Archos adds BBC iPlayer to its portable media player range

Archos 5

Owners of Archos's previous devices with WMV support, as well as the newly-launched Media Tablets, will be able to use the BBC iPlayer service to catch up online with highlights of BBC TV or radio programmes from the last seven days.

Archos devices support the BBC iPlayer via side loading. This involves customers downloading content on to their PC or Mac in WMV format, and transferring it via USB on to their Archos device for playback.

Users can transfer content from the BBC iPlayer for seven days after transmission, with 30 days in which to watch the programme. From the point at which the users click to view they will then have seven days to watch the programme.

"The partnership with the BBC further enhances our strategy of providing customers with the freedom of choice to download content when they want, and from whom they want, without being tied to one supplier," says Tony Limrick, managing director of Archos UK.

Viewers can access more than 250 programmes via BBC iPlayer, including favourites such as Top Gear, Doctor Who, Catherine Tate and EastEnders.