On2 Brings Flash Video Support To Archos' Portable Media Players

On2 Technologies Inc, a leading company in video compression technologies, has announced that it has licensed its VP6 decoder to Archos for use in its latest line of WiFi-enabled portable media players.
Optimised by On2 for TI's C64+ DSP core on the DaVinci platform, the decoder integration brings support for full motion Flash video up to VGA resolution to the Archos 605 WiFi and 705 WiFi players.
Already supporting Flash Player 7 in its Generation 5 line, Archos has also made a separate announcement for support for Flash Player 9, giving consumers access to the millions of video available online.
Licensed by Adobe for Adobe Flash Player 8 and 9, On2 VP6 is the codec of choice for many of the leading internet sites that use Flash video because of the quality versus data rate and decode simplicity it offers. Adding VP6 support to its Generation 5 devices, Archos ensures its customers seamless playback of the largest selection of video content available on the internet.
The Archos Generation 5 line features the most advanced portable media players in the industry, with easy access to content and personalisation options that fit individual lifestyles. The widely acclaimed 605 and 705 WiFi players lets consumers surf the Web, stream content from the computer to the TV or device, download movies and music wirelessly, record TV, and stream Flash video to the portable players. The company's 605 and 705 WiFi have won numerous awards for the high quality screens and advanced features that give consumers a full slate of entertainment in one handheld device.
Bill Joll, President and CEO of On2 Technologies, said: "Supporting Flash video playback in handsets needs versions of the On2 VP6 decoder tailored for low power processor cores such as those from TI and ARM. By providing these highly optimised processor specific solutions of our codec we enable consumers to enjoy video on the go with no compromises."
Henri Crohas, Archos founder and CEO, said: "Archos is the only portable media player to provide full support for Flash Player 9 in its native format and our relationship with On2 Technologies helps us make watching online video and TV shows an exceptional experience for consumers. We're pleased to partner with On2 to bring innovative video technologies to consumers on the devices they carry with them every day, which allows them to stay connected and entertained wherever they go."
The On2 VP6 Flash video decoder is a part of the Web Browser plug-in from Archos, which brings full web surfing capabilities and Flash video support to consumers. For Archos 605 and 705 WiFi customers with the Web Browser already installed, Flash Video support is available at no additional charge with a simple firmware update.
Further information is available at: www.archos.com and www.on2.com.
(KMcA/JM)