The main drawcard of the next-generation PSX due to debut in December will be a group of entertainment applications called [x-appli]. In addition to program recording, [x-appli] will automatically arrange stored material such as music and photos, allowing the user to enjoy them relatively labour-free. IT Media asked Sony for more details.

As a result of the combination of the "SugoRoku" and "PSX" development teams, the new products from both series released in autumn shared many functions. This trend was particularly strong in the area of recording, with both series adding support for sports program extensions and "program pursuit" recording by using EPG program information. However, it would be wrong to say that both series took the same path (in adding these features).



CAPTION: All the external view appears unchanged, the next-generation PSX is approximately 8mm thicker than the previous model due to an increase in the number of interfaces on the back panel. The PSX now also supports the "Copy Once" protocol for moving programs recorded on the HDD to DVD media.

According to Masayoshi Kanazawa (Sony Marketing, Home Network Products Marketing Division, Home Video MK Section), "With SugoRoku, we are aiming for image quality that sets the standard for the 'SugoLogic' high image quality circuitry. On the other hand, the focus for the PSX is on entertainment with features like 'x-appli'." While they will continue to share recording functionality, this position will allow the existing SugoRoku and the PS2 EE+GS (Emotion Engine+Graphics Synthesizer) -powered PSX to continue to display and build on their respective strengths.

The [x-appli] functionality of the next-generation PSX is of three types - [x-Omakase/MaruRoku], for automatic recording, [x-Pict Story], for automatic composition of movies from photos, and [x-DJ], for automatic playback of music stored on the HDD. As you can see, the common keyword is "automatic". "If you store material such as TV programs, photos and music, [x-appli] will arrange it and allow two or even three times more enjoyment. The next-generation PSX works automatically."



CAPTION: Changes from the previous model are the addition of 1 extra s-video/composite external input and an RF output.



CAPTION: The DV input is in the middle of the front panel (DESR-7500 only)

NOT-search capable [x-Omakase/MaruRoku]

[x-Omakase/MaruRoku] is an automatic recording function based on the [omakase/MaruRoku 2] functionality of the Cocoon Channel Server. Based on user-registered genres or keywords, it will find matching programs in the EPG program information and automatically record them.

The next-gen PSX has 60 preset keywords divided into 9 categories. In addition, [Premier Keywords] that extend the program genres such as "Businessman Must-sees", "Fashionable Style" and "Big Events" can also be chosen. "The kinds of programs that will be automatically recorded will be different for every person. We don't know what will be recorded, so we set keywords with a sense of fun." (Sony)

Of course, it also possible for users to input their own keywords. In doing so, the genre and sub-genre of the keyword can be specified and "Exclusion Words" can also be set.

Exclusion words are the equivalent of a "NOT-search." For example, if you wanted information on Korean cuisine, you would set words like "Korea", "Korean BBQ" and "Seoul" and set exclusion words like "Korean lanaguage" and "Korean drama." Doing so would prevent Korean language classes and Korean dramas from being recorded, improving the precision of the automatic recordings.



CAPTION: The keyword setting screen. Using "exclusion words", NOT searches are possible and the desired time period for recording can also be set.

The learning functionality of [Omakase/MaruRoku 2] is also included. The basic logic is the same - if the user stops playback of an automatically recorded program midway, or deletes a program before viewing it, this influences the "preference information" and is used as data for determining the next program/s to be recorded. In addition, with functionality like providing preferred program lists when recording to DVD media, the number of decision criteria is increased in comparison to the DVD drive-less Cocoon Channel Server.



CAPTION: Automatically recorded programs are easily identified by the star mark next to the program name. The gold [NEW] mark indicates programs recommended by [x-Omakase/MaruRoku].

[x-Pict Story] - turn photos into PV(promotion video)-like movies

The ability to load photos taken with a digital camera and view them on a TV screen is another feature of the PSX. However, with the next-gen PSX, an application is included that will automatically add music and effects to photo data, creating original video productions not unlike a promo video. This is [x-Pict Story].

"With the previous model PSX, it was possible to create a silent slideshow but [x-Pict Story] will automatically add effects that are synchronised with the background music. If you want results quickly, the PS2 EEGS-powered PSX delivers."



CAPTION: BGM selection screen. All of the pre-installed music is approximately 2 minutes in length. The music is original and was created specifically for the PSX.

All the user has to do is select the music and photo folders. [x-Pict Story] will add a variety of effects such as zoom and pan and, with original camerwork, create an impressive video. The completed work can be MPEG2-encoded by selecting "Save" and, therefore, can be written to DVD media.

[x-DJ] - What will happen to Shinbashi nightlife?

Lastly, [x-DJ] is an application that will mix music files stored on the HDD like a "DJ" and automatically play them back. This application is actually a version of the automatic playback function of the PS2 software, "DJbox", that has been modified for use in the PSX.

The user simply selects a preset keyword (e.g. HOT, COOL, RAKUEN, SPLASH, etc) that they think best matches that time's feeling or situation. The PSX will automatically choose music and, while adding MC or sound effects, continue to play song after song. The sensation is like that of listening to an FM radio station.



CAPTION: Playlist selection screen. Even though the term "playlist" is used, as the program is not decided, they are more like "themes"

A visualiser linked to the music displays on the TV screen during play. A number of themes such as "Turntable" and "Robot" are available. The user can also participate in the music mixing process by using the remote control or PSX controller. Using effects such as scratch and pitch control, the user can get an idea of what it feels like to be a DJ.



CAPTION: Visualiser with gyrating robots. If you raise the pitch of the music, the robot'S movement becomes faster.

It appears there are also a number of hidden playlists built into [x-DJ]. The hidden playlists will appear if a number of criteria - music genre, day of the week, time etc - are all met. For example, a playlist might suddenly appear for a limited time on a certain day. A Sony spokeman said, "occasional hints on the hidden playlists will be given on the PSX homepage."

By the way, if you store enka songs on the HDD, it appears a strange playlist called "Shinbashi 11pm" will appear. Is the MC a drunk salaryman, I wonder?

The next-generation PSX (2 models) will go on sale in early December. Both models will have no set retail price but expected street prices are 90,000 yen for the 250GB HDD DESR-7500 and 70,000 yen for the 160GB HDD DESR-5500.

The DESR-7500, in addition to a BS analog tuner and ghost reduction circuitry, has a IEEE1394 input which makes automatic dubbing of DV video possible. Other specifications are common between the two models.

Inspired by:
http://www.itmedia.co.jp/lifestyle/articles/0410/14/news002.html