Sony Japan unveils Bravia HDTVs with 500GB storage, Sony USA unveils no such thing
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted March 14th 2010 11:57PM
posted March 14th 2010 11:57PM
Sony intro'd some 3D Bravia HDTVs a while back, and while that didn't really whet our appetite an LCD with built-in storage is always palatable. To be released by Sony Japan, the BX30H is available in up to 32-inches and packs 500GB of storage -- not particularly earth-shattering, but it should prove useful for DVR-ing episodes of The Marriage Ref. [Did we say that? We meant WWE: Raw.] Available in both colors (black and white), this model is, sadly, only available in Japan. For those of us stuck in the states, the BX300 is available in 22- and 32-inch sizes (and only in black). All of the above feature a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, CCFL backlighting, 720p HD resolution, 5.1 channel audio output and more. Yankees can expect to pay $279 for the 22-inch or $419 for the 32-inch, while prices in Japan TBA.
Meh, convergence of home media devices has been a bad idea since the TV/VHS combo. Other tech just moves a lot faster than your TV (historically) and it's cheaper to replace other components than it is the entire set.
@Vaio
Because our cable companies and lawyers have a death grip on innovative technologies.
Is there really a use for a 22 inch HDTV? I mean maybe if you have a TV in your bathroom, but even then I would want at least a 32 incher. Since when did the largest size of a model end up at 32 inches? 1999?
@engadgetcomexcludeengadget
we are at the point where that question is irrelevant now. Just as it was when color TVs became affordable and widespread.
The question now should be is there any reason for making any television, at any size, not HD capable?
I don't get it. Is there some software that will play the files on the storage, or is it just an external hard drive that's permanently attached to your TV? Because if it's the latter, then I REALLY don't get it.
@tonicboy
More than likely built in, or slotted in and removable like Sharp did a few years ago.
@engadgetcomexcludeengadget
Here in Japan most people dont feel the need for a giant tv or dont have the space so they opt for a small HD tv. Remember its Japan not the US. I have a 32" Bravia and it is plenty big enough.
Also Re: Price, Expect at least double the US price for the model here. Shits expensive.
@tonicboy That's because you didn't read the article.
It's an internal hard drive that can store up to 65 hours of HD content.
@tonicboy Yeah, Japanese houses don't really have room for big 60" TV like we do here. So 32" is perfect for the small apartments and other living spaces.
@Edobe
Just because a hard drive can record 65 hours of video says nothing about how that that recording happens. If you are implying that the TV has bundled DVR software, that's a significant feature which is usually highlighted.
@tonicboy
Newer sony TVs use a similar GUI to the PS3. Mine has a function to watch video/view pics off of SD cards. So yeah, I am pretty sure its going to have soft to record shows. Its SONY! Do you really think they could get away with mickymouseing a set like this?
@tonicboy I'm not implying anything, however, the article from the source link that was poorly translated by google and that you refuse to read implies that this TV has the software to record, playback, and delete HD video
@Edobe
For fuck's sake, I read the damn article before you even mentioned it, but all it says is "An internal 500GB hard drive, recording about 65 hours up to high-definition programming", which doesn't mean jack shit. When HDD manufacturers release hard drives, they also spit out pointless specs such as this, but it doesn't mean that they have on-board software to actually do any recording or playback.
@domyoji
even for japanese homes, you can still attache a nettop on the back of your tv, cant you?
@tonicboy Calm down. Further down in the article it mentions the controls that can be used to start a recording, playback recorded content, and delete previously recorded content. This implies built in DVR functionality.
Oh well.
Who would want an all white TV anyway?
@s13vin4t0r Japan has this obsession with having all electronics available in white... Although with things like cellphones, they tend to make every model available in 47 different colors.
I cant wait utill MIX tomorrow. Windows phone 7 news ooohhhh
Lol! The Marriage Ref....
The ONLY good one so far was the one with Ricky Gervais!
@decalfx
Um, Not a nice comment buddy...
@decalfx
?? what are you loser? thought so!
@seanGadget it's not? what's wrong with it? do Asian countries usually get nice tech before the west? yes. are people in Asian countries referred to as Asians? yes.
@wickersty
I guess its the confusion between whether decalfx actually meant damn asians as opposed to damn, asians, etc.
If its the prior, then I can see why the comment may be viewed as offensive.
ohh f$$@#@# japan and obammaass and osaammmmaaassss!!!!
Doesn't seem like a good idea. I rather see the TV having gigabit ethernet and ability to access content from the network than a built-in storage.
Of fuck sakes, there is always something to complain about.
How about a 2mm thick TV with built in iPad, iPhone and a toilet that washes your ass for you. Would that make all of you happy?
is beige officially back?
In case you didn't read the punch line at the end......720p. lol
Wow, seriously, 720p? Japan can have it.
Not yet, Beige is still officially crap.