Sony have announced a broadband-enabled 160Gb PVR device that will join their ‘Cocoon’ range. It’s expected to be available in Japan from 1 Nov.
At the same time Microsoft announced their Windows XP Media Center Edition. A derivation of XP it features PVR functions as well as handling digital music, photo’s and video editing and play back all via a TV-style remote – as well as keyboard. Interestingly the recorded TV content will be copy-protected to stop it being viewed on other computers and can’t even be burnt off on to CD for archiving.
It’s only going to available via OEM’s as MS don’t think the average Joe can put the required cards in and make it work – given any and all of my experience with PC’s over the past fifteen years or so, I’d say it a wise move.