Try a 500GB hard drive. Oh, and DVD writing over LAN. But wait, there's more!

Sony will release new models of their "CoCoon" series HDD recorders o­n November 1st. The 500GB "CSV-EX11" model will be around 160,000 yen, and the 250GB "CSV-EX9" will be around 120,000 yen. Both are officially open price.

While having the same design as last November's "CSV-E77", these models boast signifigantly larger HD capacities, as well as support for Sky Perfect TV!'s EPG programming guide. Additionally, the CSV-EX11 model can connect to Sony Vaios that come with Sony's "Click to DVD" software over ethernet, allowing for simple select-and-save DVD writing.

With the "New Omakase Maruroku 2" automatic recording function, users can simply search by keyword for programs over both analog signals and Sky Perfect TV! EPG guides and their programs will automatically be recorded. "Omakase Maruroku 2" features multi-user support for up to 3 users. It also learns  about your viewing habits from the shows you record, and can even make recommendations with the "recommendation algorithm".

Using Vaios with a DVD recording drive, programs can be recorded o­n a DVD. From within the "Click to DVD" software included with these Vaios, users simply select the titles to save from the CoCoon. Although, for now, this feature comes standard o­n o­nly the CSV-EX11, the CSV-EX9 and other previous models are supposed to have some sort of firmware update out before the end of the year that will allow for the same function o­n them.

As there is a Memory Stick slot, up to 1000 still images may be recorded, as well as played back. A new interface, "MyCast View", allows for up to 15 automatically arranged categories of both recorded programs and still images, making for easy management of the device contents.

The recording modes are HQ (9mbps), SP (6mbps), and EP (3mbps). GRT and three seperate Y/C channels allow for doubling up o­n tuning and MPEG2 encoding. In other words, while looking at the EPG or using the Omakase Maruroku 2 interface, you can be recording two programs (2 analog programs, o­ne analog o­ne Sky Perfect!, etc.) at the same time.

Another feature the device has the ability to automatically extend recording time in the event a program is delayed due to a baseball or soccer game. This feature, aptly named "Baseball Extension Support", will connect with EPG data and extend recording o­nly to what it needs to be. However, this feature is available o­nly from 7:00PM until 9:00PM. Other features include the ability to automatically record a show even if the time it plays were to change, and the ability to record entire series of shows.

Like the models before it, these models utilize the specialized "Kamon! My Caster" website for outgoing recording information. Unfortunately, fast forwarding 1.5x or 2x with audio is yet to be seen, as well as editing o­n the unit itself.

Specifications:

Video Recording: MPEG-2
Audio Recording: MPEG-1 (Layer 2)
Hard Drive Capacity: 500GB (CSV-EX11)/250GB (CSV-EX9)
Maximum Recording Time (approximate):
CSV-EX11: HQ - 114 hours, SP - 171 hours, EP - 342 hours
CSV-EX9:   HQ - 56 hours, SP - 84 hours, EP - 168 hours
Reception Channels: VHF 1-12, UHF 13-62, CATV C13-C38
Output ports: D1 1x, Composite 2x, S-Video 2x, Analog audio 2x
Input ports: Composite 2x, S-Video 2x, Analog audio 2x
Other ports: Ethernet (100Base-TX), Data-input (for Sky Perfect! TV), Control S input
Power consumption: 45W (EX11)/37W (EX9)
External dimensions: (W x L x H): 430mm x 360mm x 79mm
Weight: 7.2kg (EX11)/ 6.6kg (EX9)

Original Article:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20030902/sony.htm

Pictures:
http://www.techjapan.com/pictures/0903/090203sony.htm