Archos Recorder + Rockbox Plays Video 92
elinenbe writes "Rockbox, the open source firmware for the Archos Recorder, Player, FM, Recorder V2, and now the Neo can play grayscale videos at over 60FPS. A demo version of the DOOM3 intro along with a few other sample clips have been made so far. This is the Archos that was NOT designed for movies, but for MP3s -- go Rockbox!"
fp (Score:-1, Troll)
Re:fp (Score:-1, Troll)
so, if what you're saying is true... (Score:-1, Offtopic)
FP (Score:-1, Offtopic)
YOU FAIL IT (Score:-1, Troll)
what can i say (Score:5, Funny)
Re:what can i say (Score:1)
Re:what can i say (Score:2, Funny)
Re:what can i say (Score:-1, Offtopic)
Anybody want to reencode my collection of hot, petite, asians getting gangbanged by white guys?
Asian-on-asian DVD imports suck though because the asian guys have little pencil dicks, and the asian chicks fake it by screaming like a banshee being raped.
Thank you for your time,
TwinkyLover
Re:what can i say (Score:-1, Troll)
and white girls just lay there quiet like a dead log. its a cultural thing.
Re:what can i say (Score:-1, Troll)
Re:what can i say (Score:-1, Offtopic)
I would pay $100 for a Slashdot feature that allowed me to see which registered users were trolling anonymously. Only Taco and the rest know for sure............... i bet they would sell out their users for $100. yeah.
Re:what can i say (Score:-1, Offtopic)
Re:what can i say (Score:-1, Troll)
Re:what can i say (Score:-1)
Re:what can i say (Score:-1, Offtopic)
yeah i think you are talkin to me punk!
I roll a 14 so i get to chop your left testicle off with my +3 dildo of death.
how about that punk? that will teach ya to keep your mouth shut!! WaaaaCHAAAA!
Re:what can i say (Score:0)
Re:what can i say (Score:1, Funny)
Re:what can i say (Score:2)
i hate to break it to you..
but opera for series60 and gprs..
well you should get the idea, i just wish i would have had that army.
nice work though!
Re:what can i say (Score:1, Offtopic)
Re:what can i say (Score:0)
I didn't exactly go to the extent that these guys have as you couldn't update the firmware on the 48. I just wrote a program to convert frames of an MPEG into the HP bitmap format and generate an associated RPM program to play the frames. I used the serial link cable to upload all the generated files from the computer to the HP.
I think I tried playing the other typical geek fetish videos of that era too like looped raytraced animations. You know the ones: spinning chrome spheres on a checkerboard floor? That type of stuff.
Re:what can i say (Score:0)
Not quite... (Score:1)
Re:what can i say (Score:1)
All I can think of is (Score:4, Interesting)
Go non-corporate developers.
Re:All I can think of is (Score:-1, Troll)
LCD Response Time (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:LCD Response Time (Score:4, Informative)
Re:LCD Response Time (Score:5, Informative)
Re:LCD Response Time (Score:1)
Not so big (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Not so big (Score:4, Interesting)
DUCK Tape (Score:0)
No need to search and replace, because I think DUCK is a brand name for duct tape.
Re:DUCK Tape (Score:5, Informative)
Re:DUCK Tape (Score:2)
s/DUCT/DUCK/ (Score:2, Interesting)
Get a load of all the uses for Duck Tape:
and
Re:Not so big (Score:2)
Re:Not so big (Score:2)
Duck Tape, from Duck Products. (Score:2)
Re:Not so big (Score:0)
Q-Tips (cotton swabs) is another one. Fun to 'root' around in your ear for ear wax, but not officially recommended.
Re:Not so big (Score:1)
Re:Not so big (Score:3, Informative)
No, if you look at the package you will never see anywhere listed for putting it in your ear. They avoid law suits that way when you cause damage to your ear drum.
Re:Not so big (Score:-1, Troll)
Re:Not so big (Score:0)
Re:Not so big (Score:1)
Somebody just learned regexes... I'm so proud :)
Re:Not so big (Score:1)
Nice one (Score:5, Informative)
http://www.archos.com/products/av300_series.html?
80 hours? Yeah right. Does it do DivX? No doubt a firmware hack will allow that
Re:Nice one (Score:2)
I'm quite doubtful of that actually. I haven't yet seen firmware that will make a cheap DVD player play MPEG4 files, so it's not always as easy as a firmware update.
Re:Nice one (Score:2, Informative)
I really do like it though, nice bright screen.
Re:Nice one (Score:2, Funny)
Yah I just hate that too... Sometimes I think my home AC3 encoder is just too much of a hassle.
Re:Nice one (Score:1)
Re:Nice one (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Nice one (Score:1)
Re:Nice one (Score:2)
Re:Nice one (Score:0)
oediV syalP boxkcoR - redroceR sohcrA (Score:-1, Flamebait)
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Re:oediV syalP boxkcoR - redroceR sohcrA (Score:-1, Offtopic)
rockbox (Score:-1, Flamebait)
Re:rockbox (Score:0)
Does Archos play non-evil formats? (Score:1, Interesting)
Re:Does Archos play non-evil formats? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Does Archos play non-evil formats? (Score:0)
sorry
Re:Does Archos play non-evil formats? (Score:0)
Re:Does Archos play non-evil formats? (Score:0)
Re:Does Archos play non-evil formats? (Score:1, Informative)
17. You mention supporting Ogg Vorbis and other file types on your list of ideas. What is the status on that?
Pessimist's Answer: At the current time we believe this is not very likely. The Micronas chip (MAS3507) decoder in the Archos does not natively support decoding and there is very little program space in the player to implement it ourselves. The alternative would be to write a software decoder as part of the Rockbox firmware. However, as much as we love our players, the computing power of the Archos (SH1 microcontroller) is not fully sufficient for this need.
Optimist's Answer: We can play any format if only we can write code for the DSP to decode it. The MAS 3507 (and 3587) are generic DSPs that simply have MP3 codecs in ROM. We can download new codecs in them and we will be the first to celebrate if we can get OGG or FLAC or anything into these DSPs. Unfortunately, we have no docs or tools for writing new MAS DSP code and Micronas is very secretive about it. If anyone can help, please get in touch!
The recent release of Tremor (integer Ogg decoder) indicates it uses around 100 KB for lookup tables. That's not unreasonable for a decoder, but we only have 4 KB for both code *and* data. So the grim reality is that Ogg will never be supported by the Archos Players and Recorders.
Re:Does Archos play non-evil formats? (Score:1)
MOD PARENT(S) UP!!!! (Score:0)
Reverse Engineering (Score:3, Interesting)
Why not use the old, tried-and-tested method of clean-room reverse-enginering? Recruit several people with no Rockbox programming exposure to look at the documents and write their own version of the specs, noting entry points, API calls, and so on. Get them to publish the documentation using some version of the GPL. Then fire them, put them out to pasture. Ensure they never communicate directly with any of the Rockbox programmers regarding what they read.
Then get people who have never read the original documents to create code implementing the published doduments.
Because of increasing restrictions on reverse engineering in the US [chillingeffects.org], the document analysis team should be based in the EU or Asia. Or preferably Russia or China.
Re:Does Archos play non-evil formats? (Score:1)
RockBoxx is a OSS posterchild. (Score:5, Informative)
I only hope the RIO Karma team is listening! I just bought one for my girlfriend and I plan to get one once my archos gets dropped too many times.
Re:RockBoxx is a OSS posterchild. (Score:2)
RockBox is also a great example to use when explaining the concept of open source software to "normal people". I've noticed that if you talk about Linux most get hung up on the fact that someone's "giving it away for free", but if you describe how sucky the Archos firmware is and how these guys just wanted to make it better and set it up so others could help them and then give it away for free because who the hell's gonna pay for new firmware for an MP3 player (although donations are accepted, I'm sure), then they get it.
Archos Jukebox Multimedia (Score:1, Offtopic)
Rus
Re:Archos Jukebox Multimedia (Score:1)
Impressive. (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Impressive. (Score:1)
Rockbox == great!; Archos == questionable (Score:5, Insightful)
That said, the quality assurance portion of Archos has really gone downhill. My local BestBuy stopped carrying the Archos due to too many returns. My old Player (6GB) is sound as a pound, and about as heavy. But, my FM Recorder (20GB) is an unmitigated POS. It has had a lovely clicking sound (HD, I assume; however, I returned it and had the HD replaced. Still clicks. Archos Return-guy said they were getting a ton of returned FM Recorders) And, the FM Recorder will occasionally go into a "never-ending reboot" cycle. Where it partially boots, then reboots, and repeat, until after being left alone for a few hours it decides to work properly. So, the FM Recorder (out of 90 day warranty) is now treated with kid gloves as a home stereo MP3 player, and the old Jukebox is for the car and airplane. Someday I'll replace the HD in the Player.
So, Archos is nice, if it works. Looks just like a USB HD without any needed proprietary software like the other HD MP3 players. I just suggest you stick with the Player or plain-old Recorder and avoid the FM Recorder. If I had to do it again, I'd still get the Player but the SliMP3 (or newer) would work better than what I use the FM Recorder for.
I Love my FM Recorder (Score:5, Insightful)
The thing I like most about the FM/R is that I can recharge the it from the USB port. The charger that was shipped with the unit was a real POS and fried the first week I had it. I've never missed it.
The RockBox upgrade is a must though. These guys have done an awesome job.
Re:I Love my FM Recorder (Score:0)
testimony 2: a single user decides that his single experience should be weighed and measured. "my fm rockbox is good"
well by all means, let's all fucking rush out and buy them.
not
great stuff on that site (Score:3, Interesting)
Somebody else mentioned it... the charger that came with the archos really was a POS... the wires frayed on mine, and I ended up cutting them and attaching spade connectors (yeah, I know... unsafe, but it was all I had at the time). Soon after that, the transformer went out entirely, and now I have to change batteries.
Oh well... at least it survived a longish SW Asia military deployment for the afghanistan war (wish I could say the same for all of our equipment).
Re:Rockbox == great!, but get the right Archos! (Score:3, Informative)
Probably the most important one is that you can't change the (Li-Ion) batteries. And unfortunately Li-Ion batteries degrade after 2-3 years due to a chemical process, regardless how often you use/recharge the batteries. Look at your mobile telephones, and you know what I mean
BTW, this problem also affects the Archos 'Recorder V2' (which is basically a FM Recorder without the FM Radio) and the Apple IPod and actually most MP3 Players/Jukeboxes. Don't buy anything that doesn't use ordinary, replaceable AA(A) NiMH-batteries, otherwise you can throw your MP3-Player away after 4 years.
The best (Archos) choice is an old Archos 'Recorder 20', (without FM or V2) which is powered with 4 AA-NiMH-Batteries, graphical b/w display USB 2.0 and Digital/Analog IN/OUT and builtin-MIC. Unfortunately they are rather difficult to get these days, as they were the predecessor of the FM-Recorder and are not officially sold by Archos anymore.
N.B.: the 'Studio' Series is basically a 'Recorder Light', with only USB1.1, no Digita/Analog IN, no MIC, and only a text display (no graphics).
Re:Rockbox == great!, but get the right Archos! (Score:2)
Re:Rockbox == great!, but get the right Archos! (Score:1)
Not to mention that you propably don't have this possibility for no so popular MP3 players!
And come on, $69 for a battery? 4 AA (2300 NiMH) batteries cost FAR less than that, and you still be able to buy AA batteries for the next 20 years.
Re:Rockbox == great!, but get the right Archos! (Score:2)
That's ONE company specializing in selling "custom"[1] batteries to end users. They're actually manufactured by God-knows-who in some far-eastern sweatshop, just like almost everything else small and toxic that we buy these days.
No matter. $5 says that the Archos battery is not anything of any remarkable uniqueness, anyway. The greatest involvement Archos had in the design of this battery was the shape and color of the plastic shell that it comes in[1]. Otherwise, it's just an off-the-shelf part from a catalog, much like the LCD, hard drive, microswitches, DSP, and other comprising hardware. Like these other generic parts, this particular battery is probably used in a number of different products.
Another $5 says that they (Archos) switch suppliers for all of these parts depending on who's got them cheapest today, and/or phase of moon.
Alas, it might not be very easy for you or I to locate a good overseas source of such a battery. Which is why we pay an importer $69[2] to do it for us and write up instructions. If your time is worth something, it's probably a good deal. Otherwise, there's bound to be cheaper suppliers (and methods) if you're willing to look for them.
1: Do you really think a small company is going to tool up a factory and start making specialized lithium batteries for their miniscule market? Niet.
2: Of course this costs more than a few 2300mAH AA NiMH cells. It's also more convenient[3][4].
3: You do realize that lithium batteries are lighter and more space-efficient than NiMH AAs, don't you? This translates directly to extra space in your pocket.
4: And don't say "but I can carry several 2300mAH AA NiMH battery sets and have several times as much runtime!" Who cares? If I'm removed from my usual surroundings long enough that I'm afraid my batteries will die, I'll just plug it in while I sleep. (You do SLEEP, don't you?) This means I'll have to have charging gear, which consumes space, but then so do AAs. If you really want to save space, standardize on USB as a charging system for all of your gear[2]. Plug it into the wall, or the car, or even the laptop (if you want to borrow some juice from another big-honkin' Li-ion battery). Do the same with your phone, or anything else that can charge from 5 volts. 2 cables and 2 adapters instead of at least 4 combination units and a USB cable to accomplish the same.
USB is, dreadfully, not going away anytime soon - one might as well use it for something.
Re:Rockbox == great!, but get the right Archos! (Score:1)
No matter. $5 says that the Archos battery is not anything of any remarkable uniqueness, anyway. The greatest involvement Archos had in the design of this battery was the shape and color of the plastic shell that it comes in[1]. Otherwise, it's just an off-the-shelf part from a catalog, much like the LCD, hard drive, microswitches, DSP, and other comprising hardware. Like these other generic parts, this particular battery is probably used in a number of different products.
Certainly the Archos Li-Ion is not a very special or unique battery. But it is nothing you can get at the supermarket either. Exaclty what you implied: it is not a off-the-shelf part.
BTW, did you deliberately skipped my question whether this/these companies will still produce the replacement batteries for the Archos in 5 or 10 years?
1: Do you really think a small company is going to tool up a factory and start making specialized lithium batteries for their miniscule market? Niet.
Usually s.o asks a question, and expects it to be answered.
Anyway, of course I doubt that aswell. But that's why there are standards you can follow/implement. Or form an alliance with a larger company.
2: Of course this costs more than a few 2300mAH AA NiMH cells. It's also more convenient[3][4].
How is it more convenient for the customer to have to order batteries if they are broken? Or even not being able to replace them at all? I'd rather like to be able to go to the shop around the corner to get replacements, at a cheap price.
And by the way, you can't make up an new argument by simply referencing other arguments.
3: You do realize that lithium batteries are lighter and more space-efficient than NiMH AAs, don't you? This translates directly to extra space in your pocket.
And you realize that Li-Ion are practically useless after 3 years?
And that Li-Ion batteries can't be used in all applications where NiCd and NiMH-batteries can be used (Heavy-Duty)? IMHO I consider the idea of using Li-Ion batteries in MP3-players not to be a very good one, at least for most cases!
Li-Ion batteries *have* their advantages, but they cannot replace NiMH in every area.
4: And don't say "but I can carry several 2300mAH AA NiMH battery sets and have several times as much runtime!" Who cares? If I'm removed from my usual surroundings long enough that I'm afraid my batteries will die, I'll just plug it in while I sleep. (You do SLEEP, don't you?) This means I'll have to have charging gear, which consumes space, but then so do AAs.
You really don't understand why somebody uses battery-powered portable devices, do you? BTW, this also applies to non-rechargeable batteries: to be able to travel without the need to connect to a power socket. And they would prefer if they could do that as long as possible.
Sometimes you just don't have the possibility to recharge batteries for a couple of days, and that's when replaceable batteries come handy.
If you really want to save space, standardize on USB as a charging system for all of your gear[2]. Plug it into the wall, or the car, or even the laptop (if you want to borrow some juice from another big-honkin' Li-ion battery). Do the same with your phone, or anything else that can charge from 5 volts. 2 cables and 2 adapters instead of at least 4 combination units and a USB cable to accomplish the same. USB is, dreadfully, not going away anytime soon - one might as well use it for something.
I'm not primarily interested in (USB) charging systems, or that the device is the smallest and lightest possible when looking for a portable device. It's nice if it has these features, but the most important part is that I can use it (does the job), and use it while travelling, and use it as long as possible!
If I have to open the device to replace batteries, since
Re:Rockbox == great!, but get the right Archos! (Score:2)
You must be new here.
I'm not primarily interested in (USB) charging systems, or that the device is the smallest and lightest possible when looking for a portable device. It's nice if it has these features, but the most important part is that I can use it (does the job), and use it while travelling, and use it as long as possible!
The only application I can think of where recharging is not an option while one sleeps, is while backpacking. I'd hasten to say that "batteries for the MP3 player" would fall a bit short of being on the list of things to carry on my back for a few weeks, but maybe my priorities are wacked.
That said, if size really isn't as important as replacable batteries, just buy a battery holder of reasonable shape and capacity, and plug it into a modern Archos. Might be good to remove the existing Lithium battery to save power loss as heat if it should try to charge it, too. And since the wide, flat battery compartment consumes very little space, you've still got a fairly small portable.
Fasten it together with duct-tape, velcro, epoxy, needle and thread, or whatever suits your fancy. I'd probably craft something out of stainless. YMMV. whatever.
i can back this up (Score:0)
the hard drive does click occasionly, and it is noise.
for mine, the audio output jack broke, and it doesn't charge anymore.
and i treated mine like gold, didn't misuse it at all.
great system otherwise though.
A better idea (Score:3, Interesting)
What you people should be doing is hacking one of those DVD-based video players with the 10 inch screens, adding a USB port or something.
Future PDAs will be converged devices, with phones, cameras, and DVD....at least until MRAM arrives.
Do It Yourself (Score:2)
Every time the great Rockbox guys get a mention on
If it means so much to you then why don't you go do something with one of these DVD players? Nobody's stopping you. The Rockbox code is even GPLd so you can start from there.
This is analogous to what happens when people post in cool hacks for old 8-bit pcs, or for tiny web servers, or for bizarre WiFi rigs. Sometimes people just do stuff because they already have the hardware, they know it well, and it gives them a buzz.
Re:Do It Yourself (Score:1)
That's quite true, I've thought about numerous "useless" projects myself, like screwing around with my old 386 laptop.
My point however was, ultimately things are leading to convergence of portable devices. We can wait for industry to do it, or we can "have fun" beating them to it.
What is an .rvf file? (Score:0)
and version 2.1 was released too! (Score:2)
Let's see you do THAT with your fancy iPod (Score:1)
This thing really, really rocks.
Rockbox [rockbox.haxx.se] is an Open Source replacement firmware for the Archos Jukebox 5000, 6000, Studio, Recorder, FM Recorder and Recorder V2 MP3 players.