,000 colors and TV output
AV Connections:	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 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 in.)
Weight:	280 g (9.9 oz)
System requirements:	PC: Pentium III 800 MHz or higher, Windows 98 SE, 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. Linux: with support for USB Mass Storage Class devices.

Availability

The PMA400 will become available this month, from major US and European retailers, priced at $799 and €799 (including VAT). It will include TV cradle, remote control, headphones, protective flap, stylus, removable battery, USB 2.0 cable, power adapter and universal power plugs. Optional accessories include a USB-to-Ethernet cable, replaceable battery, USB Keyboard, styli four pack, AV travel kit, car adaptor, travel case, and stand-up travel case for propping up the PMA400 to watch videos on the road.

A project to port Linux to older Archos PVPs achieved a preliminary boot screen in July.

[This story is a replacement for the previous version published last week, based on new information released by Archos this week at CES.]

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