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4VIDEO – Playing Video Files from the Internet

When using Windows Media® Player 10, you will have the advantage of being able to download protected video content from the Internet. When you see the PlaysForSure™ symbol on a web site for Windows® Portable Media Center (PMC)**, then these protected downloads will be playable on your AV 500.

4.1 Protected Internet Video content

If you check the PlaysForSure™ website (www.playsforsure.com) you will find web retailers who offer rental, subscription, or purchasable video content. Remember, web sites must carry the PlaysForSure™ symbol in order for their videos to play on the AV 500.

4.1Non Protected Internet Video Content

The AV 500 plays .AVI files that are encoded with in MPEG-4 format. It can play such video files at a maximum size of 720 x 576 pixels (25 frames/second). It can also play .WMV files (WMV9 SP) up to a maximum size of 352 x 288**. The AV 500 will not directly play files of type .mov, .mpg, or .mpeg.

The number of encoding and compression schemes currently used to create video files is very extensive and seems to change on a weekly basis. There are so many standards and formats that it is very possible that the video file you download from the Internet will not play right away on your device. Due to certain “variations”, even when video files are formatted in “MPEG-4” they may not play right away.

If you have some video files that do not play directly on your AV 500, they will have to be converted first. Windows Media® Player 10 (Available only for Windows XP) will convert your video file automatically when you sync the file that is on your PC to the AV 500. It will display a little message ‘converting’.

*MPEG-4: ISO standard by Moving Picture Experts Group ; AVI: audio/video file container by Microsoft. MPEG-4 SP with B-frames AVI up to 704x480@30f/s NTSC or 720x576@25f/s PAL.

**Microsoft WMV9 SP up to 352x288@30f/s and 800 kb/s ; supports WM DRM.

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You can also use the software MPEG-4 Translator included on the AV 500 hard drive to re-encode your video files into the proper MPEG-4 SP format that the AV 500 can play. See the chapter Video – creating MPEG-4 video files with your computer for more details.

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Archos AV 500 series user manual 4VIDEO Playing Video Files from the Internet
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AV 500 series specifications

The Archos AV 500 series, launched in the mid-2000s, marked a significant step in portable multimedia players, setting the stage for how we consume media on the go. This innovative series stood out for its combination of storage capacity, multimedia capabilities, and user-friendly interface, making it a favorite among tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.

One of the hallmark features of the Archos AV 500 series was its sizeable hard drive, available in various capacities ranging from 20GB to 100GB. This ample storage allowed users to carry thousands of songs, hundreds of videos, and a variety of pictures. The player supported multiple formats, including MP3 and WMA for audio, as well as AVI and MPEG for video playback. The versatility in supported formats contributed significantly to its user appeal, enabling seamless playback of various media types.

The Archos AV 500 series was equipped with a 4-inch color LCD screen, delivering a sharp and vibrant viewing experience for videos and images. The device also supported a resolution of 480 x 272 pixels, ensuring that video playback was both smooth and visually pleasing. This emphasis on screen quality made it a popular choice for users looking to enjoy their media content on the move.

In terms of connectivity, the AV 500 series featured USB 2.0 for rapid file transfers, allowing users to quickly upload and download their favorite media. It also included an SD card slot, enabling users to expand storage capacity easily, a great advantage for those who needed more space for their content.

The Archos AV 500 series boasted an intuitive interface, featuring an easy-to-navigate menu that catered to users of all ages. The touchscreen operation facilitated quick access to media libraries, settings, and playback options, ensuring that the user experience was both efficient and enjoyable.

Moreover, the series included features such as video recording capabilities, allowing users to capture live events or personal moments directly onto the device. This recording function combined with the playback features created an all-in-one multimedia hub.

In conclusion, the Archos AV 500 series was a groundbreaking device in the portable media player market, offering an impressive combination of storage, versatility, and user-friendly technology. Its innovations paved the way for future developments in multimedia devices, leaving a lasting impact on how we engage with digital content.
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