They have added a new color variation of the 160GB model, a new GUI, a new VR dubbing function, etc.

Sony will release a new model of the PSX supporting -VR rewriting and re-encode dubbing o­n July 1st. Both the 160GB "DESR-5100" and 250GB "DESR-7100" models will be made available, both Open Price; the estimated retail prices o­n the units are 74,000 yen and 95,000 yen respectively.

Although the body color is the same white as the previous PSX model, the 160GB model now has a silver version available. While there is no hardware change from the previous "DESR-5000/DESR-7000" PSX models, there is a drastic software update. Also, though there is no antenna passthru o­n the PSX, the new models come packaged with two splitters and 4 antenna cables.

In addition to a new GUI, the new models feature many changes relating to DVD creation. When dubbing to DVD-RW (VR mode) or DVD+RW, users can now rewrite to them. Also, when dubbing from the HD to a DVD, the recording mode (re-encode dubbing) can be changed, using the "recording mode change function." The selectable recording modes are HQ, HSP, SP, LP, EP, and SLP. Furthermore, when recording SLP to +RW discs, the video signal will become MPEG-1.

Around 50 new templates have been added to the "DVD Menu - Creation screen," and the unit now supports creating chapter units based o­n videos recorded o­n the HD. Although the new PSXs come with a PlayStation BB Page Viewer function and a channel display function, it does not support downloading of contents.

Other updates are planned for the new models as listed below. A software upgrade service for the "DESR-5000/DESR-7000" units will begin o­n July 15th, and users may upgrade so that these models have the same functions as the new models.

-Added images to visualizer when playing audio files
-Added function to record edited video directly while dubbing in VR mode
-Added function to choose which language will be the default and which will be secondary, when writing to DVD-R, DVD-RW (video mode), or DVD+RW discs and the recorded source video o­n the HD has two audio tracks
-Added function to change the title of a program when it is set for recording
-Fixed problem with slideshows containing large images freezing

Specifications
-HD: 250GB (DESR-7100), 160GB (DESR-5100)
-Recording media: DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R
-Playback media: DVD Video, DVD-RW, DVD-R, Audio CD, CD-R, PS/PS2 standard CD/DVD-ROM
-Internal tuners: terrestrial analog, BS analog
-Video input: S-Video, Composite (1 each)
-Video output: D2, S-Video, Composite (1 each)
-Audio input: Analog 2ch (1 jack)
-Audio output: optical digital, analog 2ch (1 each)
-Interface: Ethernet, USB 1.1, Memory Stick slot, Memory Card Slot x 2, Controller port x 2
-External dimensions: 312 x 88 x 323mm (W x D x H, when horizontal)
-Power consumption: 80W
-Weight:  5.8kh (DESR-7100), 5.7kg (DESR-5100)


New DVD menu selection images:



New GUI images:



Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20040616/sony.htm

Press Release:
http://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/200406/06-0616/