Sony has announced the new "PSX" platform, a device that combines the features of the well known PS2 with those of a hybrid recorder (hard disk and DVD+R/+RW/-R/+RW recording). Sony plans to launch two different versions of the device, the DESR-7000 with a 250GB hard disk and the DESR-5000, equipped with a smaller 160GB disk. Sales are planned for the end of the year, at a standard price of 99,800 Yen (776 Euros) and 79,800 Yen (621 Euros), respectively. PSX is a product that offers storage on HD, recording functions through a DVD±RW drive, and the functions of a PS2. The device also uses an analog tuner.

The difference between the two upcoming PSX models is the capacity of the hard disks and the design of the side panels. All the rest specifications are common for both devices.

PSX supports 6 different Video recording modes. According to the capacity of the HD, 53-33 hours ofvideo can by recorded and stored under the HQ mode. User is able to record under the HSP, SP (standard), LP, EP, and SLP (max 325 hours!) modes. The supported DVD media for recording are the DVD+RW, DVD-RW, and DVD-R. Support for DVD+R may be available with a firmware upgrade.

Empowered by two key semiconductors ("EmotionEngine®" and "Graphics Synthesizer"), CPU and graphics rendering processor used for PlayStation 2, PSX has realized a high-speed high-definition GUI (Graphical User Interface), the likes of which have never been experienced before. This first-of-a-kind GUI enables speedy and easy access of various content to be enjoyed on PSX, with the same level easiness as switching TV channels with a remote control.

Furthermore, a memory stick slot is available in the front panel of the device allowing easy transfering of still picture or animations from compatible devices such as a digital camera. In this case, the USB connector can be also used.

On the back panel of the device you can find an Ethernet connector, used for online network games ro for upgrading the firmware. On the other hand, the Sony's i.LINK interface is not supported.
A remote control is attached to a package for controlling both hybrid recorder and PS2 functions. An analog controller for gaming will be also available.

Main features

- High-quality GUI By using a PS2 based real-time operation system, comfortable operation never experienced until now, has been achieved. Advanced GUI with full color and half transparent display.

- Firmware upgrade Features can later be added or upgraded via the network.

- High speed dubbing from HDD to DVD
The speed of dubbing from HDD to DVD is 24 times maximum. One hour of programming on the HDD can be dubbed in 2.5 minutes (in case of using DVD-R). PSX adopts DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW.

- Various recording/playback features
PSX sports various user-friendly features, such as enabling users to watch recorded content on the HDD without waiting for the recording to finish, watch recorded content on the HDD while recording another program or play games while recording programs, etc.

- Equipped with ghost reduction tuner
Analog terrestrial tuner is equipped with ghost reduction tuner.

- Progressive scan DVD video output
Progressive scan DVD video output supports high-resolution pictures.

- Memory Stick slot
Memory Stick slot is available on the front side of PSX. Digital still images stored on a Memory Stick can be transferred to the HDD and displayed on a large TV monitor.

- USB port
USB port is available on the front side of PSX for a connection with digital still cameras and USB game controllers.

- "PlayStation"/ PlayStation 2" game software
More than 5000 PS and PS2 game titles can be played on PSX. Online games can also be enjoyed through the PSX network services.

Main Specifications:

HDD: 250GB (DESR-7000), 160GB (DESR-5000)
Recording modes: HQ, HSP,SP(standard),EP,LP,SLP
CPU, graphic processor: 90nm EE+GS
Software engine: PS2 based real time OS
Recording format: DVD-R (Video format),DVD-RW (Video format,VR format), DVD+RW (VR format)
Playback format: 9 DVD-VIDEO, DVD-R(Video format), DVD-RW(Video format, VR format), DVD+RW(VR format), CD, CD-R,[Memory Stick], "PlayStation" CD-ROM, "PlayStation 2" CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
Tuner: Terrestrial analog (VHF1-12ch,UHF13-62ch,CATV13-35ch), BS satellite analog(1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15ch)
Dubbing: HDD to DVD is 24 times maximum (-R)
Video Playback: Recorded program while recording on HDD
Video Editing: GOP editing, High speed GUI
Photo: (JPEG,TIFF,GIF), Digital still image, movie (Memory Stick, digital still camera
Audio: ATRAC3 / MP3 playback
Game: "PlayStation" software / "PlayStation 2" software
Network: Ethernet 100 base/TX (Network game, additional feature in the future)
Outputs:: 1 D output(D1/D2), 1 Composite/S Video/Stereo sound output, 1 Optical digital Audio(SPDIF)
Inputs: 1 Composite/S Video/Stereo sound input, 1 USB(Ver. 1.1)jport, 1 Memory Stick slot, 2 "PlayStation" "PlayStation 2"format Memory card slots ,2 "PlayStation" "PlayStation 2" format Analog controller ports
Dimensions: 312 x 323 x 88mm(W x H x D)
Weight A:pproximately 5.6kg
Accessories: Remote Controller for PSX, AV cable, antenna cable, AC cord