- Digital media player - stores 130 hours or 85 movies
- 4.3" LCD color screen - plays back on TV too
- Plays different media formats MPEG-41, WMV2, MPEG-4, AAC/H.2643, MPEG-24 and VOB4
- Records TV, satellite/cable box, VCR, DVD player6 or camcorder in MPEG-4 format
- Store up to 15,000 songs on the hard drive
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Technical Details
Product details
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Product Description
Manufacturer's Description
Archos 604 30GB Digital Media Player The ARCHOS 604 is the perfect companion for people on the move: its hard drive capacity allows you to store up to 130 hours of video encoded with a PC, the equivalent of 85 movies. Play them on the built-in 4.3" LCD color screen o 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-41, WMV2 and protected WMV2 and read MPEG-4 AAC/H.2643 r (.MP4 QuickTime files), MPEG-24, and VOB4 with optional software plug-ins (available on this website). The ARCHOS 604 also offers many more functionalities such as slow motion, adjustable screen size, video editing and even a video bookmarking function. Record Video with the optional DVR station. Record TV or most video sources such as satellite /cable box, VCR, DVD player6 or camcorder in MPEG-4 format. Records video directly on its hard drive in MPEG-4 format, up to VGA resolution (640 x 480). Transfer your photos from a PC or most mass storage devices via the USB 2.0 high speed interface or directly from a digital camera, on the move with the optional docking adapter, or at home with the DVR station. Store up to 15,000 songs on the hard drive and play most popular music files such as MP3, WAV, WMA and protected WMA files. Charge via the USB 2.0 interface or plug the device into the DVR station to get a quick charge (faster than USB). Video2). |  |
| Video player | ||
 | The ARCHOS 604 is the perfect companion for people on the move: its 30 GB* hard drive capacity allows you to store up to 130 hours of video5 encoded with a PC, the equivalent of 85 movies5. Play them on the built-in 4.3" 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-41, WMV2 and protected WMV2 and read MPEG-4 AAC/H.2643 (.MP4 QuickTime files), MPEG-24, and VOB4 with optional software plug-ins (available on this website). The ARCHOS 604 also offers many more functionalities such as slow motion, adjustable screen size, video editing and even a video bookmarking function. | |
| Record TV or external video sources | ||
Transform your ARCHOS 604 into a Digital Video Recorder with the optional DVR station. Record TV or most video sources such as satellite/cable box, VCR, DVD player6 or camcorder in MPEG-4 format1. Set up the DVR station by connecting it to the external video source; simply slot in your ARCHOS and record instantaneously or make scheduled recordings with the included infrared receiver that controls the external video sources. |  | |
| Turn your ARCHOS into a camcorder | ||
 | Record your personal videos. | |
| Photo Wallet | ||
Transfer your photos from a PC or most mass storage devices via the USB 2.0 high speed interface or directly from a digital camera, on the move with the optional docking adapter, or at home with the DVR station. Store and view up to 300,000 photos5 (JPEG, PNG and BMP formats) and display slideshows with music and transition effect. Manage your files and folders directly on the device for a better mobility. |  | |
| Music Player | ||
 | Store up to 15,000 songs5 on the hard drive and play most popular music files such as MP3, WAV, WMA and protected WMA files. Easily organize songs with the enhanced ARCLibrary and customize your view by artist, album, type of music, title, year, and create your playlists without having to use a computer. Use the voice recorder to store notes quickly for a later use. | |
| Charge and sync | ||
Charge your ARCHOS 604 via the USB 2.0 interface or plug the device into the DVR station to get a quick charge (faster than USB). Purchase, download, subscribe to or rent protected video and music content from the Microsoft PlaysForSure™ websites. Using the high-speed USB 2.0 interface, the ARCHOS 604 will easily auto-synchronize this content with Windows Media® Player 10 each time you connect it to your PC, or convert your Windows Media® Player 10 library content to one of the many compatible formats (MP3, WMA, WAV, protected WMA, MPEG-41, WMV2 and protected Windows Media Video2). |  | |
Product Description
ARCHOS 604 PMP 30GB 4.3 SCREEN 16M COLOURS UK
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
45 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Ok, I won't dwell on the pros, because basically, this device is STUNNING. Beautiful screen and video playback quality is incredible - and that's why you're buying it. It looks good, the finish is nice, and it's not big or chunky. I highly recommend getting one - I even watch it at home it looks so good!
However, I think the important thing for me is to cover the annoying things you will encounter. So here goes:
1. Very limited windows explorer facility on device, i.e. u cannot create folders or subfolders, or even move files around, and you can't see any folder properties (e.g. folder size etc.). You have to do all your creating/editing/rearranging, on your pc, and then copy it onto the archos. It seems silly if you want to rearrange files that are already on the archos. (No big deal though)
2. The screen smudges easily so get a screen protector even before u start using it.
3. Also doesn't come with a case, but I got a nice one from i-nique for about £15. Does the job.
4. Having to buy separate power adaptor? - hmmm..... not good
5. 30GB?? That's less than my mp3 player from 3 years ago. But then again, if I had a pound for every track that has remained completely unlistened to over these 3 years .... Anyway, at least it keeps it "outstandingly" slim. Just be prepared to rotate your video files - does anyone really need more than 10-20 films on there at any one time?
6. Takes a little while to get used to the buttons and navigation, but you can work things out relatively easily - haven't needed any documentation yet. It would have been nice if the buttons lit up too, because it is impossible to see in the dark. Once you are used to them though, then I guess it's not really an issue.
7. The photo viewer initially displays all photos even if they are in subfolders. This can be annoying if there are certain photos you would rather not have displayed for all to see when photo viewer is selected (is there a way to stop this?)
8. Music quality is alright. Not stunning, but it's definitely not bad and u can still enjoy it. If listening to music is a secondary function for you then the video playback will certainly make up for it. If you want buy something primarily for the music, with video playback a secondary function, then you MIGHT want to go with something else - although, different earphones and the EQ settings has a huge impact on the sound - I like the Jazz settings.
9. Nearly all of my music and video files are in supported formats so I can't really complain about video format issues. It's a little annoying that it doesn't support other picture formats like gif or bmp, but I was aware of all of this when I bought it.
A note: when updating firmware, the device must be charging (is it just mine?). So, plug the USB cable in and select "charge only". The archos website doesn't mention this.
All in all...a good buy, you won't be disappointed, though be prepared to spend money on accessories (I spent over £100 - case, battery pack, DVR station, screen protector). A little more thought given to the little things (and the music quality) could have gotten this device all 5 out of 5 ratings. Maybe Archos should read these reviews and bear it in mind next time - I know when I see an average rating of 5 out of 5 for a product, across lots of reviews; it practically makes my mind up for me. If i could have given 4 1/2 stars, i would have done.
NEW: Since writing this, i have on occassion felt a little bit more let down by the music quality. It isn't brilliant. Could have been better - i take back the 4 1/2 stars, stickin with just 4. If music IS of main importance, then there really are better machines out there, although you will miss out on what is still amazing video playback.
However, I think the important thing for me is to cover the annoying things you will encounter. So here goes:
1. Very limited windows explorer facility on device, i.e. u cannot create folders or subfolders, or even move files around, and you can't see any folder properties (e.g. folder size etc.). You have to do all your creating/editing/rearranging, on your pc, and then copy it onto the archos. It seems silly if you want to rearrange files that are already on the archos. (No big deal though)
2. The screen smudges easily so get a screen protector even before u start using it.
3. Also doesn't come with a case, but I got a nice one from i-nique for about £15. Does the job.
4. Having to buy separate power adaptor? - hmmm..... not good
5. 30GB?? That's less than my mp3 player from 3 years ago. But then again, if I had a pound for every track that has remained completely unlistened to over these 3 years .... Anyway, at least it keeps it "outstandingly" slim. Just be prepared to rotate your video files - does anyone really need more than 10-20 films on there at any one time?
6. Takes a little while to get used to the buttons and navigation, but you can work things out relatively easily - haven't needed any documentation yet. It would have been nice if the buttons lit up too, because it is impossible to see in the dark. Once you are used to them though, then I guess it's not really an issue.
7. The photo viewer initially displays all photos even if they are in subfolders. This can be annoying if there are certain photos you would rather not have displayed for all to see when photo viewer is selected (is there a way to stop this?)
8. Music quality is alright. Not stunning, but it's definitely not bad and u can still enjoy it. If listening to music is a secondary function for you then the video playback will certainly make up for it. If you want buy something primarily for the music, with video playback a secondary function, then you MIGHT want to go with something else - although, different earphones and the EQ settings has a huge impact on the sound - I like the Jazz settings.
9. Nearly all of my music and video files are in supported formats so I can't really complain about video format issues. It's a little annoying that it doesn't support other picture formats like gif or bmp, but I was aware of all of this when I bought it.
A note: when updating firmware, the device must be charging (is it just mine?). So, plug the USB cable in and select "charge only". The archos website doesn't mention this.
All in all...a good buy, you won't be disappointed, though be prepared to spend money on accessories (I spent over £100 - case, battery pack, DVR station, screen protector). A little more thought given to the little things (and the music quality) could have gotten this device all 5 out of 5 ratings. Maybe Archos should read these reviews and bear it in mind next time - I know when I see an average rating of 5 out of 5 for a product, across lots of reviews; it practically makes my mind up for me. If i could have given 4 1/2 stars, i would have done.
NEW: Since writing this, i have on occassion felt a little bit more let down by the music quality. It isn't brilliant. Could have been better - i take back the 4 1/2 stars, stickin with just 4. If music IS of main importance, then there really are better machines out there, although you will miss out on what is still amazing video playback.
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Does what it says on the tin. Wonderful bright screen, amazingly slim (for what it does) easy controls (when you've used them a few times).
played my Divx films straight away (with just a message to buy the plugin for a couple that had AC3 sound, got around that by using the free AC3 -> MP3 encoder from http://divx.ppccool.com/
Am using CloneDVD Mobile from Sly Software to copy my (paid for) DVD's to ARCHOS format, works a treat. Able to get over 30 films in high quality on the 604 with a few of gig left over for music, photos, pdf's (it displays these too!) , files... whatever you want to put on it!
Some people complain about lack of dock, etc. but personally I don't think I'd use one that often, it's far quicker to copy files from a PC than wait for 'real time' video transfer from a video source - Easier to copy it to DVD-RW locally (if you can) and sort it out on the PC later!
TIPS:
Blackberry mains chargers with usb outlet will charge the 604 (slow as PC USB charging though)
Get the Noreve Traditional leather case - you won't be sorry, fits like a glove AAA+++
Got a i-nique Enhanced Top-Coat Anti-Glare Screen Protector - Excellent!
GROANS:
Small one - An included quick mains charger would have been nice.
Big one- Kit unjustifiably dear in UK, Docks, batteries, etc, are priced $ for £ (or less!) on the US Amazon site, but the won't let us buy them (probably not Amazons fault) I tried, but they said that the manufacturer won't let them - shame, i'd much rather pay $29 + a few dollars shipping for a genuine battery from the 'States - £15 against £47 here. I'd like to hear someone trying to justify that!!!
Nonetheless, Highly Recommended! Buy one!
played my Divx films straight away (with just a message to buy the plugin for a couple that had AC3 sound, got around that by using the free AC3 -> MP3 encoder from http://divx.ppccool.com/
Am using CloneDVD Mobile from Sly Software to copy my (paid for) DVD's to ARCHOS format, works a treat. Able to get over 30 films in high quality on the 604 with a few of gig left over for music, photos, pdf's (it displays these too!) , files... whatever you want to put on it!
Some people complain about lack of dock, etc. but personally I don't think I'd use one that often, it's far quicker to copy files from a PC than wait for 'real time' video transfer from a video source - Easier to copy it to DVD-RW locally (if you can) and sort it out on the PC later!
TIPS:
Blackberry mains chargers with usb outlet will charge the 604 (slow as PC USB charging though)
Get the Noreve Traditional leather case - you won't be sorry, fits like a glove AAA+++
Got a i-nique Enhanced Top-Coat Anti-Glare Screen Protector - Excellent!
GROANS:
Small one - An included quick mains charger would have been nice.
Big one- Kit unjustifiably dear in UK, Docks, batteries, etc, are priced $ for £ (or less!) on the US Amazon site, but the won't let us buy them (probably not Amazons fault) I tried, but they said that the manufacturer won't let them - shame, i'd much rather pay $29 + a few dollars shipping for a genuine battery from the 'States - £15 against £47 here. I'd like to hear someone trying to justify that!!!
Nonetheless, Highly Recommended! Buy one!
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
This is the best machine on the market for me,and its upto you to decide whether it is for you too...
The Key areas to look at are Cost,Screen size and quality,weight and size,contents of the package and the ease of adding new material.
I previously owned a Creative Portable Media Centre and this machine beats it hands down,but it also suits me far better than the latest ipod and creative handheld PVPs...
The screen is monstrously sharp,and very large...the machine is light and very thin,the battery is the one point that in my opinion should have been better,it lasts about 4hours on video mode,which is less than my previous PVP...I found that the latest Creative and Apple small screened machines were not good enough for me,if youron a long trip you dont want to be squinting the whole way...
The machine takes most file types,i have a lot of videos on pc of all types and some I have been unable to upload so far,but having emailed archos,they replied within a working day to let me know that plugins were on the way...
30gb is more than enough space,although i managed to fill it up on the first day,but changing and uploading things is so easy!you simply drag and drop files into the device...
People are complaining about it not coming with an adaptor(plug socket) but it can be easily and quickly charged via your computer but admittedly it was cheeky of them not to include one.
also the dvr stand being sold seperately does not affect me because i do not record from tv programs...But people who rely on this as a means to supply programs to their devices would have to shell out[money] for one...i might do so at some point.
One other thing that people have complained about on sites [...],is that the sound is poor.When listening through headphones,the sound is excellent,however when using the built in speaker,its not incredible but not awful...Again this doesnt affect me at all because i use it on trains with headphones...
Hopefully this has helped you decide,i am really into gadgets and i did ALOT of research before choosing the Archos,but i really feel like it was a wise decision because it very light,and thin and has a great screen,extremely easy to add files to(and very fast transfer rate too)...
ENJOY IT!
ps incidently i didnt want the 404 because i heard that the picture is grainier than the 604 but im sure its also great...
The price is very fair,[...]for this device is an extremely cheap release price...It is in my opinion very stylish,easy to use,
compared to its rivals this wins handsdown,i have researched alot and this is the best choice
The Key areas to look at are Cost,Screen size and quality,weight and size,contents of the package and the ease of adding new material.
I previously owned a Creative Portable Media Centre and this machine beats it hands down,but it also suits me far better than the latest ipod and creative handheld PVPs...
The screen is monstrously sharp,and very large...the machine is light and very thin,the battery is the one point that in my opinion should have been better,it lasts about 4hours on video mode,which is less than my previous PVP...I found that the latest Creative and Apple small screened machines were not good enough for me,if youron a long trip you dont want to be squinting the whole way...
The machine takes most file types,i have a lot of videos on pc of all types and some I have been unable to upload so far,but having emailed archos,they replied within a working day to let me know that plugins were on the way...
30gb is more than enough space,although i managed to fill it up on the first day,but changing and uploading things is so easy!you simply drag and drop files into the device...
People are complaining about it not coming with an adaptor(plug socket) but it can be easily and quickly charged via your computer but admittedly it was cheeky of them not to include one.
also the dvr stand being sold seperately does not affect me because i do not record from tv programs...But people who rely on this as a means to supply programs to their devices would have to shell out[money] for one...i might do so at some point.
One other thing that people have complained about on sites [...],is that the sound is poor.When listening through headphones,the sound is excellent,however when using the built in speaker,its not incredible but not awful...Again this doesnt affect me at all because i use it on trains with headphones...
Hopefully this has helped you decide,i am really into gadgets and i did ALOT of research before choosing the Archos,but i really feel like it was a wise decision because it very light,and thin and has a great screen,extremely easy to add files to(and very fast transfer rate too)...
ENJOY IT!
ps incidently i didnt want the 404 because i heard that the picture is grainier than the 604 but im sure its also great...
The price is very fair,[...]for this device is an extremely cheap release price...It is in my opinion very stylish,easy to use,
compared to its rivals this wins handsdown,i have researched alot and this is the best choice
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Flawless - fantastic
I had an Archos Gmini 400 which got squashed in transit. I almost bought the 402 because I missed it so much but for £10 more I went for this. Read more
Published on 20 May 2008 by Dr. D. E. Goldwater
why I did not buy one
I purchased one online then I came across the reviews sections they were all informative and helpful. Read more
Published on 10 May 2008 by Mr. M. R. Taylor
It's one of the best - but has the odd flaw
I bought this primarily for playing music. 30gb is more than enough for music, but I also have ten different films on there along with all my music and have 10gb still to use up. Read more
Published on 20 Nov 2007 by DJColzz
Great for watching recorded TV & movies when commuting. Can record...
This is great for watching recorded TV shows and movies when commuting. I will discuss recording with Free View (or similar) since when researching the product I could not find... Read more
Published on 20 Sep 2007 by Filipeport
Love it
This is, without doubt, the best gadget I've ever bought. Yes, it's tiresome that one has to buy the docking station separately, but massive cons far outweight this minor quibble. Read more
Published on 18 Sep 2007 by Mark Hazard
Unreliable product. DONT BUY
The player itself is good, video quality good, sound ok. It doesnt come with an Mp4 codec which you have to buy. YOu also need a docking adaptor to play videos on the TV. Read more
Published on 2 Sep 2007 by Prof Senaka Rajapakse
ANGRY & DISGUSTED AT ARCHOS... But I do like the actual device!
I've just opened my new archos 604 30gb 2 hours ago. I'll tell you why I'm so ANGRY with Archos in a minute, first lets look at the contents... Read more
Published on 6 Jun 2007 by BOOK BOY
Great Piece of equipment, but some minor ......
I would first off like to say that the Archos 604 is probably one of the best purchases i have ever made, it's light and it's easy to use, but i do have some minor problems with... Read more
Published on 7 May 2007 by Robert Burge
Few things to watch out for
Hi. I've got this item a few days ago. The first thing I had to do is to upgrade the firmware from default version 1.1.05 to 1.6.20. Read more
Published on 20 Mar 2007 by Chakrit Ratanamook
Nice one
Got the unit delivered with a couple of days and was initially well impressed. Picture excellent, capacity great did everything I wanted. Read more
Published on 11 Jan 2007 by S. Fletcher
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