Archos AV500 and Windows Media Player

jandanjan

Hello, I wonder if there may be anyone that can help me or, more acurately my husband Tony.

I bought him an Archos AV500 for his b'day last weekend. He loves his music so this is mainly for that but also gives the flexibility to record DVD/tv if needed. However, it is WMP9 or 10 compatible - we have WMP11, so wouldn't work.

We have reverted, we believe correctly following the instructions on the WMP website, back to WMP10: altho the Archos recognises the PC the PC doesn't recognise the media device - get an error message 'No device has been detected. Press F5 to refresh the Player.'

Can anyone help, please? Many thanks in advance!!

Regards,

Jan and Tony

fatnbald

Does the player get recognised as a virtual drive when hooked up to the PC? I have read on an Archos forum about issues with Windows Vista, perhaps this is the issue? Have you checked the firmware version you are running and cross checked with with Archos web site to see if an update is available?

The main reason for using the WMP is to synchronise the libraries on both devices, it is not essential for transferring files to and from the Archos so should not inhibit your use of this great bit of kit.

Just a tip, some videos will tell you need to add a plug in to play them on the Archos, in their cheek Archos charge 20 Euros for each one (there are two, which should be supplied with the player in my opinion), however if you convert the files to Archos format using the free programme found here http://www.pocketdivxencoder.net/ you will find that the clips will then play without the need for the plug in. This programme also cleans up and increases the quality of many of the clips I have downloaded of the net.

jandanjan

Hey FnB!!

Tony here... (great username, btw!!)

Thank you so much for your reply. My apols - should have made it clear we're on XP SP2... Also, please treat me as a technical numpty.

No, there appears to be no recognition of the Archos on my PC, i.e. when I look on 'My Computer' all the drives (when the device is coonected) are as before. The Archos is showing "USB cable attached - Windows device".

Don't understand what you mean by firmware version: sorry...... Could I trouble you to explain a bit more, please?

Re WMP: tbh, I don't really want to use this, I find RealPlayer to be more flexible but maybe you could suggest what you think is the best method. Music is my #1 priority for now but I do appreciate your comments on the DVD stuff.

Thank you once again: I look forward to hearing again (hopefully).

Kind regards,

Tony

fatnbald

Hi Tony

Firmware is the basic software that the Archos runs on, almost like the operating system for a PC, from time to time they produce updated versions of the firmware to fall in line with new software or hardware releases or to overcome bugs or performance issues that were not brought to light during the initial testing testing of device.
The firmware version your unit is working under will be shown under the "system" menu option on the Archos, make a note of the version you have (it might say something like "1.5.55") then check with the main Archos website and see what the latest version there is available for your unit (it is found in the "downloads area"). If the number on the one on the Archos site is higher, then it is a later version and you should update your unit. Instructions on how to do this are on the Archos site.

Also in the system menu is the option to have the Archos to act as a PC hard drive rather than a windows device, this may help with your connection issue when you plug the unit in to a PC.

motorguy

I bought an AV700 a fortnight ago, and it needed to be configured in the system config menu as a Hard Disk, that got mine working.

kiddster

Hi All,
whilst we're talking about the AV500, can someone tell me whether you can watch the movies you put on it, through a tv? I know you'd need a lead but does the device allow you to. Maybe a silly question but I cant see whether it does or not.

Anybody?

thanks

itm2

Yes you can connect an AV500 to a TV using either the docking station or travel cable and watch videos on a TV. I do this alot on hotel TVs when I'm away from home.

neilwoods

I have a AV500. Nice little piece of equipment.

Yes you can view films and listen to music on your TV via the docking station.

As for WMP, dont bother with it, as you only need it to sync ur files, which is not required for the archos.

You may want to change a setting on the AV500. From media player to hard drive, i find it easier to use that way. Go to settings icon, then to system, then USB port and change to Hard drive (you can change it back if you want)

When you attach the AV500 to pc, it comes up as an external hard drive, just like when you put a memory stick or flash drive into USB port. And you then drag and drop your files into folders.

The firmware on the latest AV500 is fine, no need to upgrade.

Plus the AV500 is strictly not a Mpeg 4 Player, the latest version are (ie 504, 604, 704. The ones with 4 after there name). Which means the av500 wont play all video files, so some will need to be converted. I do mine on a mac at work using a program called VisualHub. So not sure about pc version, but search for free mp4 converter. I will try a cpl tonight and post best i find later.

Also dont know if you have tried or have one, but you can connect a USB memory stick to the AV500 with the supplies cable, plus also an external hard drive. I have a 500gb connected to mine.

fatnbald

neilwoods

Which external hard drive do you use?
I heard some have "issues" connecting to an Archos, do you have any problems with it?

neilwoods

no issues at all. only thing you MUST NOT do is format the hard to NTFS. The external harddrive must be FAT 32. I know it limits the file size, but as you are dealing with avi and mp3 files, it isnt a problem.

I use a Lacie 500gb.