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Sony Announces a Super Playstation 2, the "PSX"

Doctor_No writes "Sony has announced a souped-up Playstation 2 in Japan. The machine, named the "PSX", comes with 120GB hard drive and a DVD+/-RW for recording videos and DVR features much like Sony's Cocoon. The machine will be released sometime in 2003, and come with a service that offers multimedia content such as video and music through internet connectivity. If you live in Japan, it will also come with a BS tuner; which is a Japanese Satellite Broadcast tuner. The new machine also boasts a real-time OS, USB 2.0, Memorystick slot, and a connection with Sony's Portable handheld, the "PSP". UBS Warburg has an article here, but these two Japanese sites offer better information (albeit in Japanese); Watch Impress, ZDnet Japan. Here is a rather large PDF presentation."

425 comments

  1. RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by sweeney37 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Anyone foresee this problem?

    120GB HDD + DVD-R/RW + Mod Chip = a PS2 that will make copies of it's games for you.

    If you add into the equation the multimedia via internet connectivity, it sounds like you've got a multi-purpose piracy machine.

    Mike

    1. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by Soporific · · Score: 5, Funny

      All they need to do is bundle Kazaa with it.

      ~S

    2. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by DShor · · Score: 1

      Sometimes they just make it too easy...

      --


      Why is it that people always hear what I say, and not what I mean?
    3. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by AKnightCowboy · · Score: 5, Informative
      Anyone foresee this problem?

      Unless Japan suddenly becomes the 51st state of the USA, no. RIAA/MPAA are American organizations. Other countries should tell them to buzz off.

    4. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by indros · · Score: 0

      I don't think the RIAA/MPAA would give a damn if you copy PS2 games... :)

    5. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by mschoolbus · · Score: 1, Interesting

      I have an xbox with mod chip and a 120gb hard drive, I can easily copy xbox games to my hard drive and play them from there...

    6. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by jandrese · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Strangely though, many of the companies on the RIAA and MPAA are Japanese companies.

      --

      I read the internet for the articles.
    7. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by Gibble · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Considering it's Sony, I'm sure they would find a way to get PS2 game pirating in there somehow.

      --
      Gibble: Descriptive of an emotional state in which one's mind is scrabbling for some purchase on reality
    8. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by apetime · · Score: 5, Informative
      I think the RIAA and MPAA have nothing to worry about. In the Japanese article, they make clear that DRM is a main part of the design of this machine.


      Quick translation from the Watch Impress article:
      "Although the types of inputs and outputs on the PSX have not been made clear, they explained that copyright protection would be a main concern. They stated that such protection is very important, but they are aware that users want to use the machine freely, and the newest DRM technologies would be incorporated. 'We are considering including a signal in the analog output that would prevent copying.' They went on to explain that, since a consensus had yet to be reached regarding digital transmissions, that they would make it compatible with a tentative standard."

    9. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Copyright law is even more stringent in Japan than in the US.

      Not only that, but Japan has very few large "native" recording companies. The big ones there are Victor/RCA, Virgin, King Records (not sure about this one, is it the same company as King Records in the US?). Other big ones are multinationals like Sony and Pioneer (they both got their start in Japan, though).

      So there are members of the RIAA operating on Japanese soil, and given their control of the media there, they are quite influential.

    10. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by LeoDV · · Score: 1

      Sony are well aware of it. Piracy is what made the original PlayStation just like pr0n made VHS and DVD.

    11. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by aNtiBiOteK · · Score: 1

      I cant wait to get this baby with a modchip. Though the only game worth getting for ps2 is GTA Vice City, and thats comming to XBox probably before "PSX" gets modded.

    12. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by TrippTDF · · Score: 1

      How true IS that? I can see how the porn industry maybe pulled it's weight with VHS, but DVD? Comon! That was a logical choice. Even if the porn industry had not picked it up, DVD was giong to take the place of VHS. There was not a lot of reason or competition for it NOT to.

      Unless BETAMAX made a comeback, which is always entirely possible.

    13. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by alcharn · · Score: 1

      I see the problem. Do they really want to sell something that could make copies of games for you?

    14. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by questionlp · · Score: 5, Informative
      Japan has their own version of the RIAA called JASRAC, who has been actively encouraging Japanese labels and distributors to use copy protection on their crippled unCD releases.

      I'm not sure if or what Japan's version of the MPAA is.

    15. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by JohnnyX12 · · Score: 1

      Yes, everyone cower under the RIAA. Stop progress right now so that a select few can benefit. What about all of the excellent legal reasons to own this? It's time to stand up, say F*ck you, and continue on with progress. Unless you want to become perpetualy stuck in this type of world, and I don't know if you looked around, but it's a pretty messed up place right now. P.S. Why does everyone bitch about a monopoly with M$ but no one seems to care that the RIAA is a self apointed monopoly?

    16. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by HatesMS · · Score: 0

      Well I have nothing against a nightware for the RIAA...but I'd hate to see the gaming industry suffer. :0(

    17. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by warmcat · · Score: 4, Funny
      I'm not sure if or what Japan's version of the MPAA is.

      I believe they are known as the Yakuza

    18. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by zonker · · Score: 0

      RIAA/MPAA Nightmare

      add to that spa and idsa among others...

    19. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by blincoln · · Score: 1

      Maybe if you mean "piracy is what made publishers abandon the original Playstation for the PS2."

      --
      "...always new atoms but always doing the same dance, remembering what the dance was yesterday." -Richard Feynman
    20. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by zonker · · Score: 0

      you froget their are trade laws and treaties that govern stuff like this. oh yeah, and we could just tell them to buzz off by not exporting our stuff to them...

    21. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by belroth · · Score: 1

      I wouldn't have said that if I were you.
      I understand that these honourable businessmen may be somewhat aggrieved at being so crassly insulted.
      If I were Yakuza I would take a dim view of being called the Japanese MPAA, it might not be a horses head in your bed.......

      --
      I hereby inform you that I have NOT been required to provide any decryption keys.
    22. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by hmccabe · · Score: 1

      Damn, finally a good translation on /. and I spent my last mod point to (+1 Funny ) to someone's joke.

    23. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by Soporific · · Score: 1

      You mean, in Soviet Russia Kazaa bundles YOU?

      ~S

    24. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No dear, that's called progress.

    25. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by Guppy06 · · Score: 1

      "nless Japan suddenly becomes the 51st state of the USA, no. RIAA/MPAA"

      You do realize that Sony is a big player in both of those organizations, right?

    26. Re:RIAA/MPAA Nightmare by program21 · · Score: 1

      You'd end up with the IDSA on you, instead of the RIAA or the MPAA. The IDSA is the industry body for the games industry, basically the game industry analog of the RIAA or MPAA.

      --
      This has been a test. Had this been a real emergency, we would have fled in terror and you would not have been informed.
  2. BS tuner by bobba22 · · Score: 5, Funny

    In my line of work, I wish I had one of those.

    1. Re:BS tuner by gfxguy · · Score: 1

      Shouldn't it be a BS tuner-outer?

      --
      Stupid sexy Flanders.
    2. Re:BS tuner by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      i guess :-) unless you're a cop.

    3. Re:BS tuner by Xytras · · Score: 4, Funny

      Well, in almost any type of work, you really need a BS tuner to be able to talk to the upper echelons

    4. Re:BS tuner by MyGirlFriendsBroken · · Score: 1

      I wanted to get one of thouse but then I found out that I wouldn't be able to watch Bid Up TV when I board so I decided against it.

      --
      If you read a speed reading book, does it take you less time to read the second half?
    5. Re:BS tuner by errxn · · Score: 1

      Or a BS Detector?

      --
      In Soviet Russia, Chuck Norris will still kick your ass.
    6. Re:BS tuner by Larsing · · Score: 1

      If you cant smell it, you deserve it!

      --
      Ethics is what you say you do. Morals is what you actually do.
    7. Re:BS tuner by sean23007 · · Score: 1
      --

      Lack of eloquence does not denote lack of intelligence, though they often coincide.
  3. Some excellent quality pics of the PSX by Dot.Com.CEO · · Score: 5, Informative
    Here.

    Beautiful...

    --
    Mother is the best bet and don't let Satan draw you too fast.
    1. Re:Some excellent quality pics of the PSX by zero_offset · · Score: 1

      Beautiful??? It's a nearly featureless silver box.

      --

      Slashdot quality declines as the number of hot grits posts decreases. - Provolt's Law, Apr-09-2005

    2. Re:Some excellent quality pics of the PSX by mcpkaaos · · Score: 1

      That's just it. It's so, so, nothing. I mean it looks like... Well, it looks like a small, less-rectangular-and-not-black-yet-still-eerie monolith. If you look real close, you might see... My god. It's full of stars!

      --
      mcp.kaaos*
      *ashamed of himself

      --
      It goes from God, to Jerry, to me.
    3. Re:Some excellent quality pics of the PSX by Wolfrider · · Score: 1

      --That's great, too bad it will probably cost between $400-$500.

      --
      .
      == WolfriderV6 == I'm willing to admit that *I just might* be wrong... Are you??
  4. Imagine by cscx · · Score: 2, Funny
    1. Re:Imagine by julesh · · Score: 1

      I actually spotted that a couple of days ago. I did a quick estimate of how much processor power they should have been getting, and it didn't tie up too well with what they claimed (i.e. they claimed their cluster ran substantially faster than I expected).

      Then I read their description of the CPU architecture in these things. For those who haven't looked into the maths of it, a PS2 has a theoretical max. throughput of 256,000 million floating point ops per second (as long as the ops you want to do tie in with what its best at...).

      Of course, its pretty much impossible to actually reach this figure, but still...!

    2. Re:Imagine by julesh · · Score: 1

      I meant 25,600 million fl.ops, of course...! :-)

    3. Re:Imagine by Mattsson · · Score: 1

      well... I'd imagine it's already doable with linux for ps2... =)
      Unfortunately they've restricted access to the dvd-playback hardware, so divx playback is really crippled by the low performance of the cpu.
      Can't play high quality (high resolution if you want) files at full framerate. =(
      Maybe if you use several of'em in a beowulf cluster... =)
      But then you'd be might as well buy a chiped x-box instead of buying another ps2 with linux.

      --
      /.Mattsson - My native language is not English, so please don't whine over linguistic errors. (That's lame anyway...)
  5. English Translation... by cruppel · · Score: 4, Informative

    English versions of the japanese sites

    1. Re:English Translation... by Fofer · · Score: 1

      Anyone else watch the two MPEG videos of the presentation (linked 2/3 of the way down, on the right side of the Watch article?)

      Damn, that UI looks damn sweet to me. A nice 3-D browser for selecting video content, even a passable visualizer for music playback.

      Yep, I want one. I'd trade my (hacked) DirecTivo and (modded) Xbox for one of these babies!

    2. Re:English Translation... by xmutex · · Score: 5, Funny

      It is thanks with I send you to unto that the Babel links provided are here from you copied.

      --

      jack's bicycle is music to my ears
    3. Re:English Translation... by dmd · · Score: 1

      Babelfish's English translation of the Watch Impress article makes several references to "wooden vice president".

      Is there something we should know about Al Gore's involvement in Sony?

    4. Re:English Translation... by julesh · · Score: 1

      OK, so where do I get one of these "place T Shaun 2" things they're talking about?

    5. Re:English Translation... by cruppel · · Score: 1

      Once I read thorugh the articles I lost interest...it must have been lost in the translation=D

  6. 2003 in Japan... by I+Love+Soup · · Score: 1

    2005 in Europe 2007 in North America

    --
    - Soup is really good.
    1. Re:2003 in Japan... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      2004 in Brazil by unnoficial ways....
      2023 in Brazil by Sony. Oh, wait! Sony never made even PS1 to Brazil yet.

    2. Re:2003 in Japan... by The_dev0 · · Score: 1

      Welcome to Japan... The land of... Tomorrow.

      --
      Never fight naked, unless you're in prison...
  7. we used to call these... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Personal Computers (PCs)

    So, this is just a PC without as much flexibility as a PC?

    1. Re:we used to call these... by wandering_princess · · Score: 1

      That was my first thought too... the pro Playstation anti XBOX contingent will have to think of something else to hurl at the XBOX rather than 'but it's a PC in a box'... Probably 'my hard disk is bigger than yours ner ner ner' :) Oh well.

    2. Re:we used to call these... by BlameFate · · Score: 1

      That and the custom architecture and processors of the PS2, as opposed to almost generic x86 Intel/nVidia Xbox

      --

      --is not to be confused with user #672982 - Bame Flait

    3. Re:we used to call these... by MikeFM · · Score: 1

      I hope this thing doesn't run as hot/loud as an XBox. Geez my computer is quieter than an XBox (or PS2) even under full load.

      --
      At what price learning? At what cost wisdom? The price is a man's peace of mind, and the cost is his life.
  8. Guesstimated timeline: by xYoni69x · · Score: 5, Funny

    1. PSX, the Playstation 2 with 120GB HD, DVD+/-RW, USB 2.0 and more, is released.
    2. A modchip is released.
    3. Linux is installed on it.
    4. Everyone slowly realizes it's really a computer. YOU GUYS!!!

    --
    void*x=(*((void*(*)())&(x=(void*)0xfdeb58)))();
    1. Re:Guesstimated timeline: by Ese+L0C0 · · Score: 1

      It is a computer specifically designed for playing games...hmm...Like an Alienware...umm...no....Not unless you want to pay 2000$ (Alienware) instead of 500$ (PSX +whatever comes with it).

      --
      jC - sweet sweet squirrel on sheet metal
    2. Re:Guesstimated timeline: by gfxguy · · Score: 4, Informative

      Actually, with Sony, there's no need for step 2.

      --
      Stupid sexy Flanders.
    3. Re:Guesstimated timeline: by p0ppe · · Score: 0

      ... 5. Profit!!!

      --


      "Democracy is three wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner."
    4. Re:Guesstimated timeline: by fodi · · Score: 0

      you are so fvcking sad.. I cannot believe that you still find that funny. twit.

    5. Re:Guesstimated timeline: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
      Consoles aren't computers. Consoles are better than computers. With a console I don't have to go out and buy a brand new $300 video card every six months to be able to play the latest games.

      Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go out and buy the newest $500 console so I can play the latest games.

    6. Re:Guesstimated timeline: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are fucking sad to have needed to reply to a joke you hate. I am fucking sad to have pointed this out in a reply to you.

    7. Re:Guesstimated timeline: by nickos · · Score: 0

      Just like the Amiga was. The demo scene's gonna love it.

    8. Re:Guesstimated timeline: by Ryan+Amos · · Score: 1

      Yes except the beauty of a console is that everything is standardized. Besides, I wouldn't want to solder a mod chip on this thing. Installing one on a PS2 was a weekend project for an EE student; you needed a good soldering workstation and some mad soldering skills. I can only imagine how much harder it'll be on this thing.

    9. Re:Guesstimated timeline: by HaggiZ · · Score: 1

      and then:

      5: ???
      6: Profit ;)

  9. Gamecube by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Gamecube IS better, if Sony can't deal with it, fine. If I want a DVD-R i would bought one.

    1. Re:Gamecube by Ese+L0C0 · · Score: 2, Insightful
      You can't really just say that one is better than the other....

      They do have different game titles....
      So one maybe faster than the other (hardware wise) but just saying one is better is also trying to say that the games for the GameCube are better than that of the Playstation 2......which doesn't make sense because you can't really compare two completely different games....

      They are both very awesome in there own respects......You have to give Sony some credit for being innovative...No other systems have DVD+RW yet....

      If I want a DVD-R i would bought one. So you would rather spend the same amount of money on something that has less actual applications...hmm...burn dvds...or burn dvds and be able to surf the web encode movies play games...and all kinds of other things that it is going to be able to do....

      --
      jC - sweet sweet squirrel on sheet metal
    2. Re:Gamecube by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      .....which doesn't make sense because you can't really compare two completely different games....

      You can't?

    3. Re:Gamecube by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So you would rather spend the same amount of money on something that has less actual applications
      PCs have more applications than a console... and you can most likley burn more stuff with a PC than with the new "PSX"... it's 300 bucks for a PC DVD Burner... and then I get keyboard and mouse support, plus the ability to burn while doing other things... (unless I'm in windoze... then I have to sit around and wait for the burn to finish).

      Also, sony hasn't announced a launch price yet... this new thing coul cost 500 or 600 bucks all we know.

      They are both very awesome in there own respects......You have to give Sony some credit for being innovative...No other systems have DVD+RW yet.... Microsoft was going to release the XBox2 (or whatever the production name thay gave it was)... so noones has to give sony any inovative credit.

      You can't really just say that one is better than the other... you can't really compare two completely different games.... Right. I shouldn't compare the games to each other. However, I should compare what each system is capable of doing, the ergnomics of the controllers, which games I like better on each system (this one is a biggie), which developers are working on each system, the tech support of each system/the chance of the system coping with my abuse...

      So, here's why the XBox is better than the PS2...
      1) Microsoft has better tech support than Sony.
      2) XBox controllers are more ergonomic than the Playstations (this wasn't true on release, but it is now). They also can put up to way more abuse than the playstation controls.
      3) XBox DVD player is better than the PS2 (it can play more DVDs easially... even if you do need to get the expansion kit to use it... this usually comes with the XBox nowadays anyway)
      4) I like alot of the XBox games... and I like alot of PSone games... but as far as the PS2 goes, the only games I have seen that I like are crazy taxi and the xenogears prequel... plus, I own the "original" PS1... so, the XBox is for me.

    4. Re:Gamecube by bhtooefr · · Score: 1
      and then I get keyboard and mouse support


      Errm... Ever heard of USB?

      plus, I own the "original" PS1


      The "original" PS1 was a Japanese SNES with a CD drive. The "original" PSX, btw, was what most call a PS1. Then, there's the PSone, which is a portable PSX. Sony is adding to the confusion again with the PSX (based on the PS2).
    5. Re:Gamecube by cens0r · · Score: 1

      I fail to see what microsoft is going to do to make the xbox2 so special. Remember that at TV resolutions the graphics chipset and processor are more than capable of producing high frame rate high polygon count images.

      --
      Jack Valenti and Orrin Hatch will be first up against the wall when the revolution comes.
  10. Re:PS1 by th3space · · Score: 1

    maybe they're changing the official name to PSone for all of them, rather than just the smaller versions?

    --
    "How like you to drag your keyboard to a gun fight." - Aaron Bedard (BANE)
  11. to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by tnak · · Score: 4, Funny

    This just became my number one desire in the world. Even above a job. Even above sex with another person. Even above a job having sex with another person

    1. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

      Please report to the tattoo parlor to have a giant "L" tattooed to your forehead immediately. Despite the low probability, Central Control is very worried that otherwise you might accidentally breed.

    2. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Now why would you feel the need not to qualify that other "person" as either male or female???

    3. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      It's essentially just a computer in a white case. What's the big deal?

      Surprise: MS releases a computer-like console, everyone trashes it. Sony releases a computer-like console and they're the next god.

    4. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by zackbar · · Score: 1

      Ironically, I bought a Sony DVD-r/rw +r/rw drive for my computer on Friday. If I had known about this, I would have waited.

      Oh well. It's installed and works. I guess I can't kick.

      Btw, I really got a kick out of your sig, so I'm stealing it for my email use for a while. ;)

    5. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by PRES_00 · · Score: 1

      We now live in a society that finds it acceptable for a person to say "I have to clean my mouse balls." No, we don't. Welcome to the 5 year old world of optical mice. A great investment.

    6. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by Kingpin · · Score: 1


      That's funny. To me, this note gave the term "instant erection" a completely new dimension.

      --
      Unable to read configuration file '/bigassraid/htdig//conf/14229.conf'
      Geocrawler error message.
    7. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by nycroft · · Score: 1

      Hey, at least it's funnier sounding than "I have to clean my mouse's optical sensor thingy..."

      --
      Mr. Bond, they have a saying in Chicago: Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time is enemy action.
    8. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by zebs · · Score: 1

      Surprise: MS releases a computer-like console, everyone trashes it. Sony releases a computer-like console and they're the next god.

      Thats probably something to do with MS taking hardware thats been around for 20 something years, fudging it a little and calling it something new. Given that the hardware is essentially the same as a desktop PC I don't see any reason why a XBox shouldn't be compatable with PC games... and vice-versa.

      Now with Sony, they've developed new hardware sold it as a console and are now expanding it.

      But, not the /. response isn't really all that suprising.

    9. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by RoLi · · Score: 2, Interesting
      Wrong, there are many important differences:

      1) Sony uses an innovative design. The 128Bit-64Bit multi-core emotion engine is something new and optimized for gaming and 3D. XBox' design on the other hand is just a x86 plus graphics chip. This design is a lot more efficient and streamlined than XBox' brute-force-high-clockrates design.

      2) Sony's PSX will be usable as a computer, XBox will never be. Why do you think the XBox' USB connectors are incompatible on purpose? Because a) XBox is sold below cost and MS doesn't want people to use it for anything other than gaming and b) Dell, HP, etc. would be pissed if MS would start to take over their market.

      Sony's PSX will be a great success. It will be cheap enough and can do everything Joe-Average wants to do (Games, web-browsing, EMail, possibly wordprocessing).

    10. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by d3kk · · Score: 1

      Even more than a job having sex with the PSX? Ahem.

    11. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      oh my, you sure have bought into some hype there. yes, the "emotion engine" is the greatest thing since blast processing. never mind that it's brute force (which you seem to hate) floating point hardware is much more inneficient than a dedicated geomety and t&l pipeline as is found in the xbox video card design.

      now, as for the multimedia features, you can get a prog scan dvd player that won't turn your home theater into a joke for cheap these days and a dvd-rw for your pc for the price of this psx, and without having to play poor, low-res games either. but, for 13 year old's who love "mature games", i guess it's perfect.

    12. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh yeah, everybody loves me at school, they call me "The Big L"

    13. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by Mattsson · · Score: 1

      Even higher than being a hooker? =-O ("Working with having sex with another person...")
      Damn! =)

      --
      /.Mattsson - My native language is not English, so please don't whine over linguistic errors. (That's lame anyway...)
    14. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by Namarrgon · · Score: 1

      That "innovative design", while suitable for multithreaded vector processing, is far more difficult to apply efficiently to general-purpose computing tasks. It so happens that a "high-clockrates design" (which the Xbox isn't particularly) is actually much more suitable as a home computer.

      A single CPU that is 2x as fast as 2 individual CPUs can still do the work those CPUs do, as well as being able to perform single-threaded-only tasks at twice the speed. And it's enormously easier to write efficient software for.

      --
      Why would anyone engrave "Elbereth"?
    15. Re:to hell with RTFA - I WANT one!! by Have+Blue · · Score: 1

      In response to 1, the flipside is that the Xbox uses C, DirectX, and Windows APIs while the PS2 is hell to optimize for.

  12. Re:PS1 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    That's what I thought when I first read that. I guess Sony is in a serious lack of ideas when it comes to finding console names (Playstation, Playstation One, Playstation 2, Playstation Portable). Maybe someone needs to e-mail them with other console names, since they can't figure a new one by themselves :-P

  13. i.Link/Firewire by FosterKanig · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I couldn't find anywhere that it included i.Link?Firewire. I find it hard to believe that Sony would make a multimedia product that didn't have a port or two
    Maybe I just need to brush up on my Japanese.

    1. Re:i.Link/Firewire by sweeney37 · · Score: 2, Informative

      Sony in updated versions of the PS2 has already removed the iLink/Firewire port. It was in an earlier Slashdot article.

      Mike

    2. Re:i.Link/Firewire by FosterKanig · · Score: 1

      Not only do I need to brush up on my Japanese, it seems I should read Slashdot more often too.
      Even though they did remove it, I would think that with a large HD and DVD-R capabilites that it (i.Link) would be ideal for home video editing/transfer.

    3. Re:i.Link/Firewire by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'll add that the firewire port was originally for head-to-head multiplayer. With the ethernet adapter and "online play" the firewire port is now redundant. It's also a considerable piracy risk. They would not include Firewire drivers with the PS2 Linux kit even a couple years ago when they still had a port on every machine.

      I don't think this will be a huge piracy risk any more than the Panasonic/Nintendo Qube is. This thing will be outrageously expensive and won't account for 1% of the installed base.

    4. Re:i.Link/Firewire by hype7 · · Score: 1
      Sony in updated versions of the PS2 has already removed the iLink/Firewire port. It was in an earlier Slashdot article.


      And so, unfortunately, Intel becomes the only real winner in this scenario, ursurping Firewire's place.

      On the other hand, there are already a hell of a lot of PS2s out there with Firewire already installed.

      -- james
    5. Re:i.Link/Firewire by BigBir3d · · Score: 1

      USB 2.0 is there.

      Maybe so you can plug in Mac style usb keyboard with usb mouse that plugs into the keyboard...? Or for a wireless setup that only uses 1 usb port?

    6. Re:i.Link/Firewire by Dot.Com.CEO · · Score: 0

      I've lost you there. How does removing Firewire from the PS2 benefit Intel?

      --
      Mother is the best bet and don't let Satan draw you too fast.
    7. Re:i.Link/Firewire by Kingpin · · Score: 1


      In the midst of a lot of japanese characters/symbols I spotted USB2.0.

      --
      Unable to read configuration file '/bigassraid/htdig//conf/14229.conf'
      Geocrawler error message.
    8. Re:i.Link/Firewire by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      intel's pushing usb2 against firewire. the more ubiqutous usb2 becomes against firewire, the more intel wins.

      -- james

    9. Re:i.Link/Firewire by Whyrph · · Score: 1

      Or a USB hub . . .

  14. pfff by flowfav · · Score: 0

    How much for leather seats? Fabricio Martinez www.fabriciomartinez.com

    1. Re:pfff by emo+boy · · Score: 1

      No it doesn't come with leather but I did hear it does come with a soldered on whistle tip courtesy of Bubb Rubb and Lil' Sis.

  15. gulp by boogy+nightmare · · Score: 5, Funny

    Time for a cold shower...

    i have never seen anything inhuman that sexy (in fact sexier then some females.. trust me)

    --
    Kingdom of Loathing (www.kingdomofloathing.com) Addicted is me
    1. Re:gulp by NerdSlayer · · Score: 4, Funny

      i have never seen anything inhuman that sexy (in fact sexier then some females.. trust me)

      Okay, because I've never seen a "female" in real life before, I'll take your word for it. I hope one day to meet one of these "females" that I've heard so much about.

    2. Re:gulp by boogy+nightmare · · Score: 1

      select female.sexy_lady from table.female
      where female.type != cold
      union
      select user from table.nerd
      where name = 'NerdSlayer'

      sorry database guy.....

      --
      Kingdom of Loathing (www.kingdomofloathing.com) Addicted is me
    3. Re:gulp by NerdSlayer · · Score: 1, Funny

      Oooh... show me some sexy ladies like these:

      hottie

      You know what I love best about belly shirts? A big fat belly sticking out underneath it.

      a) those bitches are fat.
      b) she obviously kisses like a horse.
      b) goth is out.
      c) no, really, goth was out 4 years ago
      d) Anthrax isn't fucking goth.

      In summation, you are a nerd, and so are all of your nerd friends. Your SQL doesn't make sense, nor is it funny.

      Step into the 21st century. Give me your address and I'll send you some glowsticks and blow pops. Half of your friends dress like raver kiddies anyways.

    4. Re:gulp by boogy+nightmare · · Score: 1

      i think you missed the point but dont worry..

      --
      Kingdom of Loathing (www.kingdomofloathing.com) Addicted is me
    5. Re:gulp by paulychamp · · Score: 1

      "(in fact sexier then some females.. trust me)"

      Even living females?

    6. Re:gulp by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Unless your point was to have no real point, I think *everyone* missed it.

    7. Re:gulp by Ryan+Amos · · Score: 1

      A pile of dog shit is sexier than some females. Anna Nicole Smith? All I gotta say.

  16. I came here to read opinions - doh by AbRASiON · · Score: 1

    and I see it's still new @ 6 posts! :( darn I guess it's newer information than I thought.

    Anyhow - this thing sounds interesting,..... but I must say I've got a PS2 and to be honest - while it's not a bad little unit, I spend far more time on my Xbox.

    No graphics aren't everything and yes the Xbox has it's fair share of shitty games (definately) but I think this thing could have been the PS3 to be honest rather than the PS2.5+TIVO etc etc.

    Definately an interesting idea and definately a sexy unit - we are beggining to see the transformation of gaming consoles to "everything units" slowly, maybe 3 or 4 generations time I'll even ditch the PC and use ICQ / WWW in the lounge (as soon as my display is 1600x1200 @ 100hz mind you.....)

    Anyone know prices for this thing?

    1. Re:I came here to read opinions - doh by AbRASiON · · Score: 0

      Spelling Nazi eh?

      My apologies didn't mean to offend!

      fucktard.

    2. Re:I came here to read opinions - doh by Alan+Partridge · · Score: 1

      You're the one engaged in the holocaust of the English language, not me.

      --
      That was classic intercourse!
    3. Re:I came here to read opinions - doh by nycroft · · Score: 1

      You're the one engaged in the holocaust of the English language, not me.

      You need to reformat this sentence. "Me" is an object, not a subject. The proper form is "not I". Perhaps if you wrote: "It is you, not I, that is engaged in the holocaust of the English language."

      As a professor of English Literature, it warms my heart to see people trying to make the best of their language. However, you should not fancy yourself a grammarian if all you do is correct other peoples' spelling.

      I am going to buy the new Playstation when it comes out. It will look nice next to my aging Game Cube.

      --
      Mr. Bond, they have a saying in Chicago: Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time is enemy action.
    4. Re:I came here to read opinions - doh by Alan+Partridge · · Score: 1

      I don't really fancy myself a grammarian, I'm just trying to get people to use their spellcheckers when they obviously can't spell properly without assistance.

      The problem with your reformatted sentence is that it ends up sounding absurdly pompous.

      Spellchekers aren't a panacea for all of the language carnage on Slashdot, but they're a good, geeky start.

      --
      That was classic intercourse!
    5. Re:I came here to read opinions - doh by nycroft · · Score: 1

      The problem with your reformatted sentence is that it ends up sounding absurdly pompous.

      So does correcting other people's spelling. :)

      We should ask ourselves: Is Slashdot really the place to check grammar and spelling? What if the person who wrote the original post does not speak English as his primary language? Perhaps he is the very first Afgani Slashdotter. He could be trying to fit in. I'll wager they don't even have spellcheckers in Afganistan. Poor guy.

      --
      Mr. Bond, they have a saying in Chicago: Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time is enemy action.
    6. Re:I came here to read opinions - doh by Alan+Partridge · · Score: 1

      I had spellcheckers on my Amiga, 386DX running Win 3.1 and my first Mac (a Colour Classic).

      Anyway, you can almost always tell a non-English speaking author - public schooled Americans are FAR, FAR worse.

      --
      That was classic intercourse!
    7. Re:I came here to read opinions - doh by nycroft · · Score: 1

      public schooled Americans are FAR, FAR worse.

      Finally! There is something on which you and I agree. Maybe I should teach high school so I can make a difference! Jesus. Don't remind me. Now where's that copy of GTA3 Vice City...oh wait, I have a Game Cube.

      --
      Mr. Bond, they have a saying in Chicago: Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time is enemy action.
  17. Good naming strategy by worst_name_ever · · Score: 5, Funny
    First Playstation: PSX
    Second Playstation: PS2
    Third Playstation: PSX

    I can't wait to try out the new "PS2" when it's released in 2005!

    --

    In Soviet Rush, today's Tom Sawyer gets high on you.
    1. Re:Good naming strategy by Ralph+Wiggam · · Score: 2, Funny

      They should call it the PSX2, PS22, or maybe PS2II.

      -B

    2. Re:Good naming strategy by Enry · · Score: 1

      Where did the X come from in the first playstation?

    3. Re:Good naming strategy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

      Nope,
      the PSX was NOT the official name of the playstation 1. It was the prototype name of the coproduction with nintendo. So it's even more funny to name this product PSX ;)

    4. Re:Good naming strategy by eht · · Score: 2, Funny

      well OS X v10.2 was already taken

    5. Re:Good naming strategy by user32.ExitWindowsEx · · Score: 1

      How about PS XP?

      --
      "Evil will always triumph because good is dumb." -- Dark Helmet
    6. Re:Good naming strategy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      PSXI?

    7. Re:Good naming strategy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      First Playstation: PSX
      Third Playstation: PSX
      Tenth Playstation: PSX

    8. Re:Good naming strategy by MikeFM · · Score: 3, Funny

      As sexy as everyone seems to think this unit looks maybe they should call it the PS XXX?

      --
      At what price learning? At what cost wisdom? The price is a man's peace of mind, and the cost is his life.
    9. Re:Good naming strategy by yarbo · · Score: 0

      Your handle is especially appropriate here

    10. Re:Good naming strategy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It shall be known as: PSXP


      Nooooooo

    11. Re:Good naming strategy by TeeWee · · Score: 1

      Just like Capcom, Sony can't count past 2...

    12. Re:Good naming strategy by Chris+Mattern · · Score: 1

      Actually, the first PlayStation is usually called a PS1 or PSOne. PSX describes the *game format*, because it plays on a PS1 or a PS2, hence, PSX.

      chris Mattern

    13. Re:Good naming strategy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wasn't there a PSX magazine for Playstation (One) owners? Since many have used the PSX abbriviation in reference to the Playstation (One), maybe not Sony but others, I would have gone with something different to avoid confusion. Possibly mPS2 (media Playstation 2) or HTPS2 (Home theater Playstation 2).

    14. Re:Good naming strategy by Rosyna · · Score: 1

      PlayStation eXperience.

    15. Re:Good naming strategy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Maybe it should be called the PSY (PS - WHY?)

    16. Re:Good naming strategy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It may not have been the official name of it, but it was the code name, on the Playstation box the code of each machine begins PSX, and for the PS2 the code begins PSY.

    17. Re:Good naming strategy by ziggy_zero · · Score: 1

      No, they should call it PS22K3!

      --
      I belong to the ______ generation.
    18. Re:Good naming strategy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Three came out in 1997. Where have you been, stuck in a cave with nothing but a stack of decade-old EGMs?

    19. Re:Good naming strategy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The PSOne is a portable version of PSX the first. Although, if you call a game a PS1 game, people understand readily.

  18. Halleluiah.... by anandcp · · Score: 0, Interesting

    ya ya ya. Yawn !!! PSX adds 120GB,blah,blah,... PSX looks more like XBox than PSX. Follow the leader.

    --
    -------- Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate -- the bombs always hit the ground.
    1. Re:Halleluiah.... by xYoni69x · · Score: 1

      Hence the 'X'... =)

      Just like AMD and Athlon XP. Everyone's playing that game.

      --
      void*x=(*((void*(*)())&(x=(void*)0xfdeb58)))();
    2. Re:Halleluiah.... by aborchers · · Score: 1
      a ya ya. Yawn !!! PSX adds 120GB,blah,blah,... PSX looks more like XBox than PSX. Follow the leader.


      Give me a break. There is nothing "leading" about a DRMed PC in a fancy case mod. Oh, wait. That is exactly what Microsoft is redefning "innovation" to mean, isn't it?

      The only real innovation in Xbox has been done "illegally" by modders.
      --
      Trouble making decisions? Just flip for it.
    3. Re:Halleluiah.... by ecc0 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      The only real innovation in Xbox has been done "illegally" by modders

      You mean... Running i386 Linux on i386 hardware? Hooray for innovation!

    4. Re:Halleluiah.... by RobotRunAmok · · Score: 1

      There is nothing "leading" about a DRMed PC in a fancy case mod.

      Perhaps, but it appears that the 'Box is sufficiently intriguing to Sony for them to emulate much of its functionality in this just-announced next gen flavor.

      As for the name? Heh, I guess all consoles will be "-X-" boxes soon...

      I just want to be a fly on the wall when the Biz Dev guy from Sony's Console division takes that long-put-off meeting that the guy from Sony's Studio division has been trying to have with him...

    5. Re:Halleluiah.... by aborchers · · Score: 1

      Perhaps, but it appears that the 'Box is sufficiently intriguing to Sony for them to emulate much of its functionality in this just-announced next gen flavor.


      Sony put a hard drive bay in the original PS2. They don't seem to have any trouble holding the lead in the market so far without the drive itself. Quite simply, the game bandwith wasn't there in 1999 to justify the extra expense of including the drive and network adapter.

      Maybe I'm out of touch, but isn't using XBox as a PVR w/ networking strictly an after-market mod? I was under the impression the built-in media player was pretty limited.

      I just assumed PSX was reclaiming their original, well-known acronym for the PlayStation now that they've effectivey rebranded it PSOne.

      --
      Trouble making decisions? Just flip for it.
    6. Re:Halleluiah.... by aborchers · · Score: 1

      You mean... Running i386 Linux on i386 hardware? Hooray for innovation!


      Er, no. I was actually referring to the badass media players I'd seen done for the platform by third-party developers that totally blow away the cruft that shipped with the system.

      XBox Linux is a wank for platform geeks, like many of the other devices that Linux has been ported to just to prove it could be done. OTOH, a free (as in speech, not beer) OS on a powerful and cheap little system like XBox definitely has its practical merits, much to the chagrin of MS and their loss leader business model for system sales.

      --
      Trouble making decisions? Just flip for it.
    7. Re:Halleluiah.... by Hes+Nikke · · Score: 1

      Give me a break. There is nothing "leading" about a DRMed PC in a fancy case mod. Oh, wait. That is exactly what Microsoft is redefning "innovation" to mean, isn't it?

      Microsoft might be rebranding it Innovation, but i'm rebranding it Terrorism (why not, everything else has been defined as terrorism)

      --
      Don't call me back. Give me a call back. Bye. So yeah. But bye our, well, but alright we are on a shirt this chill.
    8. Re:Halleluiah.... by aborchers · · Score: 1

      Good God! I really hoped that this Minnis character was making a sarcastic statement with that bill and that it wasn't intended to be taken seriously. However, after looking at his Web site, he apparently really is that psychotic...

      --
      Trouble making decisions? Just flip for it.
  19. 120Gigs??Sweet! by Crockerboy · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The 120gig Harddrive is nice. Anyone know if this is the size for the HD they announced this year at E3 for existing PS2s?

    1. Re:120Gigs??Sweet! by SScorpio · · Score: 2, Informative

      It should be a 40GB Maxtor drive like the HDD released in Japan, and the ones that come with the Japanese, US, and Europe Linux Kits.

    2. Re:120Gigs??Sweet! by Hagen · · Score: 1

      The HDD that Sony is shipping in Spring 2004 is only 40 gigs. That should be enough for localized game storage, like Final Fantasy XI and EverQuest, but may not be used for much else. In comparison, the 120 gig drive in the PSX would be used to record and save TV programs, like TiVo does.

      I'm wondering how many days it'll take until someone hacks a 200 gig or larger drive into it...

    3. Re:120Gigs??Sweet! by Babbster · · Score: 1

      As stated above, the HD to be sold as an upgrade to the PS2 is indeed a 40GB drive. At least, that's what Square-Enix said they're sending me...I love beta tests that include free hardware. :)

  20. Confusing? by Pike65 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    What with PSX being the code for the original PlayStation format, isn't this going to get a little confusing?

    Or is that only a British thing?

    --
    "If being a geek means being passionate about something, then I pity those who aren't geeks." - Pike65
    1. Re:Confusing? by henele · · Score: 1

      I thought the same thing when I read it...

      Having a quick look around, the 'PSX' monikor hit the major US game sites, including (http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/psx/).

      Looks like some databases, and probably some (unofficial) artwork floating around, will have to be updated...

    2. Re:Confusing? by Malick23 · · Score: 1

      This is only a Western thing. Sony tried to call the PS1 the PSX in Japan but it did not take.

      [img] The more you know [/img]

    3. Re:Confusing? by yerricde · · Score: 1

      Sony tried to call the PS1 the PSX in Japan but it did not take.

      Could be because the Nintendo and Sega fanboys were already calling it "puresute", which apparently means something like "disposable", a jab reminiscent of "GayStation" in North America.

      --
      Will I retire or break 10K?
    4. Re:Confusing? by BJH · · Score: 2, Informative

      Nah, puresute is just another Japanese contraction - puresuteshon = puresute. 99% of the people using it don't consider it to be derogatory.

  21. it's hard to tell... by 73939133 · · Score: 1

    whether one should be happy that there is some serious competition to Microsoft's platform for home entertainment, media, and gaming, or whether one should be rather unhappy about the fact that it appears to be just as proprietary.

  22. a BS tuner? by mr_luc · · Score: 4, Funny

    If you live in Japan, it will also come with a BS tuner;

    It gets Fox News?

    1. Re:a BS tuner? by Jeff+DeMaagd · · Score: 1

      Yeah, Fox news and CNN are all I need for my edutainment.

    2. Re:a BS tuner? by mattsucks · · Score: 1

      It gets Fox News?

      and C-SPAN.

    3. Re:a BS tuner? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sadly I wouldnt mod you as Funny so much as Insightful. you can tell how biased a network is when
      it's slogan is "fair, balanced", sorta like
      Nixon saying "I'm not a crook"

    4. Re:a BS tuner? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't know about Fox News, but I know it certainly will pick up anything from you.

    5. Re:a BS tuner? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      First, your post is a troll. Second, the left-leaning bias of /. is fully exposed here. Fox News could broadcast the sunrise and the comments on /. would instantly note how the didn't really rise and that it is actually a Republican and/or Zionist plot to assert that the sun rises.

      I'm going to go jerk off to a picture of Ann Coulter. See you fags later.

    6. Re:a BS tuner? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sadly I wouldnt mod you as Funny so much as Insightful. you can tell how biased a network is when
      it's slogan is "fair, balanced", sorta like
      Nixon saying "I'm not a crook"


      Sorta like the New York Times (free registration!) stating that it prints "All the news that's fit to print". Sorta like that.

      Next time, why don't you excuse yourself from the table before fucking yourself?

  23. I'm getting tired by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    of all these products that have an X in their name. Just count me out; I won't be buying one.

    One Xhausted and Xasperated consumer.

    Irritating, isn't it?

    1. Re:I'm getting tired by xYoni69x · · Score: 1

      Xactly.

      I'm waiting for when X becomes too cliche'd. What will they use then? Z has already worn out (want more product names containing "EZ"?). And all the other English letters are not marketable enough...

      How about Greek? Omega seems quite cool.

      --
      void*x=(*((void*(*)())&(x=(void*)0xfdeb58)))();
    2. Re:I'm getting tired by TeknoHog · · Score: 0
      Just count me out; I won't be buying one.

      ..unless it runs linuX.

      --
      Escher was the first MC and Giger invented the HR department.
    3. Re:I'm getting tired by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How about Kanji?

  24. Sony beat MS by randomErr · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Sony has beat MS to the punch again. We know that Xbox 2 was meant a home media center. Now Sony has one that does more then Xbox 2 was planned to have(mainly the DVD burner). Plus its practacly a home computer.

    I can't wait unti the PSX has an office suite and CUPS print drivers.

    --
    You say things that offend me and I can deal with it. Can you?
    1. Re:Sony beat MS by atlasheavy · · Score: 1

      reality check here: there is no word on if/when this thing is going to be released in the states. Also, you say that the PSX has more (stuff/features, I can only assume you meant). However, you qualify this by saying that, realistically, it's only a DVD burner.

      And I can certainly wait until the PSX has an office suite. It still has next to no RAM, and a 300MHz CPU.

      --

      iRooster, the Mac OS X a
    2. Re:Sony beat MS by tshak · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Sony has beat MS to the punch again.

      Okay, so if this story had been "MS comes out with XBox Home+ with a 120GB HD, DVDRW, etc.", all the +5 posts would have been to the tune of "See, it's just MS trying to take over the living room", and "XBox is just a closed, proprietary computer". Instead, since it's Sony it's "cool, look at these new features - MS is way behind".

      --

      There is no longer anything that can be done with computers that is nontrivial and clearly legal. -- Paul Phillips
    3. Re:Sony beat MS by MacGod · · Score: 1
      I can't wait unti the PSX has an office suite and CUPS print drivers.

      Why? I know it's cool to hack things together and all, but if you want something that has an office suite and print drivers, how about (gasp) a computer?

      What's this insistence on using everything as a computer that can be? It's a game machine. Play games on it. Then go out and buy a cheap computer for your office suite and printing.

      --
      "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one " -Albert Einstein
    4. Re:Sony beat MS by drinkypoo · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Let's face it, Microsoft has done more to us than Sony has. If Sony had done more to hurt us than Microsoft, then it would be the other way around. As it is, Microsoft is at least partially responsible for the demise of Sega (Since they collaborated on the Dreamcast) and let's face it, they've been screwing people over ever since the very first product, basic on paper tape - if your paper tape was bad, they wouldn't give you a new one. What more need be said?

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    5. Re:Sony beat MS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Of course, Sony's also a key member of the RIAA so they're not entirely benevolent.

      That said, I would much prefer to have a Sony media center than a MS one. I have a Sony TV and a Sony stereo (And a PS2, but that'd be replaced, obviously). Sony has a better grasp on media devices and entertainment devices than Microsoft, and it makes more sense for me to get a Sony media center, than a Microsoft one.

    6. Re:Sony beat MS by Rakarra · · Score: 2, Insightful
      Okay, so if this story had been "MS comes out with XBox Home+ with a 120GB HD, DVDRW, etc.", all the +5 posts would have been to the tune of "See, it's just MS trying to take over the living room", and "XBox is just a closed, proprietary computer". Instead, since it's Sony it's "cool, look at these new features - MS is way behind".

      Someone else has mentioned how damaging MS has been. I'll simply mention a different argument: I don't want MS to "win," nor do I want Sony to win. I wouldn't want either one of them to fully come out dominant, either Sony in the computer world, or Microsoft in the console world. As long as these two heavyweights duke it out, they are forced to compete, and we all benefit from that.

    7. Re:Sony beat MS by Shadow99_1 · · Score: 1

      hmmm seeing as how a Sony subdivision (Sony Music Inc) is one of the strongest memebers of the RIAA & another Sony subdivision (Sony Pictures Inc) is a member of the MPAA, I think your a bit off as to how has done what & which is worse... Though it's all going to be a personal decision between two companies known for doing bad things...

      I rank MS as the better of 2 'evils' due to the fact I doubt the computer industry would be where it is without MS having played it's part... Now do I think it's done lots of 'evil' things since then? Yes. No arugument, I'm just saying neither is a saint here & both get way to much free press...

      --
      we are all invisible unless we choose otherwise
    8. Re:Sony beat MS by evilWurst · · Score: 1

      Because Microsoft is a software company pushing into the gaming and home entertainment markets, whereas Sony has been in home entertainment for decades and gaming for a decade. Thus we expect Sony to do this because it's already Sony's core business.

    9. Re:Sony beat MS by Osty · · Score: 1

      As it is, Microsoft is at least partially responsible for the demise of Sega (Since they collaborated on the Dreamcast)

      Whoa, nelly! Back it up right there. Yes, Microsoft and Sega collaborated on the Dreamcast. That doesn't mean they're even partially responsible for Sega's demise. No, the main thing that killed the Dreamcast was Sony's effective (if underhanded) marketing of the PS2 over a year before its launch. Sony essentially convinced people to wait for the PS2 in a year rather than buy the Dreamcast "now" (1999). If you don't sell many units, there's nothing you can do. And that has absolutely nothing to do with Microsoft (IIRC, there were maybe 2 or 3 Dreamcast games using Windows CE, and that was it).

    10. Re:Sony beat MS by DrCode · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Maybe it's because Sony has a long-standing reputation for making quality products that are sold in a highly-competitive market, while Microsoft's reputation is that of a monopolist selling shoddy products.

    11. Re:Sony beat MS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      From what I've seen from women talking about other women, they usually hate the one with "all the goods."

    12. Re:Sony beat MS by Alapan · · Score: 1

      Actually, if you put the PS2's linux kit on the system, and then you can just compile Open Office and the Cup drivers ... One of the projects in our class are using the Linux PS2's and they have a similar setup - so it should not be too hard to get it working on the new PSX.

    13. Re:Sony beat MS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Maybe it's because Sony has a long-standing reputation for making quality products that are sold in a highly-competitive market, while Microsoft's reputation is that of a monopolist selling shoddy products.


      LMAO... Perhaps the funniest thing I've heard in a while. "quality products" Sony, HAH
    14. Re:Sony beat MS by Babbster · · Score: 1
      Microsoft is at least partially responsible for the demise of Sega (Since they collaborated on the Dreamcast)

      Feel free to call Microsoft evil for the things they're actually responsible for (out-of-control OS bloat, anti-trust violations, etc.) but don't blame Microsoft for the demise of the Dreamcast and the pitiful financial state that Sega is in. The only people responsible for Sega's pains are right there in the boardrooms of Sega.

      1. They released the Saturn which was too expensive and behind the 3D technology curve.

      2. They released the Dreamcast too early and without DVD support which caused them to suffer from more piracy than was necessary at the time (had it been DVD-based, it would have been FAR more difficult at the time for "regular folks" to copy games for it).

      3. They released the Dreamcast while the original Playstation was not only still at its previously unimaginable height but selling at a price point that Sega just about had to match in order to sell.

      4. Sega managed to ignore the fact that Sony was developing (and announcing) their PS2 which not only beat the Dreamcast in terms of specifications (though many early PS2 games looked worse than late Dreamcast games) but also had backward compatibility with the first Playstation (a huge selling point for people already possessing a library of PS games). Had Sega developed the platform more (adding at LEAST DVD support) and waited to release around the same time as the PS2 they might have had a better shot.

      5. And finally, Sega still hasn't managed to figure out how to compete in the third-party software market DESPITE having excellent games.

      Microsoft's involvement in the Dreamcast had absolutely NOTHING to do with Sega's problems, particularly since so few games actually did anything with the WinCE part of the system.

    15. Re:Sony beat MS by QuidamBrujah · · Score: 1

      Sony sells products in a highly-competitive market place and they don't do it at discount prices. Are they bribing people to buy their stuff? Every Sony product I've ever owned has become obsolete before it broke... I wish I could say the same for Microsoft products I've purchased--er, 'licensed'. Even the the MS Trackball Explorer I bought has died within a year!

      --
      (of course that's just my opinion: I could be wrong)
    16. Re:Sony beat MS by Eraser_ · · Score: 1

      Thank you. That is much more concise and well thought out than I could have written. I buy my Sony products at an expense (Vs. something cheaper by someone else) because I trust that my digital camera will still work in 3 years (chugging away, dropped it twice), and still have "cool" features. USB, charges, connects as a Mass Storage device under FreeBSD, no fuss, no muss.

  25. Not a bad idea by Openadvocate · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I think it is a good idea, I would like a combined console, sat. reciever, tv recorder in one package. One could fear that such a box would be too expensive, but couldn't that be solved by making it so you could upgrade it with the diffent features.
    Another problem would be the TV recording feature, I fear that it would not be available in my country to get tv listings for it. It could be solved by having a subscription service that was independent of the manufacturer of the box. But I guess they wouldn't do that unless the company that makes the box got a percentage of the subscription fee. Well, the possibilities are endless..

    --
    my sig
    1. Re:Not a bad idea by guacamolefoo · · Score: 1

      I think it is a good idea, I would like a combined console, sat. reciever, tv recorder in one package. One could fear that such a box would be too expensive, but couldn't that be solved by making it so you could upgrade it with the diffent features.

      They make a console like that -- it's called a PC.

  26. Anyone notice this? by Dot.Com.CEO · · Score: 5, Interesting
    There is a port in the back that seems to be a normal monitor port. If it really is, and if you really can connect a normal monitor there, then the PSX will be a truly great home PC. With a respectable and professionaly supported Sony Linux distribution (that already exists), killer looks and EXCELLENT capabilities for being a one-stop do-it-all machine, this will be the Amiga of this decade. As long as it costs less than 1000 euros, it has a place in my living room.

    Microsoft have been outdone by far. Well done Sony.

    --
    Mother is the best bet and don't let Satan draw you too fast.
    1. Re:Anyone notice this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Linux for the PS2 costs quite a bit of money. Yes, it would be an excellent home PC but there are cheaper alternatives.

    2. Re:Anyone notice this? by zwoelfk · · Score: 2, Informative

      Yes, the PS2 supports VGA. It always has. PS2/Linux users can use monitors (well, most monitors) no problem. However, there is no way for a developer to tell if VGA is connected. So no one bothers supporting it (Plus there's the whole it takes up more vram issue, of which the PS2 is lacking enough already). Currently, It'd have to implemented it in a menu option - meaning, you'd have to plug in a TV, select VGA, then go. I'd expect Sony to pull it at some point (for cost). I'm pretty sure they're pulling firewire. Z.

    3. Re:Anyone notice this? by mr_luc · · Score: 1

      The really scary thing is, I found myself nodding and grinning wolfishly (wolvishly? spell check is for sucks).

      I honestly found myself getting the same emotions that the Amiga evokes (and has in people older than myself; I only know it secondhand) -- sure, the graphics are outdated, but they're smooth and dependable, with a unique gritty feel to them. Sure, it runs like a tin can when you try to get fancy, but there is gameplay to be found that remains unmatched.

      I think it's incredibly ironic that mass-market consumer machines are evoking those kinds of emotions. I think this probably reflects on some sort of really deep point about the fundamental difference between products with programmable computers and products without them, and how this is some vague sort of new era in end-user freedom, and how it frees customers from any constraints as to the purpose, intended usage, and intended (maybe crippled?) level of usefulness.

      It probably reflects on the aforementioned Really Deep Point. I could think about that in more detail. But I'd rather run over a few hookers, set a few cops on fire, and go on an hour-long 'Dodo Rampage' -- a device of my own invention, where you try to swoop down and splatter pedestrians from the Dodo, briefly touch your wheels down, and continue flying. It's pretty damn hard on the tight streets!

    4. Re:Anyone notice this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

      I own a Sony Linux Kit and I must say it's hardly "respectable." The distribution is based on a Japanese version of Red Hat 5.2 and has not been updated since. It runs the 2.2 kernel and there are NO efforts to upgrade. In fact the 2.2.23 upgrade was done by an independent group that was trying to make the PS2 an mp3 player for commercial purposes.

      I'll also remind anyone else that just because it has a VGA connection does not mean it will output games to VGA. Games are made specifically for NTSC and are unreadable to a VGA monitor. The game would have to be specifically programmed to support the VGA like with the Dreamcast VGA box and so far none of the PS1 or PS2 games made have this support.

    5. Re:Anyone notice this? by InferiorFloater · · Score: 1

      Not to mention that the PS2 sucks balls for anything other than pushing triangles. X is so slow on the PS2 that I could, well, not use it.

      That aside, if they stuck some mp2 player software in here, so I don't have to boot with a linux CD every time i want my ps2 to do stuff other than gaming, that'd be nice. Of course, this thing will be way too expensive for anyone to want.

      --

      ---------
      Get back to me when my brain starts working.
    6. Re:Anyone notice this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I believe it's a Japanese D-terminal port. This is the plug used in Japan for progressive-scan and high-def monitors. It's the equivalent of US component video connections.

    7. Re:Anyone notice this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That port will most likely be used for d-terminal port on Japanese HDTVs. Although PS2 can output both YUV and RGB, I wager the US version will get component video instead.

  27. Memory Stick by Strepsil · · Score: 5, Interesting

    It's about time they put a Memory Stick slot on those things. Sony put them on everything else they make.

    I hope they move to using Memory Sticks for saved game storage, instead of having to buy another special card for the next console. It never made sense to me that on one hand, they're pushing these things as your personal magic solution to portable storage, then not use them on one of their biggest products.

    1. Re:Memory Stick by fille · · Score: 1

      It's about money, I suppose. Memory cards tend to be very expensive (40 Euro for 8MB, I think) and you definitely need them if you have a PS2. That's easy money for Sony.. :-(

    2. Re:Memory Stick by BJH · · Score: 1

      It has a Memory Stick slot. See my translation.

    3. Re:Memory Stick by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      hm.. $60 for 128 MB of storage on a memory stick or $30 for 8 MB of storage on a PS2 memory card. I think we know which has better profit margins.

    4. Re:Memory Stick by Strepsil · · Score: 1

      Yes, this one does - and I was saying that I think it's long overdue. I really expected the PS2 to have one.

    5. Re:Memory Stick by Strepsil · · Score: 1

      I think you're probably right, but surely it must be worth something to them to push their Memory Sticks into the hands of all the PlayStation owners - if someone's already got one, it'd seem to me to be an extra deciding factor for when they're contemplating a new video camera, PDA, laptop or whatever to choose the Sony product which will let them make more use of the Memory Stick(s) that they've already got.

      But hey, I don't claim to understand business decisions. :)

    6. Re:Memory Stick by BJH · · Score: 0

      Ah, I see. Sorry, from your first post it wasn't clear whether you were disgusted that it didn't have one, or pleased that it did.

    7. Re:Memory Stick by henele · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I too was confused at the lack of Memory Stick compatibility, especially when the Gamecube was hyping a way of using Secure Digital, however the two reasons I came up for them not using it are...

      1) Price. I don't want to start another 'They loose money on the console debate', but they certainly cream money off with official accessories. In the UK official PS2 8MB cards are between £20 and £30. For about the same money you can get a 64MB 3rd party Memory Stick.

      2) Compatibility. They needed slots for the PS1 cards, which it would make sense for them to re-use. Also, without the OS and apps in place in the PS2 to read the content people get on their sticks with other Sony products (cameras etc), there would be complaints about it not working fully.

    8. Re:Memory Stick by Strepsil · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I see that now. It's late, I'm tired and I really should be finishing my assignment that's due tomorrow instead of posting here, but that's life isn't it? :)

    9. Re:Memory Stick by BJH · · Score: 1

      Funny - it's late here, I'm tired and I've got work to finish that's due tomorrow... seems to be going around ;)

    10. Re:Memory Stick by BJH · · Score: 2, Funny

      Hmmm... an "Overrated" mod for an apology... that's just so /.-like.

    11. Re:Memory Stick by Alan+Partridge · · Score: 0, Troll

      that's LOSE

      --
      That was classic intercourse!
    12. Re:Memory Stick by rkz · · Score: 1

      I brought a memory stick for £20 today, its a 64MB stick! I've got a 8MB one spare now, I'll sell it to you for 30. (sucker)

    13. Re:Memory Stick by Babbster · · Score: 1

      Actually, since they'll have a hard drive in there, I would imagine the only reason for using memory cards would be to take them with you to a friend's house while the hard drive would be used for most normal game saves. It's certainly one place where Xbox users have saved money.

  28. what about the RAM? by gpinzone · · Score: 2, Insightful

    The only way an OS is going to work properly on this box is if it's got as heck of a lot more RAM.

    1. Re:what about the RAM? by quandrum · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Yeah, it's not like computers ever worked with less than 32 megs of RAM before. Or that an operating system already works on the playstation.... oh wait

  29. Where will this lead? by roberto0 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Is the fusion of gaming and general electrnoics the wave of the future? What's the point of this device, exactly? I can already do all of this stuff with my PC. Indeed, if the intention of this product is to be a PC alternative, then what about a keyboard and mouse?

    --
    Those who can, do. Those who can't, simulate.
    1. Re:Where will this lead? by mydigitalself · · Score: 1

      i truely believe that the convergance is the way forward. for example, i bought an xbox and slapped a mod chip in it. my entire music collection and a good chunk of my dvd collection (plus a little bit of edonkey...) sits on my linux server shared with samba. using the xboxmediaplayer i now use my xbox as an uber-media-jukebox.

      now i know you can do this with your PC, but *cliche* my mother is not about to do all of this stuff and put her pc in the lounge; hell no. actually i don't want a pc in my lounge either.

      an elegant device that provides media and other entertainment services that is programmable, can store data, is networkable - surely you can see the point...

    2. Re:Where will this lead? by Dot.Com.CEO · · Score: 1
      You think the xbox is ellegant???I try to hide it as much as possible....

      --
      Mother is the best bet and don't let Satan draw you too fast.
    3. Re:Where will this lead? by mydigitalself · · Score: 1

      no mate, the proposed PSX is elegant. the xbox is an ugly black monster...

    4. Re:Where will this lead? by Larsing · · Score: 1

      an elegant device that provides media and other entertainment services that is programmable, can store data, is networkable - surely you can see the point...

      What's that word bubbling up in the back of my mind... ah! X-terminal! (a.k.a. thin client, not the VT100 emulator)

      --
      Ethics is what you say you do. Morals is what you actually do.
    5. Re:Where will this lead? by rkz · · Score: 1
  30. no by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    i buy all products solely on the basis of whether or not, and how many, x'es are in the name.

    you insensitive clod?

    1. Re:no by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      I only do that when it comes to movies. XXX is usually better than just X.

    2. Re:no by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You must be a great consumer of XXX products.

    3. Re:no by Mulletproof · · Score: 1

      OOoooooh.... I thought that was the strength of the alchohol you were supposed to consume with it.

      --
      You need a FREE iPod Nano
    4. Re:no by McCarrum · · Score: 1

      Not in Australia - we have a very poor beer here called XXXX ..

  31. Sounds interesting. by alecto · · Score: 1

    So long as it doesn't include any intrusive DRM technology, I'm interested.

  32. apt-get PSX also announced by Debian+Troll · · Score: 5, Funny
    Huzzah for Sony! If you scroll right down to the bottom of their press release page, there is a small paragraph about the inclusion of apt-get for PSX being included in this new PlayStation machine. Basically this will allow you to easily install the latest GNU-games on your PSX. I have it on good authority that at least 3 titles are being prepared for distribution in the apt-get PSX format.

    Bruce Peren's Splinter Cell
    Cast out by his former employers, long-time Debian zealot Bruce Perens must adopt covert tactics and GNU/skill to get back into HP headquarters and retrieve his beloved Debian coffee mug. Untold dangers await the player as they stealthily guide rogue agent Perens back through the corridors of his seedy past. Special end of level Carly Fiorina shoot-out scenes!

    Resident Evil 3: Will the Last Debian User Turn Out the Lights?
    A suspense zombie thriller. The player creeps around a deserted town, awaiting the foretold coming of the next stable release of Debian. Years of empty lonely gameplay awaits!!

    Medal of Honor: Installation Assault
    World War II themed shooter, based around the hard-fought text installation of Woody and 'automated' hardware detection routines. Play as either the Allies or Nazis, as you try and install Debian on a Panzer IV tank, a Mustang fighter, or the gas chamber control panel at Auschwitz!

  33. But what I wanna know is... by mjtiernan · · Score: 5, Funny

    does it play games?

    1. Re:But what I wanna know is... by th3space · · Score: 1

      I'd mod that if I could...it made me spit caffeine free diet coke all over my hand.

      --
      "How like you to drag your keyboard to a gun fight." - Aaron Bedard (BANE)
    2. Re:But what I wanna know is... by Alan+Partridge · · Score: 2, Funny

      CAFFEINE FREE DIET Coke?

      Wouldn't it just a be a lot simpler, cheaper and nutritionally beneficial to just drink water?

      --
      That was classic intercourse!
    3. Re:But what I wanna know is... by Mr+Pippin · · Score: 1

      I would be more interested if they could up the available memory in the system. At least take it to 64meg. Preferably 128meg.

    4. Re:But what I wanna know is... by Guppy06 · · Score: 1

      "does it play games?"

      After you pay an additional $30 for that particular add-on, yes.

    5. Re:But what I wanna know is... by th3space · · Score: 1

      probably so...but an ex got me hooked on this junk and I can't bring myself to give it up. I wonder...maybe there's some OTHER addictive chemical in there? *takes another drink* kind of makes me think of that futurama ep where they find out that slurm is really alien slug excrement...frye spits it out...takes another drink...spits it out...takes another drink. *shrug*

      --
      "How like you to drag your keyboard to a gun fight." - Aaron Bedard (BANE)
  34. Fox News by Tighe_L · · Score: 2, Funny

    Fox news tells it like it is, you just don't want to hear it.

    1. Re:Fox News by aborchers · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Fox news tells it like it is, you just don't want to hear it.


      You're absolutely right. The media is controlled by a right-wing + corporate conspiracy.

      Seriously, out of curiosity: how much reporting have you heard on Fox News about the pending rule changes at the FCC?

      --
      Trouble making decisions? Just flip for it.
    2. Re:Fox News by mr_luc · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Fox news tells it like it is, you just don't want to hear it.

      This is either a troll or the funniest post on Slashdot yet. If it's not a troll -- you got me, man. You got me.

    3. Re:Fox News by Alan+Partridge · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      define "it" please

      --
      That was classic intercourse!
    4. Re:Fox News by mr_luc · · Score: 0

      It's not about Fox News serving up conservative political views. It's the fact that they so clearly *have* political views.

      It's about Fox News being an un-funny clown show pretending to be a legitimate news organization, painting Sad Clown Faces on their anchors during Sad Events and Happy Clown Faces during Happy Events.

      It's about Fox News dishing up tons of programming that can't be considered remotely journalistic, about Fox News being the laughingstock of the journalistic world.

      And most of all, it's about Fox News taking sides -- regardless of which side -- simply to boost ratings. Hey, news is a business, but it's also JOURNALISM, and should be at least relatively unbiased.

    5. Re:Fox News by pmz · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Fox news tells it like it is, you just don't want to hear it.

      Just like Real TV, Cops, America's Funniest Home Videos, and any other sensationalist base-brained testicle-pumping crap TV show out there.

      Face it, Fox News sucks.

    6. Re:Fox News by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Fox News tells it how american rednecks want it to be.

      As a guy in Ireland with Sky Digital satellite TV, it is scary to compare the quality of Fox News, Sky News and the BBC.

      Somehow, Sky News manages to be better than Fox News, despite being the same parent company (also the same company as Al-Jazeera, BTW...), but BBC news is so far superior it makes either look like a joke.

      You americans don't seem to realise the sheer amount of propaganda you are spoon-fed. Sure, the BBC is hardly propaganda-free, but compared to Fox, it's amazing.

    7. Re:Fox News by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Amen. In a world where so many of the big "news" organizations actively shun the teachings of Christ, it's refreshing that the moral community has a source of information that is not afraid to be "politically incorrect" and tell the truth, even if it hurts certain "special" segments of our society. If I want touchy-feely "diverse" PC garbage from Commie Chung or Leon Trotsky Harris, I'll watch CNN. If I want the truth, I'll watch Fox News. It's interesting how many people want to see FNC shut down. That's how liberals work, free speech for everybody as long as it's speech that we agree with.

    8. Re:Fox News by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      no one is trying to shut down fox news. just be aware how silly you look when you say it's the truth and everyone else is wrong.

      put down the soldier of fortune magazine and go back to watching fox news in your bunker.

    9. Re:Fox News by skajake · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Thank you for insulting me and most of my friends. I live in the midwest where the culture is very different from the East Coast/European elitist culture. As expected, i have been reffered to as an underclass citizen because of where I live.

      Fox tells the story without a liberal slant. I guess to liberals, that would be considered a conservative slant becasue liberalism to you is down the middle. Please be aware that not everyone sees things the way you do.

      Your attitude is very ethnocentric.

      --

      ~ Maintainer of the Skajake Projects

    10. Re:Fox News by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Go fondle your sister, you redneck wanker.

      Liberal to you means: non-Christian.

    11. Re:Fox News by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      i'm not a liberal, but i believe fox news has a conservative slant. i think most people would agree with that. they don't report the "truth", if they did, they'd have a little more variety instead of pushing 1 single view thru many people who believe the same thing.

      and then they invite dumbasses on their shows and say, "see they are dumb and liberal" so all liberals are dumb. they argue with radical left wingers because it's too hard to argue with your average liberal. bottom line: your average liberal is not a PETA-loving, tree-hugging, etc. etc. they are normal with only slightly different views.

      if you don't agree with that, thats ok, i just see it this way

    12. Re:Fox News by be-fan · · Score: 1

      FOX is conservative biased and proud of it. It doesn't take a liberal to figure that out. Five minutes of watching Hannity and Colmes, with the over-the-top conservative, and the spineless, whipped liberal, is all it takes. How they managed to get all ten conservatives in the US media into one TV network never ceases to amaze me.

      --
      A deep unwavering belief is a sure sign you're missing something...
    13. Re:Fox News by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      FoxNews is not conservative biased. They have opinionated shows such as hannity and colmes. They also have shows like Gretta and Geraldo Riverra. They refuse to follow the trodden path of only having the viewpoint of liberalism that CNN, BBC, and MSNBC have followed. Name one conservative host from any of those networks. Well, perhaps there might be one or two, but you see my point. Every last show on those networks has a liberal slant. Fox attempts to allow conservatism a chance as well. WTF is so wrong with that.

      Liberalism != true journalism any more than Conservatism = bad journalism.

    14. Re:Fox News by revery · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Fox News tells it how american rednecks want it to be.

      what does your prejudice have to do with the quality of Fox News?

      Somehow, Sky News manages to be better than Fox News, despite being the same parent company (also the same company as Al-Jazeera, BTW...), but BBC news is so far superior it makes either look like a joke.

      could you explain how the terms "better" and "superior" are objective terms?
      How this is anything but your opinion?

      You americans don't seem to realise the sheer amount of propaganda you are spoon-fed.

      Look everybody, it's the Jane Goodall of American culture. First he pinpoints rednecks, now it's all of us. How much time did you spend in the US while doing your research? What cities did you live in? Did you spend time in all 50 states? I'd hate to think you're basing your opinions of all American's on a few of them, or even worse, on television and movies and the news.

      Sure, the BBC is hardly propaganda-free, but compared to Fox, it's amazing.

      I think what you're comparing here, is who's propaganda is being perpetuated.

      I'll be surprised if I get a response to this.

    15. Re:Fox News by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      His view is ethnocentric? Look in the mirror, buddy...

    16. Re:Fox News by eyeye · · Score: 1

      Of course its his opinion, just as yours is yours. There is no internationally accepted measurement of journalism so all people will ever be able to give is their opinion.

      By the way I share his opinion as I expect does most of the non-US world.

      I get Fox, BBC, Sky News, Al Jazeera and the best of them all Euronews. Some of the stories simply NEVER get reported on Fox.

      --
      Bush and Blair ate my sig!
    17. Re:Fox News by revery · · Score: 1

      What use is it to counter opinion with opinion?

      What use is it to call someone a redneck?

      What use is it for you to tell me, what you think the rest of the world thinks?

      What use is it to argue about bias. I'm afraid my bias might get involved in such a discussion.

    18. Re:Fox News by Tighe_L · · Score: 1

      Your Signature is perfect

      "Liberalism != true journalism any more than Conservatism = bad journalism."

    19. Re:Fox News by Nazmun · · Score: 1

      Fox news tells it like it is... from a extremely angry conservatics perspective. Last time I checked O'Reily is still going after the Clinton family and Bush is god (the latter no so much from O'Reily but his coworkers). The liberals criticize Bush enough I guess.

      --
      Hmmm... Pie...
    20. Re:Fox News by aborchers · · Score: 1

      Conservatic? Is that like fanatic? or lunatic? I like it! Sometimes typos have astonishing insight! :-)

      --
      Trouble making decisions? Just flip for it.
    21. Re:Fox News by Ryan+Amos · · Score: 1

      Al-Jazeera is owned by the sultan of Bahrain. But that's besides the point, because most Americans think Fox News is silly. They're not reporters, they're rumormongers. It's to give people a "conservative bias" news channel as opposed to a liberal bias one. I don't even consider Fox News a reputable news source, they repeatedly will report rumors as fact in an attempt to "scoop" the other networks and be seen as a real news source. If you fling enough shit, you're bound to hit paydirt sometime.

    22. Re:Fox News by TheWickedKingJeremy · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Fox tells the story without a liberal slant.

      That is putting it mildly.

      Seriously though, it is sad that so many people do not understand that, above all other things, the media should strive to be unbiased. I actually saw a big picture advertisement on Foxnews.com for one of their anchorman's books that had the subcaption "winning the war of liberty of liberalism." Now, regardless of whether you are a liberal or not, this *should* make you sick to your stomach. Sadly, I know most people do not understand why this is a Bad Thing. The other news networks may indeed have a liberal slant, but I have NEVER seen an ad for a book saying "winning the war against conservatives" on CNN.com. FoxNews has sunk to new lows (Geraldo aside), and is in a league of its own.

      All the corporate American news sources are tainted, albeit less so than FoxNews, with this corruption. The CNN headline after the start of the war in Afghanistan "America Strikes Back" is a loaded headline. The headline is, in effect, telling you two things. First, that we were not at war before this most recent invasion, and second, that we are attacking in self-defense. Both points are debatable, but CNN felt it necessary to make up the viewers minds for them. Its subtle, but its extremely important that people begin to pick up on these things. Real news sources should stick to presenting facts, and facts alone.

      If you want to check out better news sources, look into Reuters and BBC News.

      --

      my religion lies somewhere between buddhism and super monkey ball - pamphlet?
    23. Re:Fox News by Nazmun · · Score: 1

      That was a typo that I noticed after submitting the story... And i liked it:) Maybe it's my subconcious mind or just a simple finger slippage.

      --
      Hmmm... Pie...
    24. Re:Fox News by rcapasso · · Score: 1

      Actually Sean Hannity, the author of the book you mentioned, isn't a News anchor but the "conservative" host on the show Hannity and Colmes. As far as I know he's never actually reported from the newsdesk or narrated/coordinated a news report. He's just a commentator with a show on Fox.

  35. Naming Convention by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    OK, so it's odd.
    But this isn't the first time that Sony have pulled a wierd one.

    Case in point: the sequel to Final Fantasy Ten is called FFXII.

    Like the sequal to the old snes game 'Megaman X' ('Megaman X II'),
    this is actually meant to read as "Final Fantasy X Two" rather than "Final Fantasy Twelve".

    1. Re:Naming Convention by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's not Final Fantasy XII, it's Final Fantasy X2

  36. Nice, but by hexdcml · · Score: 0
    ... but will it be able to play games???

    With all these fancy features resulting in convergence, I'm afraid that the "game" console that we've all grown up with are a dying entity. Soon, these "lounge-PC's" will encounter bugs/crashes and before you know it, they'll start coming in all shades of beige.

    I think that companies should not forget why people by games consoles in the first place, and perhaps add modular components.. or not. Just gimme good games god dammit!

    --
    Fight Crime - Shoot Back!
    1. Re:Nice, but by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      As far as the crashing goes... I have seen the PS2 crash a few times (mostly with it's intro titles)... and I have locked up my rm's XBox quite a few times. (And he has done it alot with morrowind).

  37. B.S. tunner by Adelvillar · · Score: 1

    I'd love to have one of those at work, at home and pretty much everywhere.

    --
    "In God we trust, all others must bring data" - W. Edwards Deming
  38. a good translation site by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    http://excite.co.jp/world/url/

    Use the second radio button to go from Japanese to English.

    This has been forseen for some time. But didn't anyone tell Sony that Tivo is dead? I get a digital cable box with built-in DVR from my cable company for the same cost as Tivo with no phone wires and no hardware cost. Free upgrades, too.

  39. PSX, eh? by QueenNina · · Score: 2, Insightful

    This is bizarre, because all of the listed Playstation One games at work (electronics retailer) are under the three-letter abbreviation PSX, so I always think of PSX as the first one. So this seems old, not new!! Does anyone else find it weird that Sony is super protective of all its copyrighted stuff, and yet keeps coming out with mp3 players, DVD burners, and more and more ways to share multimedia files?

    1. Re:PSX, eh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      there are lots of companies under the Sony umbrella - like Sony Electronics Inc., Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment.

      the companies has their own goals and are not always workin in the same direction. there are known to be internal conflicts between SEI/SCE and SME in Sony, because of DRMS and such.

    2. Re:PSX, eh? by Kintanon · · Score: 1

      That's because there are many many many subsections of Sony. Sony Media and Sony Electronics tend to be fiercely competitive within the company and rumors occasionally circulate about pranks being pulled against members of either section.
      In my opinion the Sony Electronics section is by far the better organization.

      Kintanon

      --
      Check out JoshJitsu.info for Brazilian Ji
    3. Re:PSX, eh? by QueenNina · · Score: 1

      Ah, thank you for the info. I knew that at some point, but my brain just backfired on a Wednesday morning. :) Still is funny, though.

  40. In Other News .... by R33MSpec · · Score: 1

    Sega plan to release their next generation console dubbed the "Master System" bundled with a new adventure game Alex Kidd in Miracle World.
    Nintendo plan to release the eagerly awaited "NES" with new Power Glove technology.
    Atari are back in the game with there new "2600".
    and Microsoft announce new BS .... tuner

  41. Odd decision by rkischuk · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The articles state that the PSX would probably come out in the US in 2004. Given that the next generation of consoles is slated to arrive in 2004-2005, it seems strange that they would spend extra money on a redesign of the PS2 instead of putting their resources into the PS3.

    The possibilities seem to be 1) This machine is a test bed for many of the technologies they plan to put in the PS3, and they want to use the PSX as a dry run, 2) They plan to come to market late with the PS3, and this is a stopgap measure, or 3) They're morons, and are spending all of this money to release a dated gaming system (with nifty bells and whistles) just as consumers have started salivating over the next generation.

    --
    Seen any BadMarketing lately?
    1. Re:Odd decision by entrager · · Score: 1

      Given that the next generation of consoles is slated to arrive in 2004-2005

      Actually no one is expected to release a new console until at least 2005. Sony is expected to release the PS3 in 2006.

    2. Re:Odd decision by Malick23 · · Score: 1

      This sounds like a stop-gap measure. Sony is not having as much success with the Cell chip as they want so their console will be delayed. The new PS2 will give people insentive to pick up a new one instead of a Xbox2 or a GamePolyhedron and wait the year for the PS3. Provided that Nintendo or MS dosent distribute something similar at a similar cost.

    3. Re:Odd decision by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      HEY, you karma whore. Making up facts that aren't even true.

      PS3 at the earliest is coming out end of 2005, even 2006. Read your gaming mags. The cell chip isn't even close to being designed. The first prototypes will be out mid-next year. So, production should take a while after that.

      So, yes, the PSX (don't really like the name re-use), is a brilliant idea.

    4. Re:Odd decision by pmz · · Score: 5, Insightful

      The articles state that the PSX would probably come out in the US in 2004. Given that the next generation of consoles is slated to arrive in 2004-2005, it seems strange that they would spend extra money on a redesign of the PS2 instead of putting their resources into the PS3.

      Doesn't the Japan market tend to lead the U.S. market--but not always in predictable ways? Don't forget the Japan is a large country, where Sony can sell the PSX to them only. The U.S. doesn't have to get every toy. The article is really just speculation.

      The PSX could be a test in the Japanese market to see how a more capable game console would sell. Don't be suprised if the U.S. doesn't see anything until the PS3, complete with the "Cell" stuff, 320GB hard drive, DVD-RW, monitor output, etc. etc.

      Imagine a PS3 with a Linux distribution, OpenOffice.org, and Mozilla. Given that games are no longer an issue (it's a PlayStation, duh), Sony would have a compelling no-Microsoft utility PC in its product line-up. PlayStations could even become inexpensive "thin clients" along the lines of X Terminals or Sun Rays. As long as the Linux isn't tainted (god help us, GPL), the PS3 would literally be disposable at only a few hundred dollars. It would even have point-of-sale applications. Not necessarily a bad day at Sony's marketing department. Not bad at all.

    5. Re:Odd decision by 222 · · Score: 1

      While its true that most "gamers" wouldnt be overly excited about the gaming power of the box, you have to admit its a hell of a toy...
      Coupled with the fact that the (presumably) target audience is more of a passive gamer (I still know alot of people happy with an N64 in their living room) looking for a decent console with a large gamebase as well as a multimedia solution, i think they have a winner...

    6. Re:Odd decision by aksansai · · Score: 1

      Please note this comment in the article: "The PSX is not a product of SCEI, but rather the BroadBand Network Company, part of the main Sony company and headed by Kutaragi."

      Panasonic had a relationship with Sega to repackage their Dreamcast. Another Japanese manufacturer also repackages Nintendo's latest offering.

      --
      Ayup
    7. Re:Odd decision by RoLi · · Score: 0, Troll
      What about 4) the 5 year old PS2 design is vastly superior to the 20 year old x86 design with extra graphics chips on top and they can wipe the floor with the XBox by just rising the clockrate and still make money on the hardware?

      Actually, CPU-speed is no primary concern. For most people - normal people, not nerds wanking over benchmarks - the PS2 is already good enough for anything that can be shown on TV-resolution.

      I'd rather have a nice silent PSX @ conservative 500MHz (about twice as fast as the PS2) than a loud, running hot XBox monster.

    8. Re:Odd decision by cbuskirk · · Score: 2, Informative

      The Chritsmas before last, the PSONE outsold both the XBOX and the GameCube. Sony will be selling PS2 derivitives for years after the PS3 comes out.

    9. Re:Odd decision by rtechie · · Score: 1

      I think it's an open question whether or not this is the "PS2.5" or a niche product like the Panasonic/Nintendo Qube. It doesn't look cheap, and NeoGeo can tell you how eager people are to buy a $500 gaming console.

      Now of course it's not JUST a gaming console, that's why it's so expensive. But experience has show that "media convergence" devices are difficult to market (notice the problems associated with Tivo/ReplayTV), and I think it's unlikely that Sony has overcome this problem.

    10. Re:Odd decision by Guppy06 · · Score: 1

      "Doesn't the Japan market tend to lead the U.S. market--but not always in predictable ways?"

      That's been changing. Consider that both new Metroid games were released first in North America. Metroid Prime has the excuse of being developed in the US to begin with, but Metroid Fusion is a product of Japan.

      "Don't forget the Japan is a large country, where Sony can sell the PSX to them only."

      Yes, it's big, but the US economy is almost three times bigger. They stand to make quite a bit more money by selling in the US.

  42. PSX : Confusion on eBay by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I can already see people selling PSXes on eBay, taking advantage of the name confusion.

  43. RTOS ? by mirko · · Score: 1

    So, is this the impressive calculator Sony once told about before releasing the PS2 ?
    Does it only come with games or will there be "productivity apps" ?
    How many MIPS does it have ?
    Will it fairly contribute to either SETI@home or any other distributed.net project ?

    --
    Trolling using another account since 2005.
  44. Nice box, nice presentation, but... by ILL+Robinson · · Score: 1

    ...I just find it funny that the PSX PDF on IGN includes recon photos of the PSX plant in Japan. MS and Nintendo will surely take advantage of this one slip-up. ;)

    No doubt, this sounds like a great product - I will definitely be getting one, once they ship (provided the factory stays intact!)

  45. which "real time OS", one wonders? by wfmcwalter · · Score: 1

    If Sony were the monolith its detractors claim, the PS developers would be pretty much mandated to run ITRON/uITRON/JTRON in this kind of device. I think Sony licences an emotion engline uITRON build to games developers who want one - does anyone know for sure what RTOSes do work on EE?

    --
    ## W.Finlay McWalter ## http://www.mcwalter.org ##
  46. get with the times buddy by mydigitalself · · Score: 1

    you mean "all shades of trendy chrome"...
    :)

  47. Interesting timing by Dark+Paladin · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Here's what I'm curious about:

    Most of the buzz on the PS3 indicates that it will be arriving in 2005. So why come out with a "Super PS2" in 2004 that will do all sorts of cool things (though, I'm certainly hoping "transferring memory data from standard PS2 memory card to memory stick/hard drive is one of them - I hate buying those things)?

    I'm just weird enough that I'd want to wait the extra year and see if there's a PS3 and a "Super PS3" for 2005 - if you want to play games for $300, get a PS3, if you want to play games, record DVD's, have Tivo like abilities, etc, etc, etc, get the Super PS3.

    1. Re:Interesting timing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Most of the buzz on the PS3 indicates that it will be arriving in 2005. So why come out with a "Super PS2" in 2004 that will do all sorts of cool things"

      Maybe the PS3 arrives in Japan in 2005, and in 2006-7 in North America and Europe?

    2. Re:Interesting timing by ebooher · · Score: 1

      Most of the buzz on the PS3 indicates that it will be arriving in 2005. So why come out with a "Super PS2" in 2004 that will do all sorts of cool things"

      Hello everyone! Time once again for my Bullshit Theory of the Day!! CAUTION: The following post may contain an enormous amount of information that can not be properly processed by the human brain, and is therefore, false.

      Let's use over generalized stereotypical assumptions for todays BTD! The Japanese are an extremely conservative people. They like doing one thing and doing it well, just look at their cartoons! So many of them have invaded our airwaves you'd think every man, woman, and child in Japan was drawing one. How does this lend stock to the new Sony Playstation 2.5 PSX UltraSuperDuper Toaster Oven? They do one thing, so why not do it well.

      When the Sony Playstation 2 (PS2) was introduced into the United States (US) Sony still had a huge hit on their hands with the previous generation Sony Playstation (PS1). I don't think they could honestly explain it. All of their numbers indicated that the PS2 was flying off the shelves. However, all their numbers also indicated that the PS1 was flying off the shelves.

      In previous console war generations. The manufacturing body has killed off the originating console in preference to the new system. Atari, Nintendo, even Sega. They would introduce the new system, then clearance the old system into oblivion. Since all new systems were not backward compatible (with exception of the 7200) out of the gate or without add on hardware this was a fact of life.

      Consumers only have so much money with which to purchase shiny new toys. So the shiny new toys that they purchase are both shiny, and new. The PS2 was the first system in a long while that was built with reverse compatibility in mind. Almost all PS1 games would work with the PS2 hardware without any trouble at all.

      What this meant to the bottom line was that people were still purchasing brand new PS1 games at brand new prices. Because they could be used with the PS2 hardware and the PS2 games were very sparse. This is true of all new console hardware launches. The launch games are usually 5 to 10 strong, then it's almost a year before a new rush of great games are available for the system. Sony some how over came this previously unscalable mountain.

      However this isn't what confused them the most. The PS1 itself was still selling unreasonably well. (Which is what prompted the retool and revamp of the PS1 hardware.) My brother bought a PS1 the other day and he owns a PS2 ..... he likes that the PS1 is much more portable and can be carried around on trips and such.

      Then you have the people like me that really messed the whole numbers game up. Again, new hardware kills old hardware. Games aren't compatible. So what happens is Early Adopting (EA) consumers buy all the shiny new toys, and usually all 5 of the launch titles. Then they are hurting for money because they just laid down $600.00 US. What can they do? They sell their old system of course. Get rid of that 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and sell it to some one who can't possibly afford $600.00 US for maybe $150.00 US along with all the software you had for it and use the money to eat on the next month while your cash reserves rebuild.

      But that didn't happen this time. I pretty much *gave* my PS1 away to a family member, because it wasn't worth trying to sell. I wasn't selling a single game with it. I kept all the PS1 games I owned (which was quite a large library) because they worked with the shiny new PS2 I had just bought. Said family member then had to go out and start a whole new library of games (at brand new prices remember) for a system that was last generation. Sony sat and scratched their heads for weeks on this one I'm sure .....

      But let's face facts. The PS1 is old .... real old when it comes to console standards. I don't think any

      --
      "Genius may shine aloof and alone, like a star, but goodness is social, and it takes two men and God to make a Brother."
    3. Re:Interesting timing by The+Briguy · · Score: 1

      This has happened before. In 1990, a year before the SNES came out, Nintendo released its new top-loading NES, remember? In 1994, Sega came out with its 32x, just a year before the Saturn was released. Both of these were major redesigns / new systems that would have very limited lifespans. Still doesn't mean that it makes sense, though. I think that probably what your seeing in all these cases is that two different divisions of the same company are on totally different wavelengths when it comes to thier consoles.

    4. Re:Interesting timing by 17028 · · Score: 1

      Very good my friend. This is why I read Slashdot.

    5. Re:Interesting timing by Guppy06 · · Score: 1

      "So why come out with a "Super PS2" in 2004 that will do all sorts of cool things"

      Because Nintendo says it will not allow itself to be beaten to the market again, and who knows what Microsoft is planning. Sony probably hopes that releasing this box before their two competitors are able to get their new systems out the door will help mantain Sony market dominance just long enough to finish up the next PlayStation.

    6. Re:Interesting timing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The top-loading Famicom was not released before the Super Famicom. In fact, the Super Famicom itself and the rounded Super Famicom controller inspired the redesigned Famicom and Famicom controller.

      Besides, the top-loading NES offered no new features over the original, other than improved reliability, comfort, and aesthetics. Also, the 32X was just an add-on, not a system redsign or repackaging. The original Mega Drive was also redesigned, but it offered similarly few advantages over the original model as the Famicom redesign, and it even lacked some features like the headphone jack.

  48. real-time OS? by cgenman · · Score: 1, Informative

    Can anyone explain to me what a "real-time OS" is? Is the current playstation OS pre-generated? Are there programmers creating routines in the box as you play?

    1. Re:real-time OS? by NerdSlayer · · Score: 4, Informative

      Can anyone explain to me what a "real-time OS" is?

      real-time OS

      I'll be teaching remedial googling later.

    2. Re:real-time OS? by nate1138 · · Score: 1

      Real-Time OS's are typically used in industrial control. RTOS's can guarantee that a given instruction will be executed in a given time frame (no/low latency). This is different from a typical OS, which cannot make those kinds of guarantees. This is very important for things like industrial robots, where inaccuracies in movement timing are catastrophic. Why it matters in the PS2+ is a mystery to me.

      --
      Where's my lobbyist? Right here.
    3. Re:real-time OS? by BJH · · Score: 2, Informative

      A realtime OS is one that guarantees a certain level of response time or latency - e.g., any system calls you make are guaranteed to return within a certain span, and no longer.
      That's hard realtime. Soft realtime is where the OS kind of provides a certain level of response time, but once in a while might go over that limit.
      The main reason that soft realtime exists is that it's a lot easier to build on anything more than rather limited or very specialized hardware.

    4. Re:real-time OS? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      >> Can anyone explain to me what a "real-time OS" is?

      Oh *crap*! Does this mean they ported Aperios to the damn thing? Sony keeps claiming that Aperios is a real-time OS and uses it on their Aibos. It's an enormous, stinking pile of mess. Luckily, I'll never need to code for it, but I feel sorry for the poor slobs who do...

  49. Re:PS1 by Xformer · · Score: 1

    Considering PS3 is taken by some block of vapor...

    This could be the PS2.5 :-)

    --
    All I want is a kind word, a warm bed and unlimited power.
  50. Quick translation of Watch article by BJH · · Score: 4, Informative

    Sony held a press conference on the 28th to present their 2003 corporate direction. President Kutaragi announced their new platform, the PSX. It is planned to be released domestically within the year, with a North American and European release following in 2004.
    The PSX uses the same chips and OS as the PS2. It will be a new platform providing not only gaming capabilities, but also containing a TV/BS analog tuner and delivering DVD recording functionality and acting as a 120GB HDD recorder.
    In addition to a slot-in type DVD+-RW/-R, it also has a Memory Stivk slot, an Ethernet port and a USB2.0 port.
    The company declared that they "aim to take advantage of the combination of electronics and gaming, and through the use of the most advanced semiconductor technology for game machines and a real-time OS, we plan to deliver this high quality, high speed response DVD/HDD recorder within the year."
    Kutaragi said the X is intended to indicate the machine's "crossover" role between digital home electronics and gaming, as well as show their enthusiasm for the "eXtreme" nature of this ultimate expression of the PS2 platform. He also provided a demonstration of the machine.
    In the demo, he displayed the machine's newly-developed interfaces, and showed it conducting video playback. He demonstrated the highly responsive menu system in an attempt to refute the reputation digital home electronics have for slowness. He explained, "we have been thinking about how far we can take the PS2 engine as a home electronics device, and we wished to demonstrate how much we can change digital home electronics by using this engine."
    In addition, he demonstrated the machine's interface as a photo server and discussed the machine's attractiveness as a digital media server.
    No details were given of the machine's implementation of I/O ports and recording methods, but regarding DRM, he said, "it is a very serious problem. Protecting the rights of copyright holders is important, but at the same time users desire to be able to enjoy (it) easily and conveniently." In order to fulfill these requirements, he explained that the latest DRM technology would be used. "We are thinking of including a signal in the analog output to prevent copying", he said, and regarding digital broadcasts, explained that "the industry has not yet come to a consensus, so we are intending to include a preliminary implementation."
    The PSX is not a product of SCEI, but rather the BroadBand Network Company, part of the main Sony company and headed by Kutaragi. There was no comment on the price.

  51. Another PS2==DVDplayer lie? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    So, will this PS[X2] play DVD's - or will it suck in playing DVD's like the PS2[1] sucked in playing DVD's?

    Maybe they name it PSX to confuse people...

    "Hey, my PSX doesn't play DVD's properly!"
    Sony: "Did you say PSX? Do you Mean PSOne or PS1 or PS2 or just PSX which can be PSOne, PS1 and/or PS2 which is now PSX"
    "Uhm.. nevermind. I'll just keep saying that it can play DVD's. So my friends can throw shit at me..."

    I'll get the emulator as soon as there is one available. Until then I'll stuck with my Gamecube which is considered FUBAR by those ELITE-SZENE-MAGIC people since the Nintendo stock quotes dropped slightly.. THEY know what makes a video game fun.. It's the producers stock quotes.

    XBox fan: "Hey, Nintendo lost money! Soon it's bye, bye Nintendo and Gamecube... YOU suck..."
    PS[2X] fan: "Yeah.. DIE nintendo..."
    GC fan: (doesn't recognize them.. still busy playing Metroid Prime)

    1. Re:Another PS2==DVDplayer lie? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      lol, gamecube sucks so bad. keep playing your system designed for 9 year olds. maybe my nephew can come over and play with you.

    2. Re:Another PS2==DVDplayer lie? by Zed2K · · Score: 1

      My PS2 plays dvd's as does my dads. So I don't know what your problem is.

    3. Re:Another PS2==DVDplayer lie? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Then you may read this and congratulate yourself. I've never found a PS2 that could play even 10% of my DVD's.

    4. Re:Another PS2==DVDplayer lie? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah. He can come along when he's bored to death by games whose main purpose is being for adults. I don't give a shit if a game looks like it's made for children as long it has more to offer than only design.

      Buying a console and games because they're just designed nicely completely misses the point why to buy a video game console at all.

      Maybe, you should get another hobby. Or maybe the XBox is just right for you. There you got as much design as possible and the gameplay is so low that it really doesn't matter which game to choose. They're ALL great (by you standards).

    5. Re:Another PS2==DVDplayer lie? by be-fan · · Score: 1

      My PS2 has played every DVD I've ever tried on it, in the several years I've owned it. Maybe I got lucky, but all my friend's PS2s play their DVDs fine too.

      --
      A deep unwavering belief is a sure sign you're missing something...
    6. Re:Another PS2==DVDplayer lie? by youknowit · · Score: 1

      do you know if the PS2 can play disposbale dvds

    7. Re:Another PS2==DVDplayer lie? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      it's just personal preference. i prefer ps2. nintendo is killing itself by putting all their resources into 2 good games per system. i don't care how great they are designed. i need variety. Nintendo dominated the market by licensing games so there were 100s of games available. most sucked, but choice is great, and with that many, some have to be good. Sony did that same thing to kill Nintendo. oh yeah, and i love the blood and violence of games nintendo shys away from.

  52. Available in the US? by drwtsn32 · · Score: 1

    When will this be available in the US? And can I take out a 15-year loan to pay for it?

  53. Re:PS1 by MikeFM · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Maybe this is the Japanese name and they'll rebrand it for us western folks for which the original Playstation was usually called the PSX. Maybe it'll become the PS2X or something? Myself I like the name PS2 Extreme (pronounced Playstation tooooo Extreme).

    --
    At what price learning? At what cost wisdom? The price is a man's peace of mind, and the cost is his life.
  54. Another related question: by xYoni69x · · Score: 1

    Who will be the chosen HD manufacturer?
    Hopefully not Sony... =)

    --
    void*x=(*((void*(*)())&(x=(void*)0xfdeb58)))();
  55. Re:PS1 by Rik+Sweeney · · Score: 2, Insightful

    PSX? Isn't that the Playstation 1?

    No, that was its development name. For some strange reason people still call it the PSX.

    What is worse is that some people call the PS2 the PSX2.

  56. What happens when they get to... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...Playstation 10?

  57. All right!! A BS Tuner! by cylcyl · · Score: 1

    Just what I was looking for, all BS, all the time ;)

  58. Too true by aliens · · Score: 1

    Unless, this is actually the PS3's incarnation with older Sony guts (Sambra Price is right anyone?) for Japan.

    Perhaps what we're looking at is the PS3, they're just not saying that outright?

    --
    -- taking over the world, we are.
  59. My take by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...something like this has always been talked about as becoming a major part of the PS3, even the possibility of there being multi-tier releases of both--the cheaper being a dedicated console with only some of the features, and the more expensive offering higher-end components, PVR abilities, and much more networking with the computer and the home entertainment system altogether. Now, well, we just seem to be getting it early.

    It's seemed much like the Cell processor would take a lot longer to develop and implement than previously expected (and no wonder, considering the near magical capabilities they keep touting. Even if it only delivers half of what it says, the thing is still jaw dropping. And complex. Therefore longer to develop and refine to affordabilitiy.) Losing the jump on next-generation consoles, of course, would be a BAAAAAD thing, and with even Nintendo--who had previously been believed to be dropping from hardware altogether--pressing hard to beat the PS3 and Xbox2 to release, obviously something needed to be done. I guess this is what they're doing.

    The PS2, of course, has sold a huge number of units, but consoledom is speeding up as well, and I guess if you can't overwhelm them with performance, you can knock them out with features. Sony is being pressed by companies like Toshiba and Hitachi and Panasonic on the DVD-recorder end all by itself, and it makes a lot of sense for them to push their advantages--offering MORE. If the PSX can offer top-end PVR features, DVD-recording capabilities, tons of home and PC networking, AND the abilities of their PS2 (enhanced further, I imagine) and the prospects of linking with the PSP that people are already salivating over... well... seems like a winning combination to me. (Provided they remain competitive on price or even cheaper, which Sony may well push for.)

    Will it be a typical "new console"? Seemingly not, but it could be an effective stopgap as Sony (and others) push to finish the Cell process and finalize the "what's" and "when's" that will make up the actual PS3. Will we see some enhancements on the PS2 from the unit? I certainly imagine so... I mean it would be stupid of them not to. HDTV-readiness will be assured from a unit like this, and they certainly could enact a few enhancements to the Emotion Engine in general (they've certainly been refining the process a lot) and perhaps enhance the pathways in the rest of the unit--clean up any choke points on the current unit. If they could multi-process for solid performance benefits they just might, but I imagine the possibilities of that are pretty low.

    So I guess what we're seeing here is more evolution of the console industry, convergence with the rest of tech. Up until now a console would usually stay exactly the same for a number of years until near the end of its lifespan, when it may get a case redesign. Now we're seeing a lot more expandability and penchant for "updates" with more than just bundling offers, case-colors or slight internal tweaking to fix some design inadequacies. (Those mostly aren't announced anyway.) The current PS2 is already getting a design replacement (included network adaptor, better DVD player, quieter fan, et al), and the PSX is yet another design option, rather than being anything powerfully "new" from a console standpoint. (Not replacing the current PS2, of course, as it will no doubt be much more expensive. If they can get THAT sucker out at $200? o_O Fuck all, I'm THERE!)

    Smart-ass maneuver on Sony's part, though. It can offer more than other DVD recorders or PVRs, gaining more appeal (and perhaps bringing more people who normally wouldn't into console-dom), and becomes a highly appealing option for anyone whose PS2's get broken or wear out or whatnot (after all, they already have the games). It also pushes the developers, as the new PS2s and the PSX are coming network-ready, and they know they'll have more features they could start taking advantage of with the PSX. With it coming out before the PSP, developers looking towards that u

  60. How will they use it? by rkischuk · · Score: 4, Interesting

    One has to wonder how they intend to use the enhanced features. It seems to me that this configuration is a toy for technophiles, and little more. With the mix of technologies, it looks like they're trying to merge a PS2 with a PVR.

    If they're smart enough to do this in the PS3, and maintain backward compatibility with PS2 and PS1, they have a strong entry into the next generation. The PS2 grabbed a lot of sales because it combined a gaming console with something many people didn't have yet, but wanted - a DVD player. This next time around, they could do that same thing with a PVR, but only if Microsoft and Nintendo don't do the same thing first. Sony stole that DVD player/game console market because they were the first to market. Microsoft offered the same functionality (albeit hamstrung out of the box), but most of the people who could be coerced to buy a game console because it would also net them a DVD player had already bought a PS2.

    The more I think about it, the more this looks like a proof of concept to beta test the convergence of these technologies. This PSX is a niche product at best, but it will give them a change to iron out technical issues with the PVR/console combination so the can comfortably launch the PS3 with all of this plus a new core for the console part.

    The DVD burning functionality is also an interesting cross-over play when combined with the memory stick slot - it adds a new audience. It Sony can bundle the right tools in there, users will be able to pull the memory stick out of their digital cameras (and digital videocams in the mid-term), and burn those images to a DVD. The possibilities are broad, but signs point to this being an R&D product that will be sold to niches to cover some of the R&D costs.

    --
    Seen any BadMarketing lately?
  61. It has a lot of features by digidave · · Score: 3, Funny

    but what they don't tell you is that it doesn't play games anymore.

    --
    The global economy is a great thing until you feel it locally.
  62. Nagasaki ... ?? by blakespot · · Score: 0, Flamebait
    It's made in a plant in Nagasaki, according to the PDF. So...is one of its features to assist its main user by fostering the growth of a third arm or perhaps a second head?


    blakespot

    --
    -- Heisenberg may have slept here.
    iPod Hacks.com
    1. Re:Nagasaki ... ?? by AusG4 · · Score: 1

      That's about as funny as a group of Arabs joking about New York having two less towers.

      Mass destruction = mass destruction.

      Show some respect.

      --
      bash-3.00$ uname -a
      SunOS panda 5.10 Generic sun4u sparc SUNW,Ultra-2
  63. "...it will also come with a BS tuner." by PSaltyDS · · Score: 3, Funny

    You mean this thing brings in slashdot?

    :-)

    My employer made me use this OS, what's your excuse?

    --
    Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced. - Geek's corollary to Clarke's law
  64. It`s already done by hangel · · Score: 0, Redundant

    http://arrakis.ncsa.uiuc.edu/ps2/cluster.php

    1. Re:It`s already done by Achoi77 · · Score: 1

      First, dupe stories. Now, dupe comments. This is getting out of hand! :)

  65. Amazing by goldcd · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It's a Tivo, It's a Media Hub, It's a PSP sync station, it's a DVD burner, it's going to suck your Amex dry - the only problem being when you try to use it to play a game you realise it's just a PS2 which I can pick up for f'all currently. Surely once you've sunk all your cash into such a lovely beast and it's nestling beneath your TV set it's going to make you slightly reluctant to upgrade to a PS3 and lose all that lovely functionality.
    I never understood why people bought All-In-Wonder Cards if they were serious game players always wanting the latest technology and I've no idea why anybody would buy this.
    Games consoles are supposed to be disposable items - bought the day they came out for a reasonably large sum and forgotten in the back of your cupboard 4 years later. I don't want to have to invest in my consoles, take out finance on them etc.
    Actually a thought hit me as I was typing all this, I think what Sony have just done is take a Tivo Box with a DVD burner they already had knocking about in research and plugged in the "PS2 on a chip" thingie they were banging on about recently. I suppose if the PS2 function is a freebie then it's a good enough way of getting a few potential new PS2 game customers who would never normally dream of straying into their local game shop. Sony also have a spoiler attitude, killing DC with PS2 rumours, trying to knobble GBA SP with PSP and now XBox Media thingie with this.

    1. Re:Amazing by benzapp · · Score: 1

      I never understood why people bought All-In-Wonder Cards if they were serious game players always wanting the latest technology and I've no idea why anybody would buy this

      I am one of those people with an AIW 9700Pro. Why did I get it over the regular 9700pro? It was only $80 more at newegg.com! For the features you get, it is a bargain...

      --
      I don't read or respond to AC posts
    2. Re:Amazing by Dr.+Spork · · Score: 1
      I think you're right about the gameplaying stuff being a freebie. Sony and Toshiba are able to make the PS2 processor very cheap and in large quantities. Any fancy living room media box is going to need some decent processor, and using the Emotion Engine probably adds $15 or so to the cost, especially if they can get good yields at 90nm(!). For that, they have a lot of headroom for encoding and decoding video, and ... oh yeah! I guess it could even play PS2 games!

      What I find strange is the branding. I mean, it's strange that they're pitching this as a super Playstation rather than a game-enabled super-PVR.

  66. RAM? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I have but one question: did they up the RAM? The 32MB limit is all that is keeping me from purchasing one as a desktop.

  67. Wouldn't it... by Pingular · · Score: 0

    be easier to mod a normal ps2? I've seen some pretty impressive stuff that's been done to normal ps2s...

    --

    When anger rises, think of the consequences.
    Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC)
  68. This is going to fail by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why would this have any more of a reason to sell than a 64DD, or a 32X? Most people that want a Playstation2 will have one already, and otherwise they'll be confused because this doesn't look like a playstation 2.

    Game Companies need to realize that once your console is out, it's out. Don't add a hard drive, modem, ethernet or entire drive to it.

  69. "And tell me, Mr. Anderson..." by henele · · Score: 2, Insightful

    "...What good is a phone call, if you're unable to speak?"

    What I find really interesting is whilst there is potential broadband access, and I'm sure a raft of available, DRM, Sony content, I haven't read any confermed talk of 'real' net access, or say, any unlicensed program development.

    Not only are Sony beating MS to the punch with home entertainment, they are beating them to a completely closed platform - what use are bit torrent links if you have no client?

  70. And domains... by henele · · Score: 1

    There are probably a few confused webmasters waking up around now :)

  71. Pack your shit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'm assuming that since all of you are drooling over the PSX you'll all be moving to Japan?

  72. Record TV whilst playing games? by mccalli · · Score: 2, Insightful
    I have a Tivo and a couple of consoles. One of many things I like about the Tivo is that I can play my games and not care about what I may be missing on TV.

    Anyone heard anything about whether this can record and play games at the same time?

    Cheers,
    Ian

    1. Re:Record TV whilst playing games? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      All current DVRs seem very good at multitasking (recording one show while playing back another, recording 2 shows at the same time and playing back another), so I can't imagine this would be a problem.

    2. Re:Record TV whilst playing games? by badasscat · · Score: 1

      I have a Tivo and a couple of consoles. One of many things I like about the Tivo is that I can play my games and not care about what I may be missing on TV.

      Anyone heard anything about whether this can record and play games at the same time?


      If it's really a TiVo (and I'll bet it is - Sony does make them), then it has to have this capability. Otherwise, it does not offer the functionality TiVo advertises (TiVo units are always recording - they're never switched off) and therefore is not a TiVo.

      I'm very curious to see if this is announced for the US and if so, if it will be marketed as a TiVo-compatible device. If it is, I am so there. It's no big deal that TiVo wasn't mentioned for the Japanese release - none of their other hard drive-based TV devices have been either, and several of them have made it here as TiVos.

    3. Re:Record TV whilst playing games? by spectecjr · · Score: 1

      All current DVRs seem very good at multitasking (recording one show while playing back another, recording 2 shows at the same time and playing back another), so I can't imagine this would be a problem.

      There's a big difference between streaming video to and from the hard drive at the same time (maybe ~ 90% system utilization), and streaming video to the hard drive at the same time as running a game -- with the game itself typically running at 100% system utilization *all the time*.

      Simon

      --
      Coming soon - pyrogyra
    4. Re:Record TV whilst playing games? by Babbster · · Score: 1
      Assuming that you're doing the MPEG-2 encoding/decoding in hardware (why wouldn't you), the CPU utilization goes way down. Even more importantly, if you have a more powerful processor in the machine than the original CPU the games were designed for, you actually WON'T be at 100% CPU load while playing a game. The bottleneck I see would be in the bus, but that can be worked around too.

      In short, designing a new PS2 that allowed you to play games at the same time as you're recording a TV show wouldn't be that difficult. This is especially true since, unlike the Xbox, PS2 games don't rely on a hard drive cache and so the hard drive access, except perhaps for game saves (which involve a pause on the PS2 as it is, wouldn't have to be shared at all.

  73. woah! by roka · · Score: 1

    So when is Nintendo's newest console the "NES" coming?

    Seems like we ran out of names. Prepare for a new trend: Name-recycling.

  74. SO what? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So what if sony is? The Pc will always rule all gaming dimesions. The computer is up to 200 GB and most computers if you request can get DVD-Rw and DVD-R drives. And what video card? We have a radeon 9800 pro with 128 MB. If they put that in we will have plenty ones from nVida or ATI soon. No worries to PC users.

  75. Multimedia station = Good. + Gaming = BAD! by Viewsonic · · Score: 1

    Gamers only want ONE thing, GAMES. We dont want schnazzy crap all over the place. We want CHEAP and AFFORDABLE systems that play some really kickass games. Sticking all this crap in a box is the worst thing you could do. Sure, as a stand alone multimedia station this is gunna rock, but after we've got one on the XBox, there is NO REASON to buy this one?!

    1. Re:Multimedia station = Good. + Gaming = BAD! by Moofie · · Score: 1

      And you're the only gamer whose opinion counts?

      Ah. Right. Can I have your phone number so I can make sure I never design products that do not please thee?

      --
      Why yes, I AM a rocket scientist!
  76. Re:2005 in Europe... by The+Fold · · Score: 2

    A european release before an American one!??? That'd be a first!

  77. Why is Sony seen as great and Microsoft not? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I find it kind of hypocritical that Xbox is derided by the anything-but-MS(-to-the-point-of-complete-blindnes s) crowd either as trying to "lock in" the customer to a "proprietary" system where everything is DRM-enabled and tightly controlled, or alternatively, it's just a "generic" low-end PC using the "generic" Intel/nVidia chips. (Which is it - proprietary or generic? Please decide, for Christ's sake! And what's so astoundingly brilliant about using unproven Sony and Toshiba chips instead of tried-and-tested Intel and nVidia? Is it about novelty?)

    Now here comes Sony with the "PSX", including a 100% proprietary architecture and chipset, proprietary DRM-enabled Memory Stick storage, proprietary OS, a service offering (Sony) music and (Sony) videos via Internet, and a connection to Sony's new Gameboy-alike, and people here actually fucking applaud them! Jesus Christ, the only thing they haven't done is make the thing work exclusively with Sony TV and audio equipment (although by the time the damn thing comes out, the connectivity will probably be such that it will work far easier with said brand of equipment.) I suppose all Sony has to do is mention that the machine may, sometime, for an extra hundred bucks or so, run Linux, and the machine may as well have a crown of thorns and stigmata.

    Are people really that blind? Seriously, is the anti-Microsoft crowd at this site so fucking delusional that they think Microsoft is Satan and anybody else is Heaven-sent? If so, I suggest all you Comp.Sci. majors start minoring in Japanese right now.

    A LOT of people here spend so much time bitching about Microsoft that they don't notice how Sony already has the control of content and is moving to completely control distribution. Sony is creating their own end-to-end proprietary system RIGHT NOW. It's almost finished, and the last component is the PSX! I SHIT YOU NOT!!!

    1. Re:Why is Sony seen as great and Microsoft not? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      $299

    2. Re:Why is Sony seen as great and Microsoft not? by WildBeast · · Score: 1

      Ain't it weird, I remember people here criticizing MS because they had plans for the Xbox to become a Media Hub. Now Sony tries the same and everyone is applauding.

      Sony is more of a monopoly than MS is, yet people don't seem to realize it.

      And isn't the PS3 supposed to come in 2004, what's the point of buying a PSX during the same year?

    3. Re:Why is Sony seen as great and Microsoft not? by twelveinchbrain · · Score: 1

      Duh, Sony doesn't _have_ a monopoly position in any of its markets. They have healthy competition in consumer electronics, personal computers, and media -- each of its largest business segments. You can't be seen as a monopoly if you aren't one.

      --
      Not Found
      The requested URL /signature.html was not found on this server.
  78. Wow, it's a PC by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I find it funny that everyone was/is bashing the Xbox for it being PC-like with it's architecture and hard drive, but here we are with a "PSX" that is even more PC-like than the Xbox and no one has said anything. Personally, I wouldn't shell out the cash for a "PSX" especially when the PS3 comes out soon and will probably be backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games. It will probably have a pretty hefty price tag too. Sorry, I think this media center PlayStation is just a really bad idea.

  79. Re:PS1 by cap'n+foolsy · · Score: 1

    Playstation tooooo Extreme

    despite the fact that it sounds like it was ripped from an 80's movie, i'll have to concede that it has a certain ring to it :D you could have bill and ted advertising it... or is that not a good idea?

    --
    It might look like I'm standing motionless, but I'm actively waiting for my problems to go away
  80. Xbox does most of this already by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why is everyone so excited about this? With the exception of the DVD-R, Xbox does most of this stuff already. Yeah, way to innovate Sony.

  81. 65nm process? by Katalyzt · · Score: 4, Informative

    the blurb from Sony talks about a 65nm fabrication process .. isn't that 0.065 um? i've lost of track of silicon nowadays but isn't that bloody tiny?

    --
    version 0.0002
  82. You *want* Lock In? by Speare · · Score: 1

    Are there any other manufacturers of MemoryStick(R)(TM)(SM)(C)(Pat.) or compatible products? I don't understand why a consumer would want Sony to lock out the competition and lock the customer into more of their proprietary products.

    I don't know why Sony has so far tolerated an open market of third-party memory cards for games, but there are many such products in every game store. Maybe it expands the "PSwhatever" wall space in game stores. Maybe they spin it as a quality issue without tipping their hand too far: spend $8 on a crappy memory card or $20 on a Sony(R).

    If Sony wanted open market, they'd go with a commodity card like CompactFlash. If they close the market, they'll go with a proprietary MemoryStick. It's Sony's choice as to how they'll sell their PSX or PS3, but I don't understand why the parent post supports their shift to an even less competition-friendly product line.

    --
    [ .sig file not found ]
    1. Re:You *want* Lock In? by Strepsil · · Score: 2, Informative

      There are non-Sony Memory Sticks, and as for devices - there certainly are third party readers (mainly all-in-one USB devices for every format under the sun) so Sony can't be too mean about letting people use the format.

      Look, I really do agree that it'd be nicer if they went with something like CompactFlash, but the main thing that really mystifies me is that they've got this whole Memory Stick thing going on, but didn't use it in one of the most obvious places.

    2. Re:You *want* Lock In? by strictnein · · Score: 1

      It's Sony's choice as to how they'll sell their PSX or PS3, but I don't understand why the parent post supports their shift to an even less competition-friendly product line.

      So, the sony memory stick is less competition-friendly than the PS2 memory card? That doesn't make any sense.
      How is a huge company like Sony using their own standard any different than all the other smaller companies using a myriad of different storage types? At least for Sony, you can always count on one of their products to support the Memorystick format (or Memorystick Pro now). With other companies (many of the digital camera manufacturers for example) you never know what they're going to use. xD, CF, MMC/SD, Smartmedia.

  83. The US machine will be this: by MtViewGuy · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Here is what I think the US machine will be like:

    1. The main unit will be somewhat bigger than today's PlayStaton 2. It will use the successor to the Emotion Engine chips found on the PS2 and will have up to 512 MB of internal RAM, with 128 MB dedicated to video memory.

    2. In the main unit, there will be for base units with a 120 GB hard drive, with options for up to 320 GB hard drive. They will connect to the mainboard using Serial ATA connections.

    3. Also in the main unit, there will be a standard DVD recorder drive that supports the Sony/Philips DVD-RW standard, plus eventual upgrades to blue-laser optical recorder drives that can record up to 50 GB of data on a single disc.

    4. The main unit will have Sony MemoryStick support for up to 2 GB MemoryStick units.

    5. Finally, the main unit will sport I/O connectors for game controllers and keyboards using USB 2.0 connections, an 100-BaseT RJ-45 Ethernet connector, and IEEE-1394b connectors support connect speed twice that of today's IEEE-1394 connections. Video outputs include 480i composite video (RCA connector), S-video (S-video connector) and component video (three RCA connectors); the component video connections can be set for 480p, 720p, and 1080i output to both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio high-end CRT's and projection TV's. It may even sport a DVI digital connector and IEEE-1394b output selection for connections to future TV's that use digital video inputs for video.

    6. Through a short IEEE-1394b connection, you can buy a TV tuner unit that support current NTSC analog and ATSC digital broadcasts through over-air, cable TV and direct-broadcast satellite connections. Imagine something like DirecTiVo, but with the ability to record two programs simultaneously; Sony will use its DirecTV and TiVo licenses for such a box.

    In short, Sony will have what amounts to a true home entertainment center box in at most a stackable two-box unit, one that can be your DirecTV tuner, record DirecTV broadcasts, create your own DVD discs (and eventually home-made blue-laser optical discs), play PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and "PlayStation 3" games, and surf the Internet at broadband speeds. Sounds like a great idea, if only to reduce the amount of clutter for your home entertainment center.

    1. Re:The US machine will be this: by pmz · · Score: 1

      Sounds like a great idea, if only to reduce the amount of clutter for your home entertainment center.

      Agreed, but Sony needs to follow a few simple rules to make sure consumers will really eat it up:

      1) The unit has to be fully functional without a network connection to the Internet. I keep my DirecTV unit unplugged from the telephone, for example, simply because I do not trust DirecTV any further than needed for basic service and monthly billing. The Internet connection for the PS3 should be only for value-added things like network gameplay, web surfing, e-mail, movie downloads, etc.

      2) Copy protection controls should be no heavier than they are now. The market is pretty comfortable with proprietary game discs, but pushing things too far (e.g., Palladium) will only alienate consumers. In no case, should the Internet connection be used for digital restrictions management without explicit opt-in.

      Like many people, I don't like my property, such as my PC, DirecTV unit, or PlayStation, transmitting data back to their makers. If the manufacturer wants to learn about me, that's what optional registration cards and surveys are for. Manufacturers should have to work hard to gather marketing data. It helps keep them honest and humble, which is very important in maintaining the health of free markets.

      Even though Sony might be the good guys today, they are only a hop, skip, and a jump from becoming another Microsoft.

  84. Hurray! PS2 prices should fall to encourage... by aksansai · · Score: 1

    ... purchasing the PSX instead. That means people who own Tivo's and don't give a rat's ass about burning DVD-XXs will be able to buy the PS2 at bargain basement prices ($129...??)

    Personally, I think this is excellent - it bolsters Sony's lead over Microsoft in the overall arena of technology in a box, plus it will extend the PS2's lead over Microsoft in units and games once the PS2's price falls another $70...

    Time to retire ye olde PS1...

    --
    Ayup
  85. Wrong by Duds · · Score: 5, Informative

    Very creative, but utterly wrong.

    It's abbreviated to PSX because the Playstation is desended from the failed Super NES CD.

    Alongside the SNES add-on, Sony were going to launch their own "SNES CD" without a cart slot which would be called "Playstation X". The product name stuck right up until the launch of the 32-bit box of tricks we now know when the X was dropped.

    But the apprev stuck.

  86. In other news... by binarytoaster · · Score: 1

    Nintendo announces their next generation system's name. It's going to be called the NES.

  87. naming scheme by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Surely just coincidence, but the name sequence "PS2", "PSX" bears a strange resemblance to the already-existing name sequence "wm2", "wmx". I'm sure it just proves that marketing people (and others) like to use the letter "X".

    "wmx", by the way, is a window manager for X11. In my opinion, it has the distinction of being the only window manager that is actually aesthetically appealing, as opposed to being merely not objectionable (like many others). But I'm a minimalist. BTW, could I be MORE off-topic?

  88. X meaning by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You are right. Also, the "X" stands for "eXperiment" according to several video game publications back in the day.

    1. Re:X meaning by SamSim · · Score: 1

      The worst part being, there are at least two gaming magazines already called PSX, after the first console.

  89. Smaller publishers by yerricde · · Score: 1

    With a console I don't have to go out and buy a brand new $300 video card every six months to be able to play the latest games.

    You also can't play games by smaller publishers who don't have enough money to pay the up-front console license fee.

    --
    Will I retire or break 10K?
    1. Re:Smaller publishers by Nameles · · Score: 1

      Explain the crap games on GBC/GBA then.

    2. Re:Smaller publishers by yerricde · · Score: 2, Insightful

      There are crap games on every system. Just because a publisher has a lot of money doesn't mean that its developers will create a fun game.

      --
      Will I retire or break 10K?
    3. Re:Smaller publishers by WinterSolstice · · Score: 1

      Boy, that's a fact. How about those classic Atari games Activision ported to PS2? Not only are the games lame (only one or two of my favs, the rest are ones I never heard of), but the controls make it nearly impossible to use!

      Oh, and as a side note... who wants to break a $30 controller doing the olympics running game?

      -WS

      --
      An operating system should be like a light switch... simple, effective, easy to use, and designed for everyone.
  90. The original PS1 by yerricde · · Score: 2, Informative

    Ever heard of USB?

    Yes, the PlayStation and Xbox both have USB, but do the first-person shooters for those consoles let me use a keyboard and mouse plugged into the console? Or should shooter fans stick with a PC?

    The "original" PS1 was a Japanese SNES with a CD drive.

    Was that ever sold to the public? From what I read in Nintendo Power and elsewhere, Nintendo dropped out of that project before it was completed after seeing how Sega CD developers failed to explore what the CD-ROM format could do other than streaming background music and FMV.

    --
    Will I retire or break 10K?
    1. Re:The original PS1 by bhtooefr · · Score: 1
      Yes, the PlayStation and Xbox both have USB, but do the first-person shooters for those consoles let me use a keyboard and mouse plugged into the console? Or should shooter fans stick with a PC?

      PS2 Linux, anyone? And, I thought the Xbox WAS a PC.
      Was that ever sold to the public?

      I think 200 were made. I don't know if they were sold.
      Nintendo dropped out of that project before it was completed after seeing how Sega CD developers failed to explore what the CD-ROM format could do other than streaming background music and FMV.

      I heard it was because you couldn't save data on CDs, and they proceeded to make the N64 (which, AFAIK, doesn't have a battery backup area)
  91. There might actually be a Super PS3... by Kirby-meister · · Score: 1

    Sony (more specifically, Ken Kutaragi, head of SCEI) has been talking about this. They think that some people might want an all-in-one settop box, while others just want games. So they talk about releasing strictly a console version at a cheaper price as well as releasing a settop box at a full price. It doesn't sound like a good plan to me, nobody would see value in the console if it were priced too closely with the settop, and at any rate it would potentially cause a split market. Bad.

  92. Re:2005 in Europe... by I+Love+Soup · · Score: 0, Troll

    Hello? Forgetting Mobile phones and their technologies?
    Americans are still using what, styrofoam cups and strings?

    --
    - Soup is really good.
  93. Re:2005 in Europe... by Lemmy+Caution · · Score: 1

    Sony pretty regularly releases for Europe at about the same time or sooner than the US. If I had to guess why, I'd say it's because the distribution channel is tighter and more coordinated in Europe (greater density, a more urbanized demographic, and all that) but that's a guess.

  94. "Didn't IBM make the PS/2?" by yerricde · · Score: 1

    What is worse is that some people call the PS2 the PSX2.

    Probably the people who call the PlayStation 2 console the "PSX2" are the ones who had used an IBM PS/2 computer.

    --
    Will I retire or break 10K?
    1. Re:"Didn't IBM make the PS/2?" by benzapp · · Score: 1

      After being a hardcore IBM fan for so many years, I still think about microchannel and OS/2 as soon as I hear PS2. I have tried to stop, but I can't.

      --
      I don't read or respond to AC posts
    2. Re:"Didn't IBM make the PS/2?" by clard11 · · Score: 1

      me too. Still think of those model 30s.

      --
      catch (ModDownException mde) {post.modUp("Interesting")}
  95. Sony with Xbox Features... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    Thus instead of PS3 it's PSX the PlayStation plus the stuff that the XBox already does.

    Coming to US in 2005? What no upgrade to the playstation except it can be a media console. Boring.

    I'd like to see upgraded Playstation3 as the new PSX not a redux of the PS2.

  96. Sony ARE the RIAA/MPAA! by Dr.+Spork · · Score: 1

    I think this is to push Sony's content than to undermine the entertainment industry. Remember that Sony is a big chunk of the entertainment industry.

  97. It will run BeOS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

    Rock you like a hurricane

  98. Re:PS1 by Dr.+Spork · · Score: 1

    This thing is basically a fancy PVR, one of whose features is the ability to play PS2 games (which will be considered out-of-date for most of this thing's product cycle). I think Sony would be much wiser to give it a name that makes it sound like it's a media hub with bonuses, rather than a game console with bonuses.

  99. Pictures of the "PSX" in action by doctor_no · · Score: 4, Informative



    Here are some pictures of the PSX's main menu screen taken from a news
    segment that Fuji television in Japan aired (Quiter
    and ZDnet).

    The images show how you will be able to navigate content stored on your
    HDD, DVD, as well as content offered from online places like Sony Music.
    The menu offers 3D "Jog-style" navigation. The article also has a quote from
    Sony executives saying that the PSX will be the "Home Server" for it's consumers
    and be a global product (with releases scheduled in the US and Europe).

  100. Ummmmmm..........? by HatesMS · · Score: 0

    Someone probably aleady posted this but...wasn't the code name for the original playstation "psx"???

  101. hold on... by Eudial · · Score: 1

    Isnt PSX the general name used for PS1?

    --
    GAAH! MY PRINTER IS ON FIRE!!! PUT IT OUT! PUT IT OUT!
  102. can it play games and record by pozzy1 · · Score: 1

    Is this thing fast enough to play games and record my favorite shows in the background. It would suck to not be able to play games just because you also want it to grab the daily show.

    --
    http://www.wickedtoast.com
  103. NLE by Bushipunk · · Score: 1

    With a DVD burner and everything right on there, this system seems like it would make a nice little Non-Linear Editting setup. If it includes FireWire (and my PS2 has FireWire, so I'd assume this thing will), they could hugely undercut the other platforms available for good quality video work - my PC based system was over $2k, a Mac is generally even more, and AVID has yet to drop bellow $50,000.

    Now that would be convergence. You can bet I'd buy one.

    Bushipunk

    1. Re:NLE by onosendai · · Score: 1

      Yah, you're right, sadly however it appears that the IEEE1394 connector (iLink/Firewire) is going the way of the dinosaur.

      --
      <? include ('signature.inc'); ?>
  104. Why? by Tighe_L · · Score: 2, Interesting

    When did the word Christian become a bad word? If you want to belittle Christianity you should at least read the Gospel, and if you read just the book of John (which you could read in 15 minutes), I think you would not think of Christianity in the same light.

    1. Re:Why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Try reading the Skeptics Annotated Bible, and I think you would not think of Christianity in the same light.

    2. Re:Why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I judge the christians by their actions not by their books. Though you should note that there are just as many absolutely insane moments in the bible as their are wonderful ones.

    3. Re:Why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      My slant .. Christians should listen alot more to the teachings of JC. Do you think JC would have endorced continual wars against non-Christians .. Hell, it seems the Pope has a new apology each year for how they've fucked up something in the past.

      Sorry to rant, and feel free to assign me a Troll and/or Offtopic, but it's postings like this that really piss me off no end.

      Okay, I'm taking my medication now ...

    4. Re:Why? by RyuuzakiTetsuya · · Score: 1

      Christian never became a bad word. Idiots and psycho-hyper-conservatives have just been using it to such an extreme it almost is.

      --
      Non impediti ratione cogitationus.
  105. MiniDV handycams by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I read in one of the articles that I googlenewsed that Sony plans to have connectivity between this box and its handycams, among other things...

    since most of its MiniDV handycams have firewire, I don't see why this PSX wouldn't have one too...

    Yet, MiniDVcams also have a USB port.

    I can't wait to get more details.

  106. Moderators at Slashdot? by Tighe_L · · Score: 2, Insightful

    You will notice that my post got a score of -1, Flamebait -- I guess the moderators on slashdot didn't like what I said.

  107. A pessimists view by kamapuaa · · Score: 4, Informative
    To be a little pessimistic about it: Sony is posting huge losses. Their hardware business has been a big money loser, and the PS2 hasn't been as profitable as the PSX. Their profits are coming from American media companies they bought at the height of the bubble - and even their music company hasn't been doing great lately.

    They're in a weird situation where they can't release the cool new devices for listening to music and video that other companies are, because they're percieved as encouraging piracy, and movies & videos is where Sony makes the money. Sony MP3 players suck because of the hostile DRM check-in/check-out system. Even minidisc.org peoples (a cult audience for sure) are ready to ditch MDs, frustrated by having to workaround the check-in system, and that you can't upload (when many MD users like bootlegging)

    This (and more especially, the PSP) seem like an attempt to use the insanely positive perception of their Playstation to piggyback onto other formats - for instance, the PSP will be released at the same time as a media player, which plays music/video off the little discs.

    By itself, the PSP shouldn't be a good format - you can't record to it, it doesn't have the information of a DVD-Audio or SACD, and by the time it comes out, smart media cards will be both smaller and hold more information. Sony's hoping people buy the PSP and its audio discs because they like that it's Sony, rather than quality of the product, and the dominant format will be a DRM one.

    This new product seems like it will be one of many by the time it reaches America - except, it'll have tighter DRM, and Sony controls it. A hard drive and a DVD writer. A start-up company could release one of these next month.

    Personally I don't think either scheme will work - it's more a desperate move by a company that's doing bad business, has promised in two years to do amazing business (a promise recieved skeptically by analysts), and has its hands tied by conflicting interests in its unprofitable hardware business, and its profitable software business.

    I'm not a Sony expert or whatever, but I have friends who work for Sony Japan, I read minidisc.org, and one can't help but hear about them. The general positivity of this discussion is annoying. Sony is no better than the often-targetted MS, they just have better marketing.

    --
    Slashdot: providing anti-social weirdos a soapbox, since 1997.
  108. Anonymous Cowards by Tighe_L · · Score: 1

    Notice most of those who are liberal post as Anonymous Cowards, and those who are not post under their userid...

  109. Running game by yerricde · · Score: 1

    who wants to break a $30 controller doing the olympics running game?

    Ask anybody who plays Dance Dance Revolution.

    DID YOU KNOW? The hardware used for arcade DDR from 1st mix through Extreme is based on the PS1 hardware. The only reason that home DDRMAX is a PS2 game is for the larger storage capacity of DVD.

    --
    Will I retire or break 10K?
  110. I'm in the midwest by Nazmun · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I live in the midwest too, i'm not rich or an elitest but FOX news definately doesn't have a liberal slant. BUT it has a huge conservative slant (crazy conservative) compared to any liberal slant other news stations have. I am surrounded by moderate republicans (Dublin, OH) and few liberals. All of us are usually disgusted by Fox News.

    --
    Hmmm... Pie...
  111. Let me get this right... by skogs · · Score: 1

    So...they are selling a basic computer.... with its only output to my TV and its crap ass resolution? What a piece of trash. I can sit right up close to my 17" display and not get sore eyes...If I sat that close to my 33" TV I'd go nuts.

    --
    Who is this that even the wind and the waves obey Him? Surely this computer must submit also!
  112. Opinion by Tighe_L · · Score: 1

    If I wanted someones opinion on the Bible I would, but I believe I have the intelligence to come to my own conclusions.

    I don't need to be spoonfed what to think.

  113. Have you by Tighe_L · · Score: 1

    I also feel bad that you have such a harded heart that you would not let the teaching affect you.

    I know it is hard to believe and have a greater power in your life to which you will are held accountable. You should at lest respect the teachings of Jesus Christ, just read it, it won't hurt you.

  114. As someone who owns a Dreamcast by Inoshiro · · Score: 1

    I can say that Sony has done just as much to me as Microsoft has. If by done stuff, you mean they've bullied or killed projects and products I dearly love, and have wasted my time with inferior versions.

    This time around, though, Microsoft's doing better since the Xbox doesn't suck, while the PS2 does suck.

    --
    --
    Internet Explorer (n): Another bug -- that is, a feature that can't be turned off -- in Windows.
  115. Can't save data on CDs? by yerricde · · Score: 1

    I heard [Nintendo rejected CD-ROM] because you couldn't save data on CDs

    Every disc-based game console from the 3DO on has had a memory card available. Even the N64 had memory cards that plugged into the back of the controller (which the Dreamcast and Xbox shamelessly copied) so that you could keep your save file from a rented copy to a purchased copy of a game.

    According to Nintendo Power magazine's announcements of the N64's cartridge medium and the GameCube's disc medium, Nintendo rejected CD-ROM for the N64 console because of 1. the latency and 2. the perceived lack of non-FMV applications of the format. For instance, producer Shigeru Miyamoto hated to sit in front of "now loading" screens.

    --
    Will I retire or break 10K?
  116. BS? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Domo-kun (BS mascot) on the PSX:
    "YARRRR" :D

  117. Get your facts straight by mrbrown1602 · · Score: 1

    Al-Jazeera is owned and operated by the government of Qatar, not R. Murdock. And the BBC doesn't have propaganda, you say? I've watched BBC America and listened to BBC Radio and its the biggest bunch of left wing, liberal, horseshit propaganda that I've ever heard or seen.

    1. Re:Get your facts straight by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Al-Jazeera may have close links to the government of Qatar and certainly has nothing to do with Murdoch, but I think you just defined your own position to be somwhere to the right of Hitler with those other comments.
      Do you never consider the possibility that your views may be based on false information? That you may just occasionally be wrong? The BBC reports news by-and-large as it sees it, it is neither Radio Tirana nor the Rush Limbaugh show.

      Paul Wolfowitz just admitted that the US went to war in Iraq because it was "swimming" in oil. What did you think? Did you agree with the war? With the reasons given then? now?
      Do you feel that 95% of the world consists of left wing liberals? Do you live in northern Idaho? or the part of Michigan (or was it Wisconsin) that McVeigh came from?

    2. Re:Get your facts straight by mrbrown1602 · · Score: 1

      Well since you're an anonymous coward with no balls, and no brain, I shouldn't even answer this.

      Unlike you, I see the world in a realistic view. I make my own judgements based upon the information that is provided to me, based upon what I know, and considering the fact that I'm studying Political Science and History, which gives me some credentials in the field, and the fact that I'm a political analyst for a talk radio show... well, quite frankly, I actually know what I'm talking about.

      The BBC is a largely left-wing organization. You say they report news as they see it - well... as they see it is quite bias. I'm not saying that other news organizations aren't bias, because they are, but jesus - do you actually read the news?

      And where's this magic bullet quote from Dep. Sec. Wolfowitz. I'd like to see it, personally. I agree with the war. While Iraq may have not be an immediate threat, Saddam Hussein was/is a madman that needed to be dealt with. He was mucking up any possibility of peace in the middle east, by paying the families of suicide bombers in the West Bank huge sums of cash.

      I don't live in Idado, Michigan, or someplace in rural Montana. In fact, I live in the welfare capital/dump of the south - Louisiana, where corrupt politicans (Edwin Edwards, the late Huey Long, and even David Duke at some point) rule and dead people help keep their jobs.

      So, before you start calling me a radical, gutless coward, get some sort of credentials in the field, don't listen to what everybody tells you - because I certainly don't.

  118. Still only two controller ports by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    All this new stuff on the PSX, and yet it remains the only console on the market without 4 controller ports built in.

  119. You forgot.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0


    5. Profit!!!!!!!

  120. It's a conspiracy. by An'Desha+Danin · · Score: 1

    This is nothing but an elaborate scheme by Sony meant to force me to refer to the old PlayStation as "PSOne."

    --
    Anything you might ever need to say about anything has already been said better by Penny Arcade.
  121. The US machine will not be that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You are speculating wildly. Indulging in this kind of hypotehetical masturbation is pointless.

    Kind of like GamePro, EGM, and Die Hard GameFan back in the 16-bit days, no? Like all those bullshit rumors and overanxious zitfaced teenagers talking out of their asses, you and your imaginitavely-spec'd dream system will likely look extremely foolish when the actual machine is released a nigh year or two from now. You are a perfect example of why Sony's "Promise the sun, deliver the moon" vaporware marketing machine works so well on us stupid Westerners.

    Meanwhile, everybody reading this article seems to have forgotten that the PS2 is the current technological anchor of this console generation, already far surpassed by its competitors.

  122. Re:PS1 by MikeFM · · Score: 1

    I could see a Bill & Ted knockoff commercial as being funny. Have two slacker guys who want to become game programmers that are sent back through time with their PS2 to see what important historical figures think of Grand Theft Auto. Most bodacious. Excellent dude. Party on with Playstation!

    Actually, I feel the plot for a stupid but funny movie building in my mind. We really need a movie about some script-kiddies that go on to save the world by phreaking the payphones of time. :)

    --
    At what price learning? At what cost wisdom? The price is a man's peace of mind, and the cost is his life.
  123. Backward compatibility by roesti · · Score: 1

    I didn't see anywhere in the articles whether it was backwardly compatible with the existing machines. I'd hazard a guess that the PSX will be able to play PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that makes the machine even sexier again.

  124. There's only one true meaning to this move.. by UltimaL337Star · · Score: 1

    The PSX aka, a giant F - YOU to the MPAA and RIAA for bringing successfully bringing down the cd burner market .00000000000000000000000000001% If not, I'll dedictate my life to get a job where I could get in the position to bring a psx to one of their press confrences and play Postal 2 in the backround.

  125. All this is nothing more... by beyond_the_blue · · Score: 1

    ...than a ploy to get the Sony Memory Stick back into the mainstream as a standard digital media type.

    --
    "Sometimes you have fun, and sometimes the fun has you"
  126. PSX chassis breakdown... by rtechie · · Score: 1

    In case anyone is interested, here's what looks to be the chassis breakdown for this unit.

    On the front:

    In the top left corner there are 2 buttons for Power and Ejecting the DVD drive.

    In the top right is a button that says "GAME RESET" and two LEDs (yellow and red) that I suspect are "Recording" and "New Content" indicators (this follows conventions on other PVRs).

    Not sure exactly, but the bottom third of the front (the part with all the logos printed on it) appears to flip down. This is probably where the USB 2.0 ports and MemoryStick slot(s) are concealed. There may also be slots for standard memory cards.

    On the back:

    Power in
    iLink/optical SPDIF out
    VGA out

    Composite video in
    Audio in (Left/Right RCA jacks)
    S-Video in
    Composite video out
    Audio out (Left/Right RCA jacks)
    S-Video out

    R/F in
    R/F out

    2 standard Playstation controller ports (that's what they appear to be, but it seems odd that Sony is putting the ports on the back)

    On the back top there appears to be a strip of clear plastic that contains a blue "power" LED and copies of the yellow/red LEDs. These are display indicators for when the PSX is placed vertically.

    Interestingly, if you look at the unit it's designed to stand on it's BACK end, where all the ports are connected.

    I guesstimate the dimensions (Height, Width, Depth) are approximately 12.5in x 3.5in x 15in.

    So far, that's about all I can glean from the photos. Keep in mind that Sony has had experience with PVRs before, building Tivo units.

  127. Bs tuner? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Aah , those damn lucky Japanese! I wish mine had a Bullshit Tuner.

  128. And any bet sony wont let it play Mp3s!!! by cheekyboy · · Score: 1

    It wont play mp3s!! err no, sony music wont allow it.

    Or AAC, or WMA, or OOG, or DIVX, or VCD/SVCD.

    --
    Liberty freedom are no1, not dicks in suits.
  129. Re:2005 in Europe... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    we need to be more specific here, people. when you say "Sony pretty regularly releases . . . . ." which segment of sony do you mean? the ps2, for instance, is a Sony Computer Entertainment product. BUT, this new psx is NOT from SCE, but rather from Sony's regular consumer products division.
    In my memory, I can't remember SCE releasing things in any order other than 1. Japan/Asia 2. US 3. Europe 4. Everywhere else.
    Were you talking about the consumer products division?

  130. Ports?? by aonaran · · Score: 1

    Where do you plug in the contollers?
    Are those the controller ports on the BACK of the unit? if so where do the memory cards go?

    Yes I know it's got a HDD, but you still need memory card ports so you can play your old saved games, or so your friends can bring over their saved games to play.

  131. Burner... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Obviously the burner's capabilities will be horribly curtailed by inane protection like that analog signal crap...I am sure there will be issues with a whole lotta stuff...recording a program from TV for example may in fact end up not being possible all the time.....because this area is sooo gray, I would rather have separate units, thank u very much...