Audio/Video Playback:

While there are many features available on the Archos TV+, this review will look at file browser, video, and music playback. The other features require additional plug-ins which were not made available for this review.



Video

Video playback is adequate, but it won't match up to devices with higher resolution options. Video playback consists mainly of MP4 (DIVX, XVID) and WMV files. H.264 and VOB are not supported natively, and are supported only through the purchase of a plug-in. Also, AC3 encoded videos will not be playable unless you purchase the plug-in.

During playback the standard options are available; fast forward, rewind, and pause. Looking through the menu options, one playback mode stood out. Shuffle. This is one feature that almost every media player skips. For most, a shuffle option for video seems to be a waste, however I find it helpful at certain times; parties (birthday, graduations, weddings), music videos, etc.

Music

The music player is fairly basic, like the video player, and it provides basic controls (forward, back, pause). The player shows information taken from the ID3 tags, such as artist, song title, and album title. If the album art is included it will show that as well. At the bottom of the screen Archos shows the previous song, and the next song; this is presented even when Shuffle is selected. The very bottom of the screen has a progress indicator.



The audio formats supported include MP3, WMA, WAV, and it lacks support for formats such as AAC and AC3 (as with video, these can be played with the proper plug-in). These plug-ins can be purchased from Archos, starting around $19.99, however if you look around plug-in packs can be purchased for a reduced price at various resellers.