LG's LRM-519 Digital Media Recorder is a true digital hub
We've had our eye on LG's Windows-powered LRM-519 Digital Media Recorder ever since Billy G. demoed it at this year's CES. We finally got to see one up close and personal last month on LG's Gadget Cruise, and now new details have emerged on what is being called the first device in an entirely new product category. On the surface, the LRM-519 is a DVD-burner/DVR combo with a 160 GB hard drive (upgradable via two USB inputs) and the ability to record to almost every current DVD format (except DVD-ROM and -RAM, so nitpickers save your comments please). Pretty hot so far, but it gets better; since the unit is 802.11a/b/g-enabled, it can transfer content back and forth with a PC. The biggest downside to this whole dealie is that you must subscribe to the Microsoft Program Guide, a pay-as-you-go service ($10/month, $100/year, or $250/lifetime) necessary to fully utilize the DVR functionality. No HD or CableCard support will also leave some users frustrated, as will the $600 price tag — for a few hundred bucks more you could get a proper Media Center PC.
[Thanks, Dave]
