PSX (digital video recorder)
PSX is the name of a Sony media center, PVR and DVD recorder based on the PlayStation 2 video game console. Since it was designed to be a general-function audiovisual device, it was marketed by the main Sony Corporation (whereas SCEI markets the corporation's specific game-related hardware). It was released in Japan on December 13, 2003. There were plans to release it in other territories in 2004, but as of 2005, these plans appear to be postponed indefinitely.
The PSX features either a 160 GB or 250 GB hard drive to record television shows, home movies, digital photos, or to play PlayStation 2 titles compatible with the PlayStation 2 Hard Disk Drive. The PSX can be linked with the portable PSP device to transfer videos and music. There is also the indication that the PSX will be linked with the PlayStation 3, meaning that existing PSX owners will not be left out. This could possibly mean that the base version of the PS3 would connect to the PSX to form the “home server” version of the PS3.
PSX is known also to introducing Cross Media Bar interface.
Confusingly, PSX is also a popular nickname for the original PlayStation video games console. The "X" appears because Sony originally developed the PlayStation as a CD-ROM and SNES hybrid unit. When the project was halted by Nintendo, Sony decided to redesign the PlayStation as a stand alone console, which was known internally as the PlayStation Experimental. The media caught wind of the name and it has stuck ever since.
Resources
Video editing
PSX has the ability to make basic non-linear video editing video from previously recorded TV programs or external sources like a home video camera. Is also possible to create slide shows featuring pictures and audio files, adding visual effects and burning the final product to a DVD video compatible disc. Users can manage multiple video files in a mosaic, program exhibition sequences, or merge separate video files into a single output file.
Internet
Internal software allows the PSX to surf the Web, read and send e-mail and access streaming and podcasting media over the Internet. Users can also connect to a Japanese "Sony Online" service and download more visual effects for video editing, movie trailers and software upgrades. These are rumored to be the same service/functions that will be present on the future PlayStation 3. USB keyboard and mouse can also be connected to use these functions more easily.
Misc
As with the PS2, the PSX is fully backwards compatible with original PlayStation games (PSone). It is fully online gaming/Ethernet enabled with all PlayStation 2 online Japanese games. It is also capable of storing save games on the hard disk drive as backups. The hard drive is split into partitions allowing compatibility with PS2 games that utilize the hard drive, such as Final Fantasy XI.
PSP
The PSX can be plugged with the PlayStation Portable allowing media sync and automatic playback. Movies recorded on PSX can be converted to PSP video format and transferred with Memory Stick or USB direct connection.
Controller
The PSX doesn't come with a game controller in the package. Sony launched a separate special version of DualShock 2 model # DESR-10 in the ceramic white color; it is equipped with a USB plug and 4 meters of cord, which connects to the front USB port. Traditional PS2 controllers plug into the input ports on the rear of the console.
Technical specifications
DESR-7000
- Hard disk capacity - 250 GB
- CPU and GPU - 90 nm EE+GS
- Recordable media - DVD-R (video mode), DVD-RW (video mode, VR mode)
- Reproducible media - DVD-VIDEO, DVD-R (video mode), DVD-RW (video mode, VR mode), Music CD, CD-R (JPEG), Memory stick, "PlayStation" standard CD-ROM, "PlayStation 2" standard CD-ROM / DVD-ROM
- Length of video that can be recorded on a 4.7 GB DVD-R/RW -
- HQ about 1 hour
- HSP about 1.5 hours
- SP (standard) about 2 hours
- LP about 3 hours
- EP about 4 hours
- SLP about 6 hours
- Length of video that can be recorded on the Hard Drive -
- HQ about 53 hours
- HSP about 81 hours
- SP (standard) About 107 hours
- LP about 164 hours
- EP about 217 hours
- SLP about 325 hours
- Image record system - MPEG2
- Voice record system - Linear PCM (at the time of HQ mode),
- Dolby Digital 2 Channel (at the time of HSP, SP, LP gas, EP, and SLP mode)
- Receiving channel - Ground analog (VHF:1-12ch / UHF:13-62ch / CATV:C13-C35ch), BS analog (1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15ch)
- Dubbing function - HDD->DVD high-speed Dubbing (12X max)
- Reproduction function - In-variable-speed reproduction
- Simultaneous Record and Playback
- Edit function A-B elimination (GOP)
- GOP: Group Of Pictures
- Recording function - Electronic program table (EPG)
- High definition and sound quality 3-dimensional Y/C separation
- Time Base Correction (TBC)
- Video D/A converter (12 bits 108 MHz)
- Ghost reduction tuner, DNR, Variable Bit Rate (VBR) record, Audio D/A converter (24 bits 96 kHz)
- Photograph function - File format: JPEG (DCF standard)
- Memory stick (only Sony digital still cameras)
- USB (only Sony digital still cameras)
- Slide show display
- Picture rotation (90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees)
- Music function - File format: ATRAC3, Media: Music CD
- Network function - Firmware upgrade
- PS2 correspondence network service
- Antenna input Ground analog: VHF/UHF 75ohmF type connector
- BSIF: 75ohmF type connector
- Input-and-output terminal D terminal output (D1/D2) x1,
- Optical digital voice output (SPDIF) x1,
- Ethernet 100 base/TX x1,
- USB (Ver.1.1) terminal x1,
- "Memory stick" slot x1,
- "Memory card" slot x2
- Controller terminal x2 (DualShock)
- Size 312 x 88 x 323 mm (12.5" x 3.5" x 12.75")
- Mass About 5.8 kg (13.75 lb)
- Power consumption 80 W