Portable Media Player for AVCHD? at DVinfo.net

Jay Bratcher · July 10th, 2010, 10:10 PM

Since the GH1 can't play back native 24P video, does anyone have a recommendation for reviewing footage in the field? Obviously, a laptop would do the job, but I would be thrilled if I could find a portable device capable of playing AVCHD for less than $300... Any thoughts?

Kin Lau · July 11th, 2010, 06:19 PM

Check out portable Blue-Ray players with a SD card reader. Unfortunately, most that I've seen are more than $300-. Then again, most laptops struggle with AVCHD footage.

An internet tablet like the Archos 5 or 7 or 9 might be able to do it, but the specs seem to say 720p @ 2.5Mbps or so.

Jay Bratcher · July 11th, 2010, 10:46 PM

Thanks Kin - I had looked at the Archos tablets, and I think the 5 and 7 would not play AVCHD - at least, they don't advertise it. I'll have to check out the 9 series - don't think I have seen one yet.

Shortly after posting my question, I came across the Cowon V5, which claims to support "H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC)" and M2TS, so that seems somewhat hopeful. However, Cowon claims a maximum resolution of 1280x720, but offers no insight into bitrate.

I guess I'll have to run up to Fry's some time this week with some footage and see what they have to offer...

July 10th, 2010, 10:10 PM	#1
Jay Bratcher Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 110	Portable Media Player for AVCHD? Since the GH1 can't play back native 24P video, does anyone have a recommendation for reviewing footage in the field? Obviously, a laptop would do the job, but I would be thrilled if I could find a portable device capable of playing AVCHD for less than $300... Any thoughts?

July 11th, 2010, 06:19 PM	#2
Kin Lau Major Player Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 385	Check out portable Blue-Ray players with a SD card reader. Unfortunately, most that I've seen are more than $300-. Then again, most laptops struggle with AVCHD footage. An internet tablet like the Archos 5 or 7 or 9 might be able to do it, but the specs seem to say 720p @ 2.5Mbps or so.

July 11th, 2010, 10:46 PM	#3
Jay Bratcher Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 110	Thanks Kin - I had looked at the Archos tablets, and I think the 5 and 7 would not play AVCHD - at least, they don't advertise it. I'll have to check out the 9 series - don't think I have seen one yet. Shortly after posting my question, I came across the Cowon V5, which claims to support "H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC)" and M2TS, so that seems somewhat hopeful. However, Cowon claims a maximum resolution of 1280x720, but offers no insight into bitrate. I guess I'll have to run up to Fry's some time this week with some footage and see what they have to offer...