Archos is due to release its Pocket Video Recorder AV4100, a handheld video player, with a 100GB hard disk drive, that can also record video without needing a computer.

The AV4100 includes a cradle that connects to a TV or home entertainment system using analogue audio and composite video connections to RCA jacks or S-Video. The cradle also includes an infrared (IR) emitter to control your cable box tuner. Using the Recording Scheduler, you can record your favourite programs directly to the AV4100, then take them on the road.

The device records video MPEG-4 SP AVI format with ADPCM stereo sound -- Archos describes the recording quality as "near-SVCD quality" at up to 512-x-384 pixels at 30fps.

Playback quality -- for videos sourced elsewhere -- is higher. Archos claims that the AV4100's 100GB storage capacity makes it possible to record up to 200 full-length movies in MPEG-4 SP format.

The AV4100 includes a USB 2.0 interface that makes it possible to connect to a Macintosh or PC. It also features a built-in CompactFlash (CF) Type I slot, and can work with other flash media using a CF adapter. In addition to video, the AV4100 can view JPEG and BMP images, and can play back MP3, WAV and WMA audio.

Optional accessories include a carrying case and a "travel audio video kit" for recording on the go. The AV4100 costs $799.95 in the US and will be available by the end of February.