New PSX versions announced

[gaming ultima]

New versions of Sony's multi-function games console, digital video recorder and DVD burning device, the PSX, are set to arrive in Japan at the start of next month - with a host of software changes to add extra functionality to the device.

Both versions of the PSX - the DESR-5000 and the DESR-7000, sporting 160Gb and 250Gb hard drives respectively - will be upgraded, with new version numbers 5100 and 7100 being slapped on the chassis.

However, the actual hardware will remain exactly the same - the only difference will be that the DESR-5100 will be available in a limited edition silver model as well as the standard white colour, and more splitter cables and antenna cables will be included in the box to work around the system's lack of pass-through sockets for TV signals.

The difference in the new PSX is all under the hood - with a massive overhaul of the system's software promised which will introduce all of the features originally promised for the device (which current PSX owners can already download as firmware updates for their systems) as well as a host of new functionality.

The DVD burning functionality of PSX is where the bulk of the improvements are headed - with the company now allowing users more choice in terms of what quality they record their video to disc at, and giving them the ability to select audio channels when dubbing to a DVD rather than recording both in VR-mode, thus improving compatibility with other DVD players greatly.

The most interesting new feature, though, is the ability to create interactive menus for your DVDs - with fifty different templates available for the creation of attractive menus for your digital video creations. You'll also be able to split recorded footage into chapters, a fairly essential feature for creating useful DVDs.

Outside of DVD recording, the company is also promising a host of new user interface improvements, the ability to browse pages on the PlayStation BB broadband service (although you still won't be able to download content) and a number of vital bug fixes.

Owners of existing PSX models will be able to add all of these new features to their existing consoles with a firmware update, effectively turning them into new model devices in every way bar the number on the back of the box.

As such, this move is more a chance for Sony to relaunch the PSX to the public than anything else. The new devices - which will probably retail for a slightly lower price than the original PSX versions - will be hugely competitive DVD / HD recording devices, and if Sony can restore confidence in retailers and consumers alike with this relaunch, PSX should be able to recover from its slightly disappointing performance this year so far.

PSX is due to be launched in the USA and Europe before the end of the year. It's expected that the new PSX models (5100 and 7100) with their updated firmware will be what eventually ends up on US and European retail shelves.

gamesindustry.biz

[Blake]

Theres no need to make extra versions, PSX as it is...is good enough.

[gaming ultima]

Theres no need to make extra versions, PSX as it is...is good enough.

didnt you read all of it?

[Blake]

I read most of it, to me it's just a way to lose money on hardly a good fanbase yet.

[Corona_RSX]

I think this all sounds cool, well i mean the system is unbeleivable enough, but wow they are realy going all out.
ive just got something to add.. does anyone know about colors for the machine ? the extra colors for ps2 were only released in Japan.. which kinda sucks. but i was just wondering, cuz think of a PSX with this color

[Dragonlance]

see the japanese writing at the bottom? Since im not going to but one i dont really care, but a controller liek that WOULD be nice to have and if that color is released here in the US then a seperate cont. Is bound to come out like that but seperatly. Oh how cool it would be to own that color controller *drools on desk, then waits for PSX to come out*.

I think the PSX controller might be different than the PS2 in terms of Dualshock. It might have 3. See how its not written on the front of the controler like it is on the ps2? And where are the controller slots? the wire is leading to the back, i hope that doesnt mean they are in the back as that would be very inconveniant.

[Blake]

Im thinking the controller isn't even hooked up, as this in fact just a display. The wire might just be led to the back to make it look less cluttered in there.

[Dragonlance]

but then where are the slots?

[Blake]

Maybe a lid flips down revealing them, who knows...

[Dragonlance]

I wonder how the controller will look for ps3....I hate waiting

[gamingchik]

When is the psx going to come out?

[Dragonlance]

that depends where you live. Since you live in texas or anywhere in US, you get it late 2004, UK gets it early 2005. I had the exact month but im to lazy to look it back up.

[Blake]

Unless you have alot of money to blow, or your a diehard fan..dont bother getting it.

[Dragonlance]

Blake basically summed everything up

[gaming ultima]

actually the controller slots on the psx are at the back
and the psx will be out in 05 in the US not late 04

Sony's hybrid hard disc video recorder, DVD burner and PlayStation 2 console, the PSX, will not be launched in North America until 2005 according to the head of the company's American electronics division, Hideki Komiyama.

It had originally been planned that the device would arrive in both North America and Europe before the end of this year, but the PSX has run into difficulties in Japan, where it launched last Christmas, with disappointing sales despite strong early figures.

The reputation of the system was tarnished early on when Sony dropped a number of key features from the PSX hardware in order to get it out in time for Christmas; the company has since restored those features through free software updates, and is now launching a new version of the PSX which integrates the full feature-set and a number of other enhancements, along with a major new marketing push for the system.

It's not clear whether it's these difficulties or other considerations which have pushed the launch of PSX back to 2005 in the USA; "we're working very hard to make the technology feasible for US consumers," Komiyama said of the delay, but gave no additional detail.

As for the European launch, which had also been planned for this year, no schedule has yet been set according to a Sony spokesperson in Tokyo. Although it's possible that the device could hit retail in Europe ahead of its US debut, it seems most likely that it will also be delayed to 2005 in the PAL regions.

Sony's plans for the PSX still call for sales of 1 million of the devices worldwide by the end of its financial year in March 2005 - a projection which some analysts describe as "ambitious" given the problems faced by the platform to date.

gamesinudstry.biz

[Dragonlance]

umm, having slots in the back is quite inconveniant. It will reduce the amount of distance for your wire as well as cause it tension. And it will provide lag for a wireless, maybe not much, but a wireless is somthing you can add to your shopping cart now.

[Evolution]

Look at the controller ports on the bottom right of the PSX from the back view. As you say, inconveniant.

[gaming ultima]

Look at the controller ports on the bottom right of the PSX from the back view. As you say, inconveniant.

well its not a games console so.....

[Dragonlance]

Well, then there is no point to having it then...youd still take up 2 shelves, ps2, and psx.

I guess it really depends on what you like though.

[Blake]

well its not a games console so.....

Exactly, gaming takes more of a backseat to the other features of the PSX. Some of you are forgetting the PSX is more of an enourmus entertainment box and less of a console.

[xtasy_]

Look at the controller ports on the bottom right of the PSX from the back view. As you say, inconveniant.

Whats so special about this PSX?
I never heard of it too...I dont think its as popular as PS2, PC and XBOX.

[Blake]

No offense but please read up on some posts in this forum and news relating to the PSX before you go spouting off comments like that. The PSX is basically an entertainment system made by Sony that works much like a tivo, a dvd player, and has other various multi media functions. Also it plays PS2 games. It's more of an all around entertainment device for the living room rather than just a console, or just a dvd player. Sony took several electronics and combined them into one. Somebody please explain this further for the guy before I burst a blood vessel.

[Dragonlance]

How do you not know about a PSX? Yeah, its not as poplualr as PS2 or XB, but thats probably because it hasnt been released in the US or UK yet

[Blake]

It doesnt even relate to the PS2 or Xbox except for the fact that it can play PS2 games. It's not Sony's aim to make the PSX more popular than the PS2, they are just trying to reach a different audience...mainly the techies. Yea we want the PSX to do well but it's price is far out of reach for the average gamer and is mainly a device to be used by the whole family. Please dont compare the PSX or PS2 because each one has a different aim.

[Sir.Laughsalot]

I just wish someone could tell me if the Ps3 is the samething as the Psx