15

4.2 Comparison of Windows Media Player 10 and 11 to Windows Media Player 9

Windows® Media Player 10 /11 is only available for Windows® XP (service Pack 1) and newer operating systems. It is worth your while to upgrade to Windows® XP (home or professional) and to Windows® Media Player 10/11. The list below shows the advantages.

Functionality

WMP9

WMP10 and 11

Auto-synchronize the WMP library

no*

yes

to Archos™ 204 on connecting to PC

 

 

Can synchronize subscription music

no

yes

(‘to go’ services) to your Archos™ 204

 

 

Carefree USB disconnection

no

yes

(no special green arrow unmount procedure)

 

 

* Must use WMP9 manual sync function to copy purchased music to the Archos™ 204.

4.3 Transferring your CD collection to the Archos™ 204

The process of transferring music from a CD into files for your Archos™ 204 is known as ‘ripping’. It is actually a transcoding process, taking the CDA (CD Audio) format and converting it to WMA or MP3 format which the Archos™ 204 can read. There are many music ripping programs on the market, but the easiest thing to do is to use Windows Media® Player to do it. In fact, when you place a music CD in your computer, Windows® will ask you if you would like to rip it. Depending on the power of your computer, to rip a 60 minute CD, it will take anywhere from 10 minutes to 60 minutes. Once this is done, the album will become part of your music library. Connect your Archos™ 204 to your computer with the supplied USB cable. Now, you go to the Sync tab and tell Windows Media® Player to synchronize that album to your Archos™ 204. It will then transfer that album to your Archos™ 204.

Note: Some music CDs have a special copy protection system that will not allow Windows

Media® Player to make music files from them.

15

16

4.4 Installing Windows Media® Player (WMP) 9

If you have Windows® ME or 2000, you should use Windows Media® Player 9. The easiest way to install this software is to visit the Microsoft® Website and download the very latest version.

4.5 Installing Windows Media® Player (WMP) 10 or 11

You must be running Windows® XP (Service Pack 1 or higher) in order to install Windows Media® Player 10/11. The easiest way to install this software is to visit the Microsoft® Website and download the very latest version.

16

Page 7 Page 9
Page 8
Image 8
Archos 204 Transferring your CD collection to the Archos, Installing Windows Media Player WMP, Functionality, WMP10
Page 7 Page 9

204 specifications

The Archos 204 is a compact and versatile portable media player that gained attention upon its release for its impressive features and user-friendly design. With a striking blend of functionality and portability, the Archos 204 quickly became a popular choice among consumers looking for an efficient way to enjoy music, videos, and photos on-the-go.

One of the standout features of the Archos 204 is its capacity to store up to 20GB of content, which allows users to carry thousands of songs as well as videos and images. This generous storage space was particularly appealing to those looking to consolidate their media collections into a single device. The device features a bright 2.4-inch color display, which enhances the viewing experience for video playback and photo browsing.

The versatility of the Archos 204 extends beyond music and video playback. It supports a variety of video formats, including MPEG-4 and WMV, making it a flexible option for users who want to watch their favorite shows or movies. The Archos 204 also includes an easy-to-use interface, which simplifies the navigation of playlists, video files, and image galleries.

Another significant characteristic of the Archos 204 is its audio quality. Equipped with built-in stereo speakers, it delivers a surprisingly rich and clear sound, allowing users to enjoy their music without needing external headphones or speakers. It also supports popular audio formats such as MP3, WMA, and WAV, ensuring compatibility with most audio files.

For those who value connectivity, the Archos 204 provides USB 2.0 support, enabling fast data transfer with computers for easy syncing of media files. This feature allows users to quickly update their libraries and keep their content fresh without hassle.

In terms of battery life, the Archos 204 offered users a robust performance, allowing for several hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This was particularly useful for long journeys or extended use outside the home.

Overall, the Archos 204 encapsulates a blend of convenient features, ample storage capacity, and quality audio-visual performance, making it an outstanding choice for media enthusiasts seeking a reliable portable player. Its balance of form and function makes it a memorable entry in the world of portable media technology, appealing to a wide array of users looking to enhance their digital experience.
Top Page Image Contents