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Sony To Ship Enhanced PSX Console/DVR Combo

bluethundr writes "The Register has posted a story indicating that Sony will ship the new PSX models on July 1 (Japan first, Europe to follow, then - eventually released to us Yanks?) following the company's move to suspend production of the original model of PlayStation 2/digital video recorder hybrid, earlier this year. Apparently: 'The new models, the DESR-5100 and DESR-7100, offer the same storage capacity - 160GB and 250GB, respectively - as their predecessors, the DESR-5000 and DESR- 7000. What's changed is the introduction of a better graphical user interface and the ability to add DVD-style menus to content copied from the unit's hard drive to a DVD-R, DVD-RW or DVD+RW disc.' Sony also appears to have added a range of extra video recording modes to maximise the amount of programming that can be stored on the PSX's hard drive."

125 comments

  1. Bit too expensive for what you get... by garcia · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I just don't see it as being something that I would spend that much money on. $676 for the 160GB and $868 for the 200GB model... That seems like an awful lot of money for a device that doesn't look "sexy", doesn't do anything extraordinary over any other device of its kind, and is basically just a piece of bundled hardware.

    In a recent story (about the PSX's possible demise) someone noted that it was pretty expensive for something you could do for about $350 unbundled.

    I guess the reason that they are releasing it to Japan and then England before us Yanks is because most cable providers already offer PVRs, we have TiVO, we have rolled out our own based on various software packages (both OSS and proprietary), or we just don't care.

    I'll pass for now... Maybe if it was bundled with the PS3 it would be more attractive.

    1. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by Mz6 · · Score: 4, Insightful
      "Maybe if it was bundled with the PS3 it would be more attractive."

      I just don't understand why they don't focus more (read: release) the PS3 instead of this intermediate step with the PSX. I just don't see something so expensive taking off when the same things can be had for pennies on the dollar. No.. a PS3.. A think there would be a lot of people able to fork over some dough for that beast.

      --
      Hmmm.
    2. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by generic-man · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The PSX includes a TV recorder, a large hard drive, and a DVD burner to save recorded TV shows. Comparable products that don't require a full PC sell for over $800 -- and they don't play PS2 games, either.

      You can put together the hardware for $350, but you assume (rightly so, around here) that everyone has a free powerful computer to put it all in, and nobody minds a cheap uninsulated case sitting next to their TV to encode everything.

      --
      For more information, click here.
    3. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by garcia · · Score: 2, Interesting

      TV card is cheap. A large HD is cheap. A DVD burner is cheap. A mini-ITX MB w/CPU and case is relatively inexpensive.

      I guarantee it would be under the price that they give. It would also allow the user more power as they could do whatever they wanted with it (tailor it to their own needs) and they would be able to have a lot more options on how to expand the capabilities.

    4. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by garcia · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Well currently they are still winning w/their PS2 console. They can hold out for a while longer in comfort before MS may/may not beat them to the punch on the next generation.

      I'd prefer that they be working solely towards releasing the PS3 but that's just wishful thinking.

      Sure, enough people would be willing for fork over the dough for the PS3 but they seem to be betting on the possiblity that people will fork over the dough for this one...

    5. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by generic-man · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The 160 GB model of the PSX costs $676 with a pretty unfavorable dollar-to-yen ratio right now. An off-the-shelf x86 PC isn't designed to encode video, so you'll need a pretty powerful CPU to keep up.

      Price it out, including $x for your time. In the end, you'll see the same split as with TiVo: people willing to pay $600 for a solution that works out of the box, and people willing to spend $800 to build their own box and shout down everyone else.

      --
      For more information, click here.
    6. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by Mz6 · · Score: 2, Insightful
      Well.. I wish them success for their new console.. but really. who doesn't have a PS2 already? Any gamer that would be interested in a PSX, more than likely already owns a PS2. What's the point of 2 machines then, besides the obvious of course?

      You bring up a good point in the fact that this same type of machine can be built for less, and be customized and tailored to fit their needs. I just fail to see it marketed towards normal teenagers, who when the PS2 first came out had trouble paying the $300 price tag. Now they want $900? I just don't see it happening and especially with all of the other devices that most already have in the US.

      --
      Hmmm.
    7. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by Lumpy · · Score: 2, Insightful

      bit expensive is an understatement...
      I can get a PS2 for $119.00 from different places on the net.
      I can get a replayTV for $109.00 from an assortment of places on the net also.

      So I am guessing that I need to add the Ethernet adapter ($39.00) and the hard drive ($79.00) and then I pretty much have the same thing. except that the replayTV has more features, upgradeable, I can openly communicate with it from my PC so I can master DVD's of my favorite shows easily and it communicates with other units in the house.

      Why do I want to spend an extra $300.00 - $400.00 for some convergence box? if you wanted a brain-dead stand-alone setup change the replaytv to a DVD player/writer with hard drive and i am STILL much cheaper.

      I really hope they are adding more features to it as it is unimpressive as it is.

      BTW, I have yet to find any consumer DVD writing device that can make highly compatable DVD's my authoring a DVD on a PC plays in almost anything, including older dvd players while the sony player/writer, the panasonic and other brands have playback issues in other players from old to even brand new.

      I am betting that DVD playback issues will also rear it's ugly head in this device.

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    8. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by Naffer · · Score: 1

      You're right. Mpeg2 isn't so bad but if you want realtime Divx+MP3 encoding you're going to have to shell out for a 2.4Ghz+.

    9. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I would say that with a DVD recordable drive they would probably not be doing any sort of divx encoding. They are burning straight to the disc from the HD.

    10. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by rjshields · · Score: 1

      I guess the reason that they are releasing it to Japan and then England before us Yanks is because most cable providers already offer PVRs, we have TiVO, we have rolled out our own based on various software packages (both OSS and proprietary), or we just don't care.

      Just keep telling yourself that :)

      --
      In this world nothing is certain but death, taxes and flawed car analogies.
    11. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by jasonbw · · Score: 4, Informative

      I just checked out bestbuy.com...a settop dvd recorder is about $300 on average (non-harddrive). add a $200 tivo and a $150 ps2 and you've hit $650.

      it's not a terrible price for a three-in-one device, considering that they want about $600 for a combo dvdr/pvr with a 80gig drive.

    12. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by aka-ed · · Score: 3, Insightful
      why they don't focus more (read: release) the PS3...

      65nm, 300mm wafer.

      "Cell is going to be like IBM's Deep Blue integrated on one chip," said Ken Kutaragi, chief executive officer of SCEI, referring to IBM's chess-playing supercomputer, which is based on a massively parallel architecture.

      "One Cell processor will have, say, 1 teraflops performance. One thousand Cells make 1 petaflops performance. Then 1,000 of these 1,000 Cells can combine.

      "We are planning to create a processor architecture that makes this network connection possible. We will focus on processors. The day when processors can truly link together will surely come. This project is such a huge challenge," said Kutaragi.

      Seems pretty damned focussed to me. The Cell chip looks to be well on schedule..

      But I know what you mean; I'd like to have one next week, too. How much do you think a prototype Cell chip would cost?

      --
      I survived the Dick Cheney Presidency 7 to 9 AM 7-21-07
    13. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by Spyffe · · Score: 4, Interesting
      First, this is not an intermediate version. According to Sony's Web site (translated from Japanese):
      The PSX is not a successor to the PlayStation2, it is a HDD/DVD recorder designed with the capabilities of the PlayStation2 in mind.
      SONY Japan planned the PlayStation2 as a platform for digital media convergence; this is an outgrowth of that. The PlayStation2 was never supposed to be just a video game console, it was a technology for media processing.

      Second, this is an eminently sellable product for its target market: people who want not just a functional but an elegant PVR. The marketing campaign in Japan features yoko, tate, pi! - loosely translated as "across, down, beep!" - scroll across to the "videos" icon, down through your videos until you find the one you want, then beep! -- it plays.

      The interface is elegant, as is the design, and the box does what it should do with no fuss. Many consumers would pay for that, particularly in Japan where people are willing to pay more for good products.

      --
      Sigmentation fault - core dumped
    14. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The drive DOES seem a bit small... but realistic; Those few programs that get past the included DRM restrictions (this IS SONY we are discussing!) should fit easily!

      Trollin' trollin' trollin'... keep those /.'rs trollin' HARD-Drive!

    15. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by coleslawjoe · · Score: 1

      You could easily put together a cheap computer with one of these. The system requirements of a P3 700mhz wont exactly break the bank, and you could still probably get a desent sized hard drive and still pay less than a PSX or TIVO-like device. Besides, who needs the ability to play PS2 games when there are much better games you could play with that computer.

    16. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by Erwos · · Score: 1

      You know, it's funny, but I'm one of those people who could really go for it.

      I don't own a DVD player. I don't own a TiVo. I don't own a PS2 (I'm primarily a PC gamer, but my fiance has gotten into DDR, so the PS2 would be handy). I don't own a DVD-RW, either. The PSX is exactly the kind of home entertainment device we could use once we're married, and for $700, it is not the worst deal in the world, either.

      A good quality DVD player runs ~$200. A new PS2 runs ~$150. A TiVo goes for about $350 (for 160gb). $700 for the PSX sounds about on par.

      -Erwos

      --
      Plausible conjecture should not be misrepresented as proof positive.
    17. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by Donoho · · Score: 1

      "I just don't understand why they don't focus more (read: release) the PS3 instead of this intermediate step with the PSX."

      Sony can be as focused as they want on the hardware, but it's nothing without games. The difference in development cycles for PS2 games vs PS games was pretty dramatic and the first generation games always have it the hardest. Some houses started development last year and 'might' be ready for the 2005 release.

      I will happily wait for the system with games worth playin. In the mean time, I'm trying not to buy the DirecTV TiVo HD-DVR. As long as I don't see on in the store I shoud be okay.

    18. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by bugbread · · Score: 1

      Plus, keep in mind that an equivalent Tivo in Japan costs $500 or more, not the $200 you can get them for in America.

    19. Re:Bit too expensive for what you get... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well the major difference is that your combination cannot record what you have saved on Tivo directly (unless you go analog), also it's not doesn't have HDTV support.

      You will need to buy the HD Tivo for that. Which would put you over the cost of a PSX (not to mention if you got a 160GB or 250GB PVR like PSX has it would already put you above that price).

      Also there is no cool factor like the PSX.

  2. There is only one thing that I wanted improved.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    And that was the price. Hopefully they've re-built this with more standardized and lower costing components so us regular folks don't need to shell out 700 dollars.

    -J

  3. Selling points by cbrocious · · Score: 5, Insightful

    One of the major selling points of the original PS2 was that DVD players were still fairly expensive, but gaining popularity. For the price of a nice DVD player, you could get that and much more. I don't see that happening with the PSX, but only time will tell.

    --
    Disconnect and self-destruct, one bullet at a time.
    1. Re:Selling points by stratjakt · · Score: 5, Insightful

      It does it all - plays dvds, pvr's, plays PS2 games - all with one box sitting under your $10,000 plasma display.

      Believe it or not, this is not a lot of money to some people. Those same people bought Pioneer's LaserActive system back in the day.

      It's a niche product, hence the price tag (no loss leaders here). I don't see soccer mom going into wal-mart and buying one of these for her kids instead of a regular PS2. But I see Richie Rich buying one because it's better than a PS2.

      --
      I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
    2. Re:Selling points by cbrocious · · Score: 2, Interesting

      The problem with that is that the current "marketing" seems to be targeting normal users... or that's the way the articles are making it seem.

      --
      Disconnect and self-destruct, one bullet at a time.
    3. Re:Selling points by radish · · Score: 3, Insightful

      If you have a $10,000 plasma you already have a much nicer DVD player than the one in this box...

      --

      ---- Den ene knappen er powerknapp, den andre er Bender voice knapp "Bite My Shiny Metal Ass"

  4. Can you mod these? by stratjakt · · Score: 5, Funny

    Huh? Can you?

    If not I don't want one. What's the point of a DVD-R if I can't play the PS2 games I use it to copy, that is legitimately backup for educational purposes!

    --
    I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
    1. Re:Can you mod these? by NanoGator · · Score: 2, Insightful

      " What's the point of a DVD-R if I can't play the PS2 games I use it to copy, that is legitimately backup for educational purposes!"

      To save TV shows you recorded?

      --
      "Derp de derp."
  5. Don't be confused... by th1ckasabr1ck · · Score: 5, Informative

    Don't be confused by the name PSX. Many people took to calling the original Playstation the PSX, but that was not an official name for the console. This new PS2 supermachine is officially known as the PSX. It's a little confusing, but what can you do?

    1. Re:Don't be confused... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I still blame Sony for it. It's next to impossible that they wouldn't have known that the machine had been nicknamed the PSX. It's an even worse gaffe than the PS/2 PS2 name thing.

  6. Could be better budget computer then the Xbox. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Will the future PSX still run Linux?

  7. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 4, Informative

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  8. One can hope by nizo · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Hopefully once the PSX comes out the price of PS2 games will drop (but probably not before hell freezes over however). One can hope anyway. Or will there be no PSX-only-compatible games for quite some time?

    1. Re:One can hope by garcia · · Score: 3, Informative

      Perhaps you are a bit confused (or didn't read the article). The PSX is just a PVR + PS2. There is nothing under the hood that makes this a different CONSOLE. It just contains a DVD recorder, HD, and TV tuner.

    2. Re:One can hope by nizo · · Score: 1

      Well I assumed that there were going to be games that required the hard drive to run, but maybe not? I.E game comes on two DVD disks, at least one of which you have to load onto the drive to play for example. Being able to save games on the harddrive instead of crummy little memory cards would be nice too.

    3. Re:One can hope by Fancia · · Score: 2, Informative

      There's already a hard drive for the regular PS2. Several games can use it, and Final Fantasy XII requires it.

      --

      Bít, zabít, jen proto, ze su liska!
  9. Ouch by sinner0423 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Almost $900 for a PVR / Playstation 2? That's a bit pricey for a gaming console which i'm sure will be (already is?) obsolete.

    Acronym time : DIY PVR IMO. FU PS2/PVR DRM.

    1. Re:Ouch by drinkypoo · · Score: 1
      Obsolete? Riiight. That's why sales of playstation 2 systems doubled after the price drop. Clearly you're delusional.

      Let's just take a look at the parts that go into it: $100 is probably the value of a PS2 sans hard drive. A 250GB disk is at least $150. While the PSX has less RAM than a PC, the PC needs more RAM to perform PVR functions - at the very least, 256MB. Let's say PC2100, that's another $20. You're going to need a TV card, $50 or so. You'll need a video card with fairly high quality TV-out; That's going to be a good $100, though you might argue that point (define high quality.) But given that the PS2 supports component video, you can only argue it so far. A DVD burner is $100. We're already up to $370 and we've only bought peripherals. In order to do DVD-resolution MPEG2 encoding on the fly you're going to need a pretty decent CPU and a motherboard to go with it. You need a case to put it all in, and to get something that looks halfware decent is $100 or more. A nice small barebones system will usually run you around $250, actually, and you still need a processor - $50 ought to get you something that will suffice. Now we're up to $670.

      So, we're within $230 of the price of the PS2. The PC does more, but I'm assuming that this PC is going to be a media center system and nothing else. I think people will be willing to pay that to get a system that doesn't crash, that "just works", that plays PS2 games for the kids or for when the grandkids come over, etc. This is a system with dolby 5.1 digital output and quite good video output, though I hope the dvd player is substantially superior to what comes with the PS2, because that player has terrible decoding quality. The Xbox's output is much better.

      PS2 is perhaps the least powerful of the "current generation" (being released so far apart makes the generations kind of fuzzy to me) of console systems, but it still has some fantastic games. For instance, the console game I want most is Gran Turismo 4. So it comes down to how much money you have, what your purposes are for the system, and so on. Clearly you can come up with a cheaper solution based on a PC but it's not clear that it will be any more useful or have any higher quality for the average user and it probably means more headaches. You or I might build a PVR (I'd rather buy one, to be honest) but most people won't.

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

      The main reason this product exists is for testing purposes. Just as DVD playback was PS2's killer app, PVR is scheduled to be the killer app for PS3. However, it would be an extremely expensive gamble for Sony to release a machine like this without thoroughly testing demand, or if it was in any way flawed. If it doesn't work well enough, the PVR app can be quietly be pushed back to PS4. It may seem an expensive way to test a market, but its a heck of a lot cheaper than messing up on a 100 million unit sales plus console as the PS3 will be intended to be.

      A lot cheaper than the test console called X-Box for that matter!

  10. You could... by Mz6 · · Score: 3, Informative

    Blame the media for it. When Playstation first came out it was code named Playstation X. But when finally released, they dropped the X to just have the Playstation name. However, the media decided to keep the X moniker and made it PSX, PSX2, etc... Soo.. Blame the Media... oh.. and Canada j/k.

    --
    Hmmm.
    1. Re:You could... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Ehh, bullshit. Sony was using "PSX" in pre-release propaganda. The media didn't make up the term.

      (At the time, most people thought they would never use "Playstation" in the US because it sounded too gay, to use gamer jargon.)

    2. Re:You could... by squaretorus · · Score: 1

      PSX was introduced by Sony as there are usage 'worries' over the name PlayStation. Which is why the 2 is normally called the PS2 - certainly in Europe.

      PS3 is on its way, which, if I remember my Edge areticle properly wont have the Playstation name anywhere near it. I think its a Nintendo thing. That Mario bastard has some of Warios genes you know - mustachiod prick!

  11. X-Box by hal2814 · · Score: 3, Funny

    The reason that it is coming to us yanks last is that Sony is still in a pretty tight race with X-Box here in the states. That is not true in Japan and I'm pretty sure that is also not true in Europe. I can the the fancy system coming out here, but I can't see it replacing the original system since Sony needs to have a (recently reduced) $150 model to remain competitive.

    1. Re:X-Box by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      what world do *you* live in?

      outselling 3-1 is not "in a tight race".

    2. Re:X-Box by ElForesto · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Sony is taking heat from MS? In what kind of bizzaro world is that happening? Based on my own observations, the PS2 is MUCH more popular than the XBox due to its plethora of PS2 and PS1 titles. I know a lot more people that own a PS2 over an XBox. Heck, I know more people that own Gamecubes than own an XBox. That says something.

      --
      There is a difference between "insightful" and "inciteful" other than spelling.
    3. Re:X-Box by aka-ed · · Score: 1
      When the following story came out, I didn't hear Sony coming out with a refutation.

      Xbox outsells Sony in month of April

      --
      I survived the Dick Cheney Presidency 7 to 9 AM 7-21-07
    4. Re:X-Box by hal2814 · · Score: 1

      It says that you don't know too many people who own an X-Box, but that's about all. Sales numbers are sales numbers. Microsoft doesn't have to check to see if you know someone before they sell a console to them.

      As long as X-Box and Gamecube are still actively pushing their consoles, the PS2 is taking some form of heat from them. X-Box's monthly sales are dangerously close to PS2, but PS2 has a sizeable lead in overall sales. If PS2 throttles their console sales by making their console significantly more expensive, X-Box will have a legitimate opportunity to overtake them in monthly sales and maybe become the dominant market force.

    5. Re:X-Box by gamgee5273 · · Score: 1
      The Xbox outsold the PS2 for one month in one country, and that was in the country that the Xbox is designed to appeal to. A whole extra 70k worth of units. At that rate, MS should catch up with Sony some time in... 2007 or 2008, or so.

      MS should really hope that Sony does hold back on the PS3 launch, huh?

    6. Re:X-Box by aka-ed · · Score: 1
      You seem to think I care which console sells.

      I don't; I own no game consoles, and I don't plan to own one.

      The question was about whether Xbox and Sony have a heated competition or not, I simply offered the info I have.

      Why all the passion about one soulless multinational corporation versus another? Do you suppose the brass at Sony wouldn't step over your corpse to pick up a buck?

      --
      I survived the Dick Cheney Presidency 7 to 9 AM 7-21-07
    7. Re:X-Box by gamgee5273 · · Score: 1

      Then why are you trolling through the games section? Hmmm?

    8. Re:X-Box by aka-ed · · Score: 1
      Though I'm currently "at liberty," most of my life I've been a writer and editor of magazines for the teen market, so I have a certain amount of professional interest in anything pertaining to teens.

      So, if everybody needs an excuse to be here now, and I told you mine, what is yours?

      --
      I survived the Dick Cheney Presidency 7 to 9 AM 7-21-07
    9. Re:X-Box by gamgee5273 · · Score: 1
      I don't need an excuse. I have a reason.

      I'm a tech geek who plays games. I have since I got my Atari 2600 so many years ago. That's why I'm here - I enjoy conversing with people who have a common interest.

      However, it strikes me that, since you don't have the firsthand experience of the items we are discussing, you are still trolling. It would be akin to me posting on the Linux sections of /.: I use Mac OS X and other Unix-based systems, so I have some peripheral contact with the subject, but I would still be trolling.

    10. Re:X-Box by aka-ed · · Score: 1
      I read threads that interest me by their topic matter. Though I asked you your "excuse" for being here, I honestly do not think you need one, and only did so because of the way in which you challenged me.

      People have differing motivations for what they read and I don't think it's my business why any one is interested in a particular topic. If there are ways in which you could make a positive contribution to a thread on Mac OS, I think it's stingy of you to hold back because Mac users are not part of your general demographic. I like living in a world with people different from myself. YMMV.

      I offered a Gamespot link to illuminate the topic of discussion; had it come from an Xbox, PS2 or Nintendo user it would still be a relevant reference.

      By saying it's a troll, you are saying I made the post to provoke. If you wish to believe that, it's your choice. I know that's not true, but apparently the only way justify that post to you is for me to be a console gamer. (I play PC games, though, and have since 1979, when I played Scott Adams text adventures on a TRS-80.)

      If you have mod points, go ahead and take the post down a peg, or perhaps your posts will persuade a mod that you are correct in calling me a troll and he will do so. But excuse me for thinking you're a little nuts.

      --
      I survived the Dick Cheney Presidency 7 to 9 AM 7-21-07
  12. Japan by jgman · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I saw the original model in Akihabara two months ago. They seemed to be all the rage in Japan. However, I had difficulty convincing myself that it would have mass appeal in America with such a large price tag. I would think most people who want a PS2 probably own one already. For that matter, early adopters likely have a DVR/Tivo already anyways. I guess I'd like to know exactly who they are marketing this too.

    Cool device, but no market.

    --
    This is not the sig you are looking for...
    1. Re:Japan by tealover · · Score: 0, Troll

      Japanese people get excited by anything new if it's released by certain companies. For whatever reason, they would buy a bag of shit for Sony.

      In some ways, I feel sorry for them. They have such meaningless lives. All wrapped up in what trendy bullshit is on the *it* list. Precisely the characteristics I hate in people.

      --
      -- You see, there would be these conclusions that you could jump to
  13. Sony (Uhmmmm...alias DRM) by burdicda · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Don't fool yourselves....Sony is the biggest DRM
    whore on the planet...anyone wanna debate this
    go buy an md player...
    Look at Sony carefully...
    Know any other electronic retail mfr's that also
    own record and movie subsidiarys ????

    These people are hook, line, and sinker after
    your file sharing, movie recording asses...!!!

  14. A waste of money for consumers AND Sony. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why is this thing even coming out in any market outside of Japan? Japan I can understand, since it is very much a gadget crazy society, and the idea of a "super" PS2 appeals to the same people who would sell their original PS2 to buy a hot pink model.

    But Europe and America...I just don't see anyone wanting to buy that. You can buy a computer for that much that can do so much more. It's a product that fits an extremely small niche of a niche of a niche, the people who are wealthy enough to spend well above the cost of a plain Jane system (1st niche) who would buy another system when they already own one as an "upgrade" (2nd niche) of a video game system (3rd niche, albeit an ever-growing one).

    Sony should be spending their money on R&D to shrink the PSP and extend battery life, not creating more proprietary media and hardware.

    But then again, this should be expected from a company that if they held complete market dominance would force everyone to use (and of course, pay royalties) for their design specs.

    The newest example of that being the UMD for the PSP, but another classic example is them and Phillips trying to strongarm the rights they had with the CD by starting that whole DVD+-R debacle.

  15. Re:Dear Sony, by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The lameness filter worked the first time.
    Too bad you worked around it.

    FYI, your post is lame.

  16. Re:Spendy, but innovative... by dancingmad · · Score: 5, Funny

    Definitely more than I would pay... but remember that space is more of a commodity in Japan than here in the states.

    I don't know where these memes get started but yes, Japanese houses are small, but they're not so cramped for space that an unbundled PS2 and DVD player or whatever would have them coming out the windows.

    --
    "There is no time, sir, at which ties do not matter," Jeeves, (Jeeves and the Impending Doom)
  17. tight race? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    PS2 has sold like 71 million units, Gamecube 16M and Xbox in 3rd with 15M.

    It's far from a tight race.

    It is a bit of a closer race in software sold, but these units will not lead to additional software sales.

    1. Re:tight race? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You gave the whole distribution, not the conditional distribution of consoles sold in the US, which is what he was talking about. Or you think that over 75% over American homes of PS2's in them? hahahahah! get a grip on reality bozo.

    2. Re:tight race? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Those numbers are cummulative. PS2 had a head start on X-Box and on top of that X-Box had a slow start. The monthly sales numbers are much closer. In fact, in April more X-Box were sold than PS2 according to GamePro.

      Sony WILL need to worry about Microsoft (and Nintendo for that matter) or the Playstation line will end up on the asheap of history along with all of the other consoles and computers that looked like they were going to keep their market forever (Atari, Commodore, Sega). They will therefore need to keep a low-priced alternative to the X-Box and Gamecube handy here in the states.

  18. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  19. Re:Obligatory Quote.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I for one welcome our new Sony PVR Console overlords!

    ...a swing and a miss.

  20. Will it last longer than a PS2? by shepd · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Being that the laser in Sony's PS2 is so weak I've seen consoles less than 1 year old worn out, is there any chance this device will have a laser that justifies the pricetag?

    --
    If you could be told what you can see or read, then it follows that you could be told what to say or think - BoC
    1. Re:Will it last longer than a PS2? by thoromyr · · Score: 1

      I've seen PS2's not do well in smoke-filled environments. Of course, the PS2's aren't the only tech device with this "problem" -- it affects computers and cd/dvd players as well. OTOH I've been using my PS2 since... well, since they were released in the states.

    2. Re:Will it last longer than a PS2? by Feral+Bueller · · Score: 1
      Being that the laser in Sony's PS2 is so weak I've seen consoles less than 1 year old worn out, is there any chance this device will have a laser that justifies the pricetag?

      Since it's a DVD-R it's going to have to. I've had my PS2 since launch and have had no problems with it, nor have I heard of consoles The PSX looks cool, and it's got great stats for an appliance.

      The market isn't gearheads who can build it themselves with two tin cans and some gaffer's tape: it's for people that would like to combine their appliances into one box. As I paid $200 for my PS2 and $500 for my EMR-E60 when it came out, I don't see this as being badly priced.

      Then again, I own a Mac.

      --
      - learn to swim.
    3. Re:Will it last longer than a PS2? by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      Many first generation PS2s have laser problems. Many of them just stopped working. This is actually a common Sony trait. Almost all first generation playstation units succumbed to laser problems. Amusingly many of them will work properly if you turn them upside down. Most sony laser focus units are highly delicate (ironic in the first company to make "ruggedized" personal audio equipment, I think) and the systems can handle much less shock than, well, basically everyone else's.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    4. Re:Will it last longer than a PS2? by Feral+Bueller · · Score: 1
      I had no idea. Thanks for the reply to my semi-coherent rant.

      No more apres-burrito posting for me :-p

      --
      - learn to swim.
  21. Who's a Yank? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'm Southern, I aint no Yank. Speak for yourself.

  22. Almost... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I want a box that I can load all CDs, DVDs, PS1 discs, PS2 discs, and PS3 discs. They could make a 200, and a 300 disc model. It should have .5 - 1 TB. It should automatically rip a CD, convert it to mpg to format of my choice name all tracks and auto organise the CD collection. It should give full PVR functions. It should cache frequently played DVDs to reduce wear and tear on the disc. It should have built-in RAID 5 with hotswap able drives that are as easy to change as VHS tapes. It should cost less than a used car.

    1. Re:Almost... by swb · · Score: 3, Funny

      It should cost less than a used car.

      And it will, if the used car is a Mercedes S600 with under 50 miles on it.

    2. Re:Almost... by radish · · Score: 1

      So go to newegg.com and start filling up your shopping cart...nothing amazing in your specs. Just build it already!

      --

      ---- Den ene knappen er powerknapp, den andre er Bender voice knapp "Bite My Shiny Metal Ass"

  23. Re:and has already reached full market penetration by bludstone · · Score: 1

    Seriously. Everyone who wants a ps2 has one at this point. Noone wants to re-buy another ps2.

    I dont see this being a big seller in the US at all

    --

    no .sig
  24. Re:Spendy, but innovative... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    That's a stereotype, not a meme. Well I'm at it, I'll start a new 'meme'. Only idiots think of things in terms of memes. Get out of the house fatso.

  25. Re:and has already reached full market penetration by mal3 · · Score: 1, Insightful

    The MTBF of a PS2 is only about 3 years though. Anyone who bought a PS2 in the first year of release has probably had theirs break already, if not it will break soon. Then they'll need a new one, or a PSX.

    --
    Non gratis rodentus anus
  26. note to Sony by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    1. Sell usb/cat5 networkable video encode/decode box for $199.00 usd
    2. Sell networkable dvd drive for $50-$75
    3. Sell networkable 120gb hard disk for $75
    4. Sell tv tuner with timer, scheduler, etc for $50

    5. Produce all components for 1 year, then let other companies sell everything except the tuner and video encode/decode box after that.

    6. Introduce networkable tv, audio components next year

  27. Concentrate on getting the PS3 out by amonteiro · · Score: 1

    What they need to do is concentrate on getting the PS3 out instead of trying to milk whats left of the market dry. Most hardcore gamers got the ps2 when it came out and when the graphics started to look dated switched to the Xbox. Quente

    1. Re:Concentrate on getting the PS3 out by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, none of this testing shit out before you commit it to your next generation of products BS.

      I would rather have an untested interface in the PS3.

      That way the DVR and DVD burner functions on the PS3 will be as lame as the DVD playing interface on the PS2 is, and more expensive too.

    2. Re:Concentrate on getting the PS3 out by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      well, i don't think everbody got their xbox just because the graphic was better then on ps2. i bought my ps2 more than a year after i bought my xbox because there are a lot more good games to ps2 =)

  28. ok.... by enrico_suave · · Score: 1

    where do i sign up =)

    --
    Build Your Own PVR/HTPC news, reviews, &
  29. The new model will be called by nebaz · · Score: 0, Troll

    PSXXX

    --
    Rhymes that keep their secrets will unfold behind the clouds.There upon the rainbow is the answer to a neverending story
    1. Re:The new model will be called by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How is this a troll?

  30. Will this include Linux support by maddugan · · Score: 1

    Since there is a Linux upgrade kit ($99) for the PSX, will the EPSX also be Linux capable?

    This would make a great all-in-one platform for Freevo or MythTV.

    1. Re:Will this include Linux support by CronoCloud · · Score: 1

      That Linux kit is for ordinary PS2's not the PSX's which already have hard drives. I haven't been able to find any info on whether someone has used the Linux kit's discs to install on a PSX. It "should" work, thought it might render it useless for PVR purposes. Might have to install Linux in the way that those who want Linux and FFXI on the same HD do.

  31. Re:Memes... by generic-man · · Score: 1

    Square watermelons are made for gift-giving, not eating. From what I've heard, the way they're grown causes the fruit to become very bland-tasting. Spherical, basketball-sized watermelons in Japan cost about $8; some fancier varieties are about $20; and the square ones are about $90.

    --
    For more information, click here.
  32. Screenshot of updated UI by doctor_no · · Score: 4, Informative

    Here's the updated screenshot of the updated UI in the PSX. Seems to have a transparent menus over the TV show you're watching, and these screens show the customizable backgrounds for the menus.

    Screenshot

    Screenshot

    Screenshot

    PSX Official Site(in Japanese)

    1. Re:Screenshot of updated UI by gamgee5273 · · Score: 1
      Thanks a lot...

      Now I know what I want for Christmas. I can't read kanji, but the PSX is a nice machine. Slick interface, nice styling. These shots up above are nice...

      Bah. Time to donate some sperm, I guess.

    2. Re:Screenshot of updated UI by aka-ed · · Score: 1
      Ah, this illuminates the appeal to camera-happy folks. Make dvd's of all those handicam vids.

      I wonder if it's easier to get people to sit still for your home movies in Japan? Nowadays, USAns tend to think its rude to even suggest that the neighbors need to sit through a recap of your summer trip.

      --
      I survived the Dick Cheney Presidency 7 to 9 AM 7-21-07
  33. Re:Memes... by aka-ed · · Score: 1
    Still, the square shape has the functional purpose of fitting into small refrigerators. The big US-style fridge is not a common thing, so it does seem that the premium on space has a significant effect on how Japanese live. Another phenomenon that can only be fully explained by the living space issue is "Sodai Gomi Day."

    --
    I survived the Dick Cheney Presidency 7 to 9 AM 7-21-07
  34. cost and alternatives by DynamiteNeon · · Score: 2, Interesting

    If I didn't already own a ps2, I might be willing to pay $600 for the combo presented here. Sure, I could build a pvr myself, but FROM SCRATCH, getting one that would be able to handle pvr duties well and burn dvds would cost at least $600 plus my time.

    What I really want to know is if I would be able to access the files across a network. Ps2 has the ethernet adapter you can buy, so it seems like a reasonable idea, but I imagine there's tons of reasons why sony might not want to add that capability.

    Since it's relevant and I haven't had time to hit google yet to research it myself, I'm just curious if there's any other products out right now that are a pvr, can burn dvds, and are accessible across the network. Heck, any two of those are cool in my opinion if they're decently priced.

    1. Re:cost and alternatives by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      phillips has a tivo device that has all of these features. not sure if its for sale in the states though.

    2. Re:cost and alternatives by mitheral · · Score: 1

      Doesn't seem like there'd much extra risk to making the files available over the network once you've made them available on DVD-R.

  35. Re:Don't try.... by aka-ed · · Score: 2, Informative
    The Register is a UK publication. In the UK it is certainly a word.

    --
    I survived the Dick Cheney Presidency 7 to 9 AM 7-21-07
  36. Re:and has already reached full market penetration by revoemag · · Score: 1

    LOL! That is some funny shit. They sell something like 1 million ps2's a month. Hardware sales just spiked up big time since they just cut the price to $149.

  37. Caveat Emptor! by bluethundr · · Score: 1

    It's a neat device, but like almost all sony products you pay a premium to have the letters S-O-N-Y emblazoned on the case. It's annoying, but I put up with it, because they do offer innovations and impressive industrial design they usually offer. Almost always aesthetically pleasing and nice technology. A rare combination from a manufacturer I find.

    I also think that while I truly enjoy having a "multicultural computing environment at home" (Debian/Apache/Php/Perl/MySQL/Sendmail, WinXP/Server2003/Exchange, Mac OS-X -server and client, Novell, and yes even Amiga and NeXT for nostalgic purposes) having a "unified industrial design philosphy" in the components in my entertainment center is just a plain old good idea. All of the components integrate seemlessly, no muss, no fuss. They just talk to each other on equal terms and that's great.

    But, as I mentioned the look of their equipment is usually beautiful and melds nicely with my apartment's metropolitan look. Always assume with Sony equipment, you'll run into a premium price tag. One real problem with that is that they both ACHIEVE spectacularly and FAIL just as spectacularly. And their Wega TV's are just a jaw dropper to behold.

    But, for the Sonyphilic, it may be useful to see my earlier rant on how bad their DVD carousel changers are. They're still cool to have (like having a personal TV station, I tell people), but mine broke on the stroke of midnight on the day its warranty expired. I called their support and they said "Oh yeah! We know about the mechanisms in those machines. They're faulty. But wer're going to have to pop you for $150 for repair since you're out of warranty". One thing I heartily recommend if you are buying sony entertainment products for your home is to GET THE STORE WARRANTY that BestBuy and places like it usually try to pressure sell you into.

    I normally avoid those ripoff store warranties like the PLAGUE and on a couple of occasions stormed out of the store angry when the sales guy (and then his MANAGER) just wouldn't SHUT THE FUCK UP about it. These were times when I walked into the story feeling excited about the equipment I'd be buying (car stereos and what not, that stuff I go higher end than Sony). But Sony's support staffs are so universally abysmal, that when the sales guy utters the first syllable about their ripoff warranties I just say: SOLD! So, please say no more before I have to belt you in the mouth! I figure I'm already getting ripped to enhance the 'metroplitan look' of my home, why not go the extra mile so I can save myself the temptation of crawling through the phone lines to strangle a Sony support rep!

    --
    Quod scripsi, scripsi.
  38. News Flash by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This just in!

    Multibillion dollar corporations able to walk AND chew gum at the same time!

    Something tells me that they see an opportunity to make money and get their feet wet in the 'all-in-one' entertainment center that is going to be popping up all over in the coming years.

    They can't just focus more on the PS3 and release it. It's not that simple. The Cell Processor goes way way beyond just the PS3. I don't think they'd enjoy rushing it just to make one game console.

  39. Yeah but... by NEOtaku17 · · Score: 1

    Does it run Linux like Microsoft's gaming console?!

  40. Re:and has already reached full market penetration by gamgee5273 · · Score: 1
    My brother-in-law got his on the day the PS2 launched in the US. My wife and I now own it - and it works just fine. The only enhancement has been the addition of the HDD to play FFXI.

    I frankly, don't know what people do to their video game consoles that they break so easily. For chrissakes - my Atari 2600 still works, as does my LaserActive, TubroGrafx, DC, N64...

    Clearly, I just have a knack of picking special, non-problematic units.

  41. Re:and has already reached full market penetration by bludstone · · Score: 1

    and you dont smoke, have kids, or pets. (?)

    Or you just care about your stuff. Many people are very careless.

    My dad knocked over my ps2 when it was on its verticle stand about 2 mins after I said "be careful around the ps2. thats the wierd monolith thing sitting on my pc."

    It works now, but the player 1 controller port is sometimes twitchy, and i need to wiggle it to work.

    --

    no .sig
  42. Are you sure about the box? by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    If you have a $10,000 plasma you already have a much nicer DVD player than the one in this box...

    I know some people that have equipment like this plasma that are just a step away from living IN a box - they buy somethiung like a big expensive display and then hook a $40 DVD player to it!

    People know that "big == good", but the rest of the stuff (like progressive scan, which even the $40 players support now anyway) is a lot more of a mystery. So they feel free to ignore that part - except possibly hooking the $40 player up with Monster cables of course.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  43. Differential in price drop timing by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    You managed to pick figures for the one moment in history where there was a disparity between the XBox and PS2 price (as the article notes)- the PS2 price has come down as well now. It remains to be seen if the sales jump was more than a blip and how much PS2 sales rise after a similar price drop.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  44. And in the US... by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    if you spell it right.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:And in the US... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And how do you spell tedious jackass? Oh! nevermind ...

  45. So the original PSX was pointless? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Does this "new" PSX mean that the original machine was rushed to market for the sake of getting it on shelves? Come on Mike Hawk, why aren't you jumping on this one?

  46. Re:Spendy, but innovative... by SteveXE · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I dont see how Sony is so far ahead of MS in that respect. Put a $50 mod chip and a $150 250 gig HD in your xbox and you have the same damn thing aside from the ability to burn dvd's. Plus the mod'd xbox can stream media of any type over a network to a TV or stereo, it can emulate older consoles/arcades, and it can play xbox games more value for the $ right there, if i wanna burn something that was on my xbox i could always just stream it to my PC, something the PSX cant do. Total Cost $350

  47. Not so fast! by MarcQuadra · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...in Soviet Russia, the Sony overlords welcome YOU!

    --
    "Sometimes, I think Trent just needs a cup of hot chocolate and a blankie." -Tori Amos on Nine Inch Nails
  48. Re:Spendy, but innovative... by generic-man · · Score: 1

    That's fine, but it still lacks the PSX's ability to record over-the-air and satellite television programs. For that, you'd need a $250+ TiVo or a $100 capture card (and a computer to put it in).

    --
    For more information, click here.
  49. One more thing by contradyction · · Score: 1

    ...and it should fit in my pocket.

  50. Re:and has already reached full market penetration by gamgee5273 · · Score: 1
    We have pets (three cats and a beagle). Working on the kids thing. Never got into smoking.

    Anyhow: That is my point exactly. Why are people so careless with their stuff? I know my GameCube costs half as much now as when I bought it at launch, but, to me, that is still a $200 (plus the value of 22 games) investment. I know I can pick up an Atari 2600 for dirt cheap (unless I want a spiffy, hacked s-video one for $100), but I still make sure that it stays clean.

    Dunno. Maybe it's just me.

  51. Must...resist...temptation! by some+old+guy · · Score: 1

    I want one. I want one now. As a gamer who has blown countless thousands of dollars over the years building PC gaming Uberboxen, only to collapse in shuddering tears at seeing the $200 PS2's graphics, controls, and game titles... I want one now!

    --
    Scruting the inscrutable for over 50 years.
  52. I don't care about their hardware by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    But Sony's designers are TOP NOTCH. Their appliances and everything else are just beautiful. Almost worth buying just because they look great in the living room.

  53. Public Domain testing of PS3 features... by Solo-Malee · · Score: 1

    If I were Sony, I'd want to make sure that the PS3 was a killer product that stuffed Microsoft so far that they decide to drop XBox entirely. Now maybe the PSX isn't a PS3, but maybe it's a platform for testing out alot of what might be delivered as features in a future PS3. If you can bring to market a radical new gaming machine based on the 'best selling PS2' with the 'proven features' and 'easy to use interface of the PSX' then Sony really have a winner on their hands.

    --
    "If it's lost, it'll turn up. Things always do" "I love it when a plan comes together"
  54. Nintendo said the same thing.... by hajihill · · Score: 1

    Well currently they are still winning w/their PS2 console.

    "We listen to our players," Bill White, a Nintendo executive, told the press in 1989, "They tell us they are extremely happy with the existing system and are totally involved with the games. We haven't maxed out our 8-bit system yet." This attitude would leave Nintendo in the dust of the coming 16-bit revolution.

    Of course, Nintendo wasn't hurt long term by their hestiation to innovate, but NEC got a good few months of sales out of their TurboGraphix-16 as a result, and even Sega's Genesis beat the Super Nintendo to the shelves... Ultimately, brand name recognition wins out though, and Sony has that right now if they have anything at all.

    --
    Of blankness, I know nothing.
  55. Extending read only formats by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    They should have this player be able to play xVid and DiVX files. I would then consider buying it as those features would make it a true media machine.

  56. Re:Don't try.... by lucas+teh+geek · · Score: 0

    hahaha!! you lose karma for being an ignorant american. look outside your countries borders and expand you mind, the USA is not the world

    --
    TIAEAE!