Archos roadmap reveals WiFi-, DTV-, and 3.5G-enabled PMPs

In a refreshing change of pace from the frustrating veil of secrecy under which most consumer electronics companies keep their future plans, Archos has done us all a big favor and posted a roadmap highlighting some of the technologies we can expect to see in its upcoming devices. Most prominently featured in this so-called investor kit is one of the models we spotted in a Swiss catalog last month, which is now starting to look very much like the ultimate PMP: besides a 30GB hard drive and 4.3-inch screen, it seems the 504 will also sport the always-popular docking cradle, along with WiFi, GPS, and even a 3.5G cellular modem for pulling in Internet TV broadcasts and direct downloading of purchased content. We also saw what looks like a revised version of the AV 700 called the AV 700 TV (pictured), which appears to have no less than four antennas sticking out of the top for tuning into Freeview and presumably other OTA digital TV formats. Keep your eyes peeled, video fans, because it sounds like Archos is really planning to shake things up this year by packing in more connectivity options than anyone else on the market -- and that's just fine with us.

[Thanks, Bray]

[Simon @ Jul 5th 2006 3:21PM]

1st post :)
Actually on the AV700TV the antennae are not on the unit itself they are two seperate modules that plug into the unit. There are two antennae for each DVB-T tuner, and the device sports 2 count em 2 tuners. To record one show while watching another? No, just to get good reception on the move :)

[Tech Rewind @ Jul 5th 2006 3:24PM]

Awesome! I've been waiting for this!

[Yaya @ Jul 5th 2006 3:35PM]

Alright Archos! I have a Gmini 400, and it is by far the best electronic gadget I have ever purchased. I have movies, tv shows, sound recording, music, DOOM, AND Game Gear games, all rolled into one tiny little aluminum case. When I show it off, it is just too easy to shatter the smugness that Ipod owners have.

[Alex @ Jul 5th 2006 3:48PM]

I freakin love Archos. Always on the forefront of innovation and gagetry(?). My Jukebox FM 20 Recorder has not failed me in the three years I've owned it, and the battery still lasts a respectable amount of time for its age.

[ninja @ Jul 5th 2006 3:53PM]

The AV 700 TV is already available in the UK

http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/870867

[Jvijil @ Jul 5th 2006 4:12PM]

Where the can you buy an Archos Gmini 500???? I've searched everywhere and have not been able to find it. Please let me know so I can decide between the av700tv or the Gmini 500.

[Ernie @ Jul 5th 2006 4:12PM]

I also have an FM 20 recorder but I've had mine for 2 years. They make one heck of a product I'll tell you that much. My battery works perfect even after 2 years but I never let it get below half way discharged if that matters.

[E71 @ Jul 5th 2006 4:21PM]

I just want them to add better codec support (xvid, ac3 etc.) and stereo on their current AV500 100GB PMP. Why's it so difficult to get those in their damn it.

[LR2 @ Jul 5th 2006 4:25PM]

My PMP plans have been put on hold for a while and it seems my wait has been worth it. Looking forward to some great stuff from Archos.

[Nukes and Candy @ Jul 5th 2006 5:03PM]

Im getting a baaad feeling about this, Look at the screen, you see the soccer pic is from gettyimages, thats not the display! No display is that bright!
Its a Foney!

.

[Calibur @ Jul 5th 2006 5:11PM]

I have had bad experience with my PMA 430 with them as their support was really poor. Although the product by itself is fantastic. Does anyone have any information on its GPS technology? This article says it has the capability, but a quick google search shows no such thing. Thank you in advance.

[wii-modchips @ Jul 17th 2006 1:05AM]

Having HDTV on pmp is great, but will the pmp screen have HD resolution that is the big question, and I don't think it will in the near future, so the HD tuner is as good as a regular TV tuner (just more expensive) if you don't have the HD res screen.