[New Generation 4 portable media players from ARCHOS can schedule and record favorite movies and programs, supports all standard video formats, offers 30GB hard drive and large screens with more than 16 million colors.]

Denver -- ARCHOS, Inc., a global consumer electronics manufacturer and inventor of the portable video player, introduced today the latest in portable media players with the ARCHOS 404 and 604 models. The new products are a part of the Generation 4 line of portable media players, announced separately today. The first available in the line, the ARCHOS 404 and 604, play back all standard video formats(1), offer extreme portability and feature the most brilliant, award-winning screens in the industry. The new products will support movie downloads from the popular online video services and recording of content directly from the TV or DVD player(2). The new ARCHOS 404 and 604 are priced at $299.99 and $349.99, respectively, with retail availability in early September.

As a part of the new Generation 4 line, the ARCHOS 404 and 604 share a sleek metallic silver casing with new right-side button layout and graphical interface for simplified navigation and control. The optional DVR Station accessory turns the 404 and 604 into portable Digital Video Recorders that let consumers schedule and record favorite movies and programming from the TV, DVD player(2) or cable box directly onto the device. With a 30GB hard drive capacity, the ARCHOS 404 and 604 can store 30 movies(3), 130 hours(3) of TV programming, 300,000 photos(3) or 15,000 songs(3).

The ARCHOS 404 and 604 are perfectly designed for watching video on the go, whether using a PC, Macintosh or home theater system. The broad range of features includes:

-- Large, Bright Screens: The new Generation 4 screens are even larger and sharper than before, boasting more than 16 million colors.

-- Broadest Range of Video Formats: The new products support all standard video formats(1), including MPEG-4(4) ASP and WMV(5) in full D1 resolution, AVI and can read MPEG-4 AVC/H.264(6)(MP4 QuickTime files), MPEG-2(7), with optional software plug-ins.

-- DVD Quality Video Playback: View content from the device onto a TV for high-quality DVD playback with 5.1 surround sound.

-- Music-Enhanced Photo Slideshows: Enhanced photo slideshows now include music and transition effects.

-- PDF Viewer: For the first time, view PDF documents on the device.

-- Optional DVR Station for TV Recording: Add extra features such as direct recording from a TV, DVD player, cable box or satellite receiver with the DVR Station.

-- Optional Docking Adapter for Quick Charge and Data Transfer: Use the optional Docking Adapter to quickly charge the battery and transfer music, video, photos and files.

-- Optional Video Cable for TV Play-Back: Plug in the A/V Cable to view video and photos from the device to a TV in high quality.

-- Optional Travel Accessories: A new range of convenient travel accessories includes replaceable batteries, chargers, travel and protective cases, portable speakers, DVR Travel Adapter for recording content on the go, and hands-free video filming with the Helmet Camcorder.

The Industry's Most Portable Large-Screen Media Players

The 404 is one of the thinnest and most affordable portable video players on the market today at only .6 inches thick and under $300. The 404 measures 4 x 3 x 0.6 inches and weighs 6.75 ounces, yet boasts a large 3.5-inch color LCD screen. The 604 features an extra sharp 4.3-inch display, removable battery and kick-stand for easy tabletop viewing. The 604 measures 5 x 3 x 0.65 inches and weighs only 9 ounces.

The ARCHOS portable video player screens are rated best in the industry, with the new products improving on the previous technology. An independent study by DisplayMate Technologies awarded the AV 500, predecessor to the 404 and 604, the top honor for its screen, beating out all other competing products in screen quality and clarity. Raymond Soneira, president of DisplayMate Technologies said, "During our intensive laboratory testing and evaluation of the photo/video image and picture quality of six top MP3 and Personal Video Players for CNET, the Archos AV 500 had the best overall image and picture quality, and it was the only unit to receive a grade of 'A.' In fact, it performed significantly better than the other units in almost every category."

Pricing and Availability

The 404 is priced at $299.99 while the 604 is $349.99. ARCHOS is accepting pre-orders today on its Web site at www.archos.com. The products will be available at other online and retail outlets beginning in early September. All ARCHOS portable video players come with headphones, USB cable, DVR saddle for connecting the optional DVR Recorder, and protective pouch. ARCHOS is extending the 404 with an integrated camcorder, and the 604 with integrated wireless and touch screen features later this year.

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