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By now, everyone understands that Apple TV is a disappointment. Not only is the original hardware not up to much, but the new firmware update is also delayed, and probably still won’t bring much of any real use to the UK. So we’re always keen to see what the competition is up to. In this case, the Archos TV+ is the bit of kit trying to earn your cash.
We initially heard about the machine during CES 2008, but now we’ve managed to get our hands on a review sample, which means we can be more specific about what it offers.
The TV+ is best described as a cross between Apple TV and a PVR. It can stream media around your home, either over a wireless or wired network. It can handle MPEG-4, which should mean it’s happy playing most of the stuff you can get off the Interwebs.
The PVR allows you to record TV programmes in MPEG-4 to the built-in hard drive. There are two choices when it comes to internal storage: an 80GB model, or a massively capacious 250GB one. More than enough space to store all your media.
The TV+ also allows access to streaming video, which opens up a world of free content. The built-in, Opera-based browser supports flash video too, so you’ll be able to enjoy YouTube and more importantly the excellent video on CNET.co.uk. There are also widgets, for weather and RSS feeds, which extends the use of the machine even further.
It all sounds good so far, but the TV+ isn’t without some problems. For a start, it’s not high-definition capable. So despite having an HDMI output, you can’t actually get anything more than 576p out of it. We think that’s a missed opportunity, especially given Apple TVs credentials in this area. The other niggle we have is that you have to buy some ‘features’ separately, such as the ability to play DVD format files with AC3. This stuck us as a little tight, considering the machine costs a fairly hefty £250 for the 250GB model.
During our preview hands-on, we had a look around the online content Archos offers. Not without hassle, because before you can do anything you must register the machine with Archos, via its Web site. This does activate a one-year free TV guide trial, however, which is certainly worth having.
Our initial impressions of the package are actually pretty good — the
unit is sturdy and well built. It’s also nearly as good looking as
Apple TV. The remote control is unusual, but actually very usable once
you get used to it. The interface is rather ugly, but fairly
functional.
Even with our reservations, there’s enough stuff here to intrigue us, so we’ll be posting a full review of the Archos TV+ soon. Stay tuned. -Ian Morris.
Update: Read our full Archos TV+ review.
