Sony Shows Two New VAIO X Models

Sony has updated its "TiVo-on-steroids" VAIO X multichannel video-recording computer with two new models and is demonstrating them for the first time at this week's Ceatec Japan 2005 exhibition.

The new models offer distinctly different functionality and draw on features offered by the first VAIO X, which was launched at Ceatec last year. The older VAIO could record up to seven channels of television simultaneously, packed 1TB of storage, and was a fully functioning Windows XP computer.

Product Features

The VAIO X Living, model name VGX-XL70S, a living-room computer, brings together a Windows XP personal computer and video recording capability. It's fitted with analog and digital tuners, so two channels can be recorded simultaneously; and users can choose between single or dual 500GB hard-disk drives. A wireless keyboard and remote control are part of the set.

The machine is one of the first devices from any maker to gain certification from the Digital Living Room Network Alliance. Certification means that the device is guaranteed to be able to interconnect and exchange content with other certified devices.

The VAIO X Video Station, model name VGX-XV80S, has a higher video recording specification than the VGX-XL70S but no built-in computer. It boasts eight analog TV tuners and can accommodate up to four hard-disk drives for an impressive 2TB of storage. Like the original model, it can record on all eight channels simultaneously and can store up to three weeks of video on its four hard disks, said Yoshihiro Toyama, an engineer with Sony's IT and mobile solutions network division.

Same Idea, Lower Price

The concept underlying the simultaneous recording capability is that users won't have to worry about setting the timer to catch a specific program because the unit can record multiple channels all the time.

With no built-in computer, users navigate the VGX-XV80S's video vault via a network connection to the server from another computer in the home. Sony envisages a user sitting on the sofa with a notebook computer and calling up TV shows, which the Video Station then displays on the TV.

Perhaps best of all, the new VAIO X machines are much cheaper than last year's model, which cost $4554.

The VAIO X Living will cost about $1600 while the VAIO X Video Station will cost about $1300. A four-channel version of the latter machine called the VGX-XV40S will be available for about $800. All three prices are for models equipped with a single 500GB drive. A Video Station with 2TB of storage will cost about $2400, Toyama said.

Sony doesn't plan to sell the machines outside Japan. The electronic program guide is an integral part of the system, and the data format it supports is used only in Japan, so the VAIO X machines wouldn't work smoothly outside Japan without new software, Toyama said.