Archos brings Paramount, media server to TV+

In addition to its 605 GPS upgrade, Archos today has also upgraded its TV+ media hub with both preloaded content and a new Internet streaming feature. The French company has signed a deal with Paramount that will see the movie studio offer movies both preloaded on the device's built-in 250GB hard drive as well as available through Archos' media store. For the latter content, users will have the option of downloading videos either to a Mac or Windows PC for sideloading on to the TV+ or directly to the device itself.

Also coming to the TV+ is TVportation. The software upgrade gives the hub a Slingbox-like ability to pipe video, including live TV shows, to any computer or 605/705 Wi-Fi player with a broadband Internet connection. Smartphones and other handhelds should also support the feature, Archos says.

The company doesn't explain the feature but suggests the service is platform-independent and has launched the add-on along with an Adobe Flash 9 upgrade for 605 and 705 players that gives both the ability to play video from YouTube and other Flash-based video services. Some smartphones and other devices can play these videos using Flash Lite.

Adding TVportation will be a free download as of May for any registered TV+ hub. Unregistered units and 605/705 players can also buy the software for free.

Filed under: gadgets, software
Other story tags: Adobe, Flash, Paramount, Archos