PSX (digital video recorder)


The PSX is a Sony digital video recorder with a fully integrated PlayStation 2 video game console. It was released in Japan on December 13, 2003. Since it was designed to be a general-purpose consumer video device, it was marketed by the main Sony Corporation instead of Sony Computer Entertainment and does not carry the usual PlayStation branding. Its high cost resulted in poor sales, meaning that the PSX was never released outside Japan, making it a commercial failure.

Features

The device is a fully functional digital video recorder with an included Infrared remote control and S-Video, composite video, and RF inputs. It is able to tune analog VHF and CATV. It can also be linked with a PlayStation Portable to transfer photos, videos and music via USB ports, and features software for non-linear video editing, image editing and audio editing. DVD+R support was to be introduced in a future update.
It was the first device to use Sony's XrossMediaBar graphical user interface, which was later used on the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, some Blu-ray Disc players, and 2008-era BRAVIA TVs. Like standard PS2 consoles, the PSX can be laid horizontally or stood up vertically.
The PSX fully supports both PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software by its slot-loading DVD drive, as the onboard EE+GS chip is a unification of the PS2's Emotion Engine and Graphics Synthesizer chips. Online game compatibility is available using the broadband connection; Games that use the PS2 HDD are supported as well.

Peripherals

The PSX is compatible with all first-party PlayStation and PlayStation 2 controllers and memory cards, with the exception of the PocketStation. The main unit has two controller ports located on the back side and two memory card slots on the front side hidden behind a panel cover. While the unit itself was sold without a game controller, a PSX-branded variant of the DualShock 2 analog controller was sold separately which features a 4-meter long cord. Because of the different placement of controller ports and memory card slots, the PSX is incompatible with all versions of the multitap, and no PSX-specific multitap was ever made to get around this issue. Games that require the use of two or more USB ports are also incompatible with the PSX.

Retail configurations

The PSX was released in eight retail configurations during its lifespan; the 5000 series shipped with 160 GB Hard disk drives, while the 7000 series contained 250 GB drives. Software updates were made available by disc and download.
The 7500/7700 models added a Ghost Reduction Tuner. The inclusion of BS and UHF/VHF connectors varied by model. Only the final revision of each series supported the PlayStation Portable for video export via Memory Stick.
ModelStorageFront HDD Access lighti.LINK portVHF/UHF InVHF/UHF OutBS InBS OutPSP Compatible
DESR-5000160GB HDD
DESR-7000250GB HDD
DESR-5100160GB HDD
DESR-7100250GB HDD
DESR-5500160GB HDD
DESR-7500250GB HDD
DESR-5700160GB HDD
DESR-7700250GB HDD

All models have two sets of indicator lights, power lights and Infrared receivers; one along the front for horizontal orientation, and a second strip along the top-back for vertical orientation. The 'Disk Rec' indicator is only on the front of the device in later models.

Etymology

Up until the release of the PlayStation 2, the first PlayStation console came to be known colloquially outside of Japan by its provisional codename of PSX. This can cause some confusion as to which device is being referred to.

Colors

The PSX was initially displayed at CEATEC in white, silver, yellow, red and blue. The white variant was released commercially, with a limited edition silver model made available in 2004.