Archos 501429 DVR Station - 7th Generation

I purchased this Archos DVR Station (7th Generation) after doing a lot of research, so I already knew that it does not perform well as a 'DVR Station' to record TV programs. My main intention is to use it as a docking station for my Archos 5 500 GB Internet Tablet, so that I can playback HD video files on large-scrren TV. In that respect, I'm not disappointed.What came as a nice surprise is that: inside the package there is an activation code for "HD Cinema plug-in". This is the codec that enables the Archos 5 to playback DVD files, which means MPEG-2/VOB video with AC3 audio (5.1 surround if you use the SPDIF port). This plug-in is priced at $39.99 if you purchase it from the Archos web site. So essentially, that's like getting the DVR station hardware at 50% off!By the way, the Amazon.com product description says (under "What's in the box") that 'Hi-Def plug-in' is included. This is incorrect. You actually get the Hi-Def plug-in for free when you register your device at the Archos web site. The Hi-Def plug-in allows you to playback video files up to 720p, but it does not work if the file is encoded in MPEG-2, which is common for all DVD movies.With this HD Cinema plug-in installed, I can now copy a whole DVD content into my Archos 5's internal hard drive, then click on the first VOB file to start playing the movie (this only works for an unprotected DVD, of course). The video is then up-converted to 720p and sent to my TV through HDMI port. The picture quality is as good as using an up-converting DVD player, but with the added benefit that I can potentially store about 100 DVD movies in the 500GB internal hard drive (I don't actually plan to do that, because it takes 30 minutes just to copy one disc). If that's not enough, I can even attach another hard drive to the USB port of the DVD station, and playback more media files from there.So the bottom line is: the Archos DVR station works very well for playing back video on your TV, especially with the included HD Cinema plug-in. It is a great value - as long as you DON'T try to use it as a DVR station!Footnote:I actually purchased the HD Cinema plug-in through Archos web site just one day before receiving this DVR station. At first I was rather upset that I have wasted my money. But after I called Archos customer service to complain about it, the operator cheerfully offered to refund my purchase for the plug-in. So for that I'm thankful.

I knew this device had some bad reviews, but I thought I would give it the benefit of the doubt. I really wanted the USB host functionality, but I thought I would try the DVR to record movies and tv shows for watching when I travel on vacations and work. I use the DVR for my Archos 5 Internet TabletPositives:This records some great quality videos for the Archos 5. The USB host function works (I tested two different mice, two cameras, and a USB hard drive).Negative:The DVR makes the Archos 5 extremely hot. This is one reason I believe the other reviewers that this can cause damage to the Archos devices left in the DVR for extended times. I do not trust it for charging my device. I prefer using a wall adapter and plugging in my Archos even if it takes longer.The USB host port has a spring loaded cover. I hate this design. I do not plan on connected the DVR unit to my computer, so why can't I just snap the cover over that port instead of having to maneuver the spring-loaded door everytime I want to connect a hard drive or mouse?Recording video does not work as well when using both video in and out. I recommend just connecting the video in when trying to record video. Occasionally I have issues recording items on the Archos 5 IT, but I find if it looks weird on the screen when recording, then the recording will be messed up and you should undock the Archos device and reconnect (this usually works for me).Why is there a 2 hour limit on recorded videos? This means I have to record 2+hr movies into two files. I could have understood if the limit was 3 or 4 hours, but there are quite a few movies that are longer than 2 hours (some make even longer by commercial breaks).It is also annoying that the tv guide does not work. Fortunately I use my 'real' DVR and record the movies/shows that I want to watch and then play them back for my DVR to record to my Archos when I am not watching tv.Overall:You might reconsider getting this device if you think this will work as your cable provider's DVR because it wont. However, for a basic tv out device to you Archos and as a USB host it works.

Bought this unit based on its stated ability to act as a DVR scheduled off the Archos program guide ... as others have stated here the program guide part is the problem as it is not operational. I emailed Archos and got the same standard reply that the service was down indefinitely ... I have to assume since this has been an ongoing problem that it will never be as it should.I was able to manually record to my Archos 5 32 gig IT and the quality of recording is good ... however I was never able to get the thing to record via the scheduling tool ... and I tried many different ways ... I have to conclude that the scheduler does not work with my cable HD PVR receiver or there is a technical problem with the DVR unit itself.I have a TV tuner in my desktop and downloaded Beyond TV and I was able to schedule and record to my PC then transfer to my Archos 5 and it played quite nicely ... so that's the ticket.At any rate this thing is going back to Amazon for refund.