Down to the final two: A2 vs. AV500... - Page 3

TNBY963 · 05-13-2006, 09:47

My sister has an AV500 and I just got an A2. The one thing that really bugs me, and her, about the AV500 are it's problems with VBR mp3 audio files on videos.
It can play Xvid, but when the audio is VBR mp3 it's not in sync. Since many of the tv shows of films I download have that kind of audio it's really a PITA. I haven't noticed this with the A2. Also, the A2 can play Ac3. And it plays DivX 3

So I chose the A2 30GB over the AV500 (wich I liked because of the storage capacity and because I how it acted in real life) mostly because of the CODEC support. I really don't want to reencode any video. It's a long proces and if youre source file is already compressed the result will look worse. It's like converting mp3 to aac. No matter what the bitrate, you still lose quality.
And for that, I'm willing to give up storage space (and I still have an 100GB NJB3 for emergencies :bigsmile: )

Gators300 · 05-13-2006, 13:54

ColinMCC wrote: "Well .... if you look at the dimension stats I already posted, you'll see that the 100gb version is about 30% heavier and 30% fatter than the 30gb version. Width and height are identical."

I do realize that. I also noticed though, that the 100GB AV500 and the A2 have identical widths. I am assuming that is due to the built in battery/casing with the extra screen cover on it.

Also, for the AV500, for those of you complaining of out of sync audio, is that for videos you encoded or ones downloaded off of the internet?

Chris

TNBY963 · 05-13-2006, 17:38

Most of the things I watch are downloaded.
They play fine on the pc, I checked with Gspot and it's always with VBR mp3.

Just to make sure I wasn't stating something that isn't true I tested it.
I loaded an episode of Huff on hte AV500 and the same one on the A2
My pc plays it with no probs, it's Xvid with VBR mp3 audiotrack.
On the AV500 you can clearly see the sink problems. It's not much, but it's there and, for me, can get very annoying after a while.
On the A2, no sync probs at all. Nothing.
So, in my sync test, the AV500 doesn't score well. And I don't think that the fact that I downloaded this video plays a role.

I hope this explains it.

Gators300 · 05-15-2006, 02:10

Have you, by any chance, recorded anything from the tv with the AV500? I don't ever download files from the internet. My main use for an A2 or AV500 would be DVDs of mine that I have converted on my own, and shows/football games on tv. I have talked to others who say the AV500's recording audio is synced perfectly. This has me very concerned. I don't care about internet files not syncing, but my football games need to be perfect! Thanks again!

Chris

TNBY963 · 05-15-2006, 02:47

My sister records from the TV all the time. That's the difference between her and me. I like to see downloaded shows we can't get here, she fine with the stuff they show us here.
But, I noticed no probs with the recording feature of the AV500 It works as advertised, no sync probs or anything else I noticed.
I have not recorded with the A2, so I cannot compare.

Gators300 · 05-15-2006, 06:33

Thanks for that speedy response. It seems that the higher bit rate will make a significant difference when recording sports, and the AV500 has the A2 beat hands down in this department. I am wondering if this can be fixed via a firmware update, or the 1MBPS may just be a hardware limitation that cannot be overcome. It is nice though, that they upgraded from 320 to 640. I think that, when it is all said and done though, I will end up with the AV500. The A2 hasn't had a firmware update in a little bit though, so I am eager to see what is coming next. My main fear is purchasing an AV500 and then Cowon releasing a firmware with some new, badass feature that will make me regret my purchase.

I saw an AV500 and a Epson P2000, and WOW what a screen the P2000 has. It has 640x480 resolution and you can see every little bit of detail in everything on it. I noticed it was *slightly* dimmer than the AV500. If it had good video recording capabilities I would spring for it. It has a 40 or 80GB hard drive and it is a little on the bulky side, but I do lots of photography with my Canon Digital Rebel, and what a great device that would be to have with me when I go to the field to shoot. I may end up getting one anyway. A CF slot as well as SD slot built in is just too good to pass up, especially given the clarity and detail of the screen.

Anyway, I wish the A2 had more photo capabilities, but oh well. I'll tell you what though, Archos sure doesn't have a forum like Cowon does over here. Great community and very proud owners. I commend you all.

Chris

Lord Entropy · 05-15-2006, 07:13

All I can say is that I was in a similar situation to you at the beginning of the year. I have not once regretted my decision to buy the A2 over the AV500 as I consider the support from Cowon to be far more dedicated than from what I have seen of Archos, a dealbreaker in my book.

get the A2 you will not regret it.

epaludo · 05-15-2006, 08:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gators300

The A2 hasn't had a firmware update in a little bit though, so I am eager to see what is coming next. My main fear is purchasing an AV500 and then Cowon releasing a firmware with some new, badass feature that will make me regret my purchase

WHAT??????
Do you want firmwares every single day? Week?
Come on man go for the Archos and that's it. End of the question ...

Gators300 · 05-15-2006, 21:36

I can just feel the sarcasm eminating from your post...

Chris

epaludo · 05-15-2006, 23:33

I just think that the AV500 is more for you than the A2.
At least that's what you think ... :thumbsup:
You prefer the AV500 because none of the low points of it bother you. And, as you said, a lot of the A2 pros are useless for you.
So i realize that you should buy the archos AV500 ...
That's all ... :winker:

taxxon · 05-16-2006, 00:10

superb audio quality, nice design, constant firmware upgrades, iaudiophile.net --->A2

Gators300 · 05-16-2006, 00:25

You are right about having iAudiophile.net though, I can't imagine what I would do, (other than contact Archos) if I bought an AV500 and had problems with it. It is great to find an online community like this to iron out potential problems. The closest thing I can find is on Yahoo! Groups, it's called archosmultimedia, and it barely has any semblance of organization.

Chris

taxxon · 05-16-2006, 01:42

why not starting your own

B|iND · 05-16-2006, 04:45

why not get either 1 see wot its like and if its not wot u want send it back and get the other 1?

eric3a · 05-16-2006, 08:52

Actually there are some real good Archos user forums, but they are in French. Which I guess is useless for most here.
Eric
(yeah I know the plural's not supposed to be forums but I prefer it that way)

05-13-2006, 09:47	#31
TNBY963 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Belgium Posts: 82	My sister has an AV500 and I just got an A2. The one thing that really bugs me, and her, about the AV500 are it's problems with VBR mp3 audio files on videos. It can play Xvid, but when the audio is VBR mp3 it's not in sync. Since many of the tv shows of films I download have that kind of audio it's really a PITA. I haven't noticed this with the A2. Also, the A2 can play Ac3. And it plays DivX 3 So I chose the A2 30GB over the AV500 (wich I liked because of the storage capacity and because I how it acted in real life) mostly because of the CODEC support. I really don't want to reencode any video. It's a long proces and if youre source file is already compressed the result will look worse. It's like converting mp3 to aac. No matter what the bitrate, you still lose quality. And for that, I'm willing to give up storage space (and I still have an 100GB NJB3 for emergencies :bigsmile: ) __________________ TNBY Music teacher with a love for gadgets

05-13-2006, 17:38	#33
TNBY963 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Belgium Posts: 82	Most of the things I watch are downloaded. They play fine on the pc, I checked with Gspot and it's always with VBR mp3. Just to make sure I wasn't stating something that isn't true I tested it. I loaded an episode of Huff on hte AV500 and the same one on the A2 My pc plays it with no probs, it's Xvid with VBR mp3 audiotrack. On the AV500 you can clearly see the sink problems. It's not much, but it's there and, for me, can get very annoying after a while. On the A2, no sync probs at all. Nothing. So, in my sync test, the AV500 doesn't score well. And I don't think that the fact that I downloaded this video plays a role. I hope this explains it. __________________ TNBY Music teacher with a love for gadgets

05-15-2006, 02:47	#35
TNBY963 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Belgium Posts: 82	My sister records from the TV all the time. That's the difference between her and me. I like to see downloaded shows we can't get here, she fine with the stuff they show us here. But, I noticed no probs with the recording feature of the AV500 It works as advertised, no sync probs or anything else I noticed. I have not recorded with the A2, so I cannot compare. __________________ TNBY Music teacher with a love for gadgets

05-16-2006, 00:10	#41
taxxon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 272	superb audio quality, nice design, constant firmware upgrades, iaudiophile.net --->A2 __________________ Computer: Dell Inspiron E1520 with personalized Dream Theater skin Cellphone: Iphone 3G PMP: Cowon S9 16GB Guitar gears: Jackson DK1 Bengal Tiger, Jackson KE3 skulls, Randall V2 head with 2x12 cab, Vox Tonelab ST Camera: Canon Powershot SD700

05-16-2006, 01:42	#43
taxxon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 272	why not starting your own __________________ Computer: Dell Inspiron E1520 with personalized Dream Theater skin Cellphone: Iphone 3G PMP: Cowon S9 16GB Guitar gears: Jackson DK1 Bengal Tiger, Jackson KE3 skulls, Randall V2 head with 2x12 cab, Vox Tonelab ST Camera: Canon Powershot SD700

05-13-2006, 13:54	#32
Gators300 Bad Bizatch Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 53	ColinMCC wrote: "Well .... if you look at the dimension stats I already posted, you'll see that the 100gb version is about 30% heavier and 30% fatter than the 30gb version. Width and height are identical." I do realize that. I also noticed though, that the 100GB AV500 and the A2 have identical widths. I am assuming that is due to the built in battery/casing with the extra screen cover on it. Also, for the AV500, for those of you complaining of out of sync audio, is that for videos you encoded or ones downloaded off of the internet? Chris

05-15-2006, 02:10	#34
Gators300 Bad Bizatch Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 53	Have you, by any chance, recorded anything from the tv with the AV500? I don't ever download files from the internet. My main use for an A2 or AV500 would be DVDs of mine that I have converted on my own, and shows/football games on tv. I have talked to others who say the AV500's recording audio is synced perfectly. This has me very concerned. I don't care about internet files not syncing, but my football games need to be perfect! Thanks again! Chris

05-15-2006, 06:33	#36
Gators300 Bad Bizatch Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 53	Thanks for that speedy response. It seems that the higher bit rate will make a significant difference when recording sports, and the AV500 has the A2 beat hands down in this department. I am wondering if this can be fixed via a firmware update, or the 1MBPS may just be a hardware limitation that cannot be overcome. It is nice though, that they upgraded from 320 to 640. I think that, when it is all said and done though, I will end up with the AV500. The A2 hasn't had a firmware update in a little bit though, so I am eager to see what is coming next. My main fear is purchasing an AV500 and then Cowon releasing a firmware with some new, badass feature that will make me regret my purchase. I saw an AV500 and a Epson P2000, and WOW what a screen the P2000 has. It has 640x480 resolution and you can see every little bit of detail in everything on it. I noticed it was slightly dimmer than the AV500. If it had good video recording capabilities I would spring for it. It has a 40 or 80GB hard drive and it is a little on the bulky side, but I do lots of photography with my Canon Digital Rebel, and what a great device that would be to have with me when I go to the field to shoot. I may end up getting one anyway. A CF slot as well as SD slot built in is just too good to pass up, especially given the clarity and detail of the screen. Anyway, I wish the A2 had more photo capabilities, but oh well. I'll tell you what though, Archos sure doesn't have a forum like Cowon does over here. Great community and very proud owners. I commend you all. Chris

05-15-2006, 07:13	#37
Lord Entropy Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 65	All I can say is that I was in a similar situation to you at the beginning of the year. I have not once regretted my decision to buy the A2 over the AV500 as I consider the support from Cowon to be far more dedicated than from what I have seen of Archos, a dealbreaker in my book. get the A2 you will not regret it.

05-15-2006, 21:36	#39
Gators300 Bad Bizatch Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 53	I can just feel the sarcasm eminating from your post... Chris

05-15-2006, 23:33	#40
epaludo Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 164	I just think that the AV500 is more for you than the A2. At least that's what you think ... :thumbsup: You prefer the AV500 because none of the low points of it bother you. And, as you said, a lot of the A2 pros are useless for you. So i realize that you should buy the archos AV500 ... That's all ... :winker:

05-16-2006, 00:25	#42
Gators300 Bad Bizatch Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 53	You are right about having iAudiophile.net though, I can't imagine what I would do, (other than contact Archos) if I bought an AV500 and had problems with it. It is great to find an online community like this to iron out potential problems. The closest thing I can find is on Yahoo! Groups, it's called archosmultimedia, and it barely has any semblance of organization. Chris

05-16-2006, 04:45	#44
B\|iND Junior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 22	why not get either 1 see wot its like and if its not wot u want send it back and get the other 1?

05-16-2006, 08:52	#45
eric3a Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 545	Actually there are some real good Archos user forums, but they are in French. Which I guess is useless for most here. Eric (yeah I know the plural's not supposed to be forums but I prefer it that way)

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