Sony is planning to release an upgraded version of the PlayStation2 in Japan on 15 May, increasing its DVD playback capability.
A while back Sony released a DVD recorder that writes both of the major competing formats, DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW. Interestingly, the new PS2 will also support both of these, as well as the picture-enhancing “progressive scan” playback and a built-in IR port for the remote control.
Combine these with the 75% reduction in fan noise and it looks like it’s becoming a better entertainment centre.
Given the PS2 now has a broadband adaptor, this could/should open up the market for enhanced DVD’s that provide additional content depth via the Internet.