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PlayStation 3 hurdles over the 5 million mark in the UK
PlayStation 3 is now over the 5 million mark for UK sales, Sony announced today. The milestone followed soon after the release of the 500 GB PS3, which upped the console's sales during its launch week by 138 percent. The 12 GB model launches across Europe tomorrow. Earlier this month Sony also announced 4 million PS3 sales in France."This is another historic moment for the PlayStation brand, and something I'm incredibly proud of," said Fergal Gera, SCE vice-president and managing director for UK & Ireland, "I'd like to thank all our consumers, retailers and 3rd party partners for helping us achieve this figure, and look forward to continued success."The last revealed UK milestone for PS3 came in early 2011, when Sony announced 4 million sales of its home console. Microsoft tends to stick to worldwide sales figures, and the last time the company did that was in May, revealing a figure of 67 million. That compares to 64 million sales for PS3, which Sony revealed two months prior in March. The Nintendo Wii remains the home console leader according to latest figures, with 96.5 million worldwide sales as of June 2012.
Toshiba outs Canvio Slim portable drive: 500GB, $115 and just 9mm thick
It turns out that if you take an Ultrabook-style 7mm hard drive and put it in a sleek enclosure, you end up with a portable HDD that's barely any bigger, thicker or heavier than a smartphone. Toshiba guessed this might happen, and so it came up with a new addition to its Canvio range: the Canvio Slim, which sports 500GB of PC- and Mac-compatible luggage room, uses a single USB 3.0 connection for data and power, and is encased in either "graphite-black" or silver brushed aluminum. Look for it in stores from October priced around $115, including a three-year warranty.
TiVo Premiere 4 is official, brings four tuners and 500GB of storage for $250
The TiVo Premiere 4 DVR that broke cover a few days ago has been officially confirmed by the company, with exactly the specs indicated. In case you're not familiar, it's a quad tuner DVR that ships with a 500GB hard drive and standard TiVo remote, slotting in below its big brother at retail -- the 2TB and THX-endowed Premiere XL4. Despite a smaller hard drive the quad-tuner is something that Doug Bieter, director of retail sales, says solves the Sunday night log jam of shows even if it's less of a multi-season archive machine. Thanks to MoCA and Ethernet still coming along for the ride it's particularly ideal for multiroom setups when combined with the extender that's still due to arrive soon. The Premiere 4 will start shipping right away and will cost owners $249 along with a one year commitment to service at $14.99 or lifetime service for $499, check TiVo.com, custom installers and Best Buy Magnolia stores near you to snag one.
Did Sony's latest PlayStation 3 redesign just get outed by Brazil's Anatel?
Remember that mysterious new PS3 variant that passed through the FCC not too long ago? Although that listing didn't have photos to confirm a redesign, a new one has hit Anatel (essentially Brazil's version of the FCC) with a quartet of pictures in tow. Specifically, it cites models CECH-4011A, CECH-4011B and CECH-4011C, matching up well with the 4K labeling from the aforementioned FCC visit -- if you'll recall, the current PS3 Slim has a 3K model number. According to Tecnoblog, the the three models point to a shockingly storage-cramped 16GB version, along with 250GB and 500GB variants. While this Anatel document appears to be from Sony, we'd be remiss not to mention that we haven't been able to load the photos as Tecnoblog has. In terms of looks, apart from appearing extra slim -- and decidedly less attractive -- the system notably seems to be rocking a top-loading disc drive (this would be a first for the PS3). For now, we'd advise taking this potential leak with a grain of salt, but rest assured that we'll inform you if we hear anything official from Sony.
Buffalo's HD-PATU3 HDD packs USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt, plays nice with Macs and PCs
Buffalo's new glacial lump of a HDD looks set to offer data speeds that are anything but. The HD-PATU3 is Buffalo's first HDD to share its storage goodness across USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt -- and it's compatible with both PCs and Macs. The external hard drive forgoes the need for any separate power supply and is set to arrive in both 500GB and 1TB iterations, but the company's Japanese arm isn't revealing any detail yet on precisely how much we can expect the duo to set us back.
TiVo Premiere 500GB coming Sunday along with lower prices for service, XL and Elite DVRs
The new TiVo Premiere featuring an upgraded 500GB hard drive (65 percent more hours of HD storage than the old 320GB unit) that we spotted this morning is official, and will start shipping March 25th -- but that's not it. As we also noted, it only requires a one year service agreement at $14.99 per month or $12.99 for users with multiple boxes, which is cheaper than last year's $19.99 / month package (Lifetime Service is still available as well). If you need more hard drive space, THX Certification or more tuners then you're also in luck, as price cuts are in order for the 1TB Premiere XL (down $50 to $249) and the 2TB Elite models (down $100 to $399). The new pricing should let multi-TiVo homes compete even better with cable company DVR offerings, and once the new multiroom boxes arrive this summer things should only get better. Stake out various online retailers or your local Best Buy to snag one or three on Sunday, but until then check out the press release after the break for all of the numbers.
TiVo Premiere DVRs may get more storage soon, $149 500GB units appear for preorders
Just like the initial run of TiVo Premiere DVRs two years ago, it appears that a refreshed version has been spotted at retail prior to any official announcement from the company. TiVo may be waiting for its official birthday March 31st to unwrap the new models, but a poster at TiVo Community has dug up listings at Amazon and JR.com showing the new TCD746500 TiVo Premiere with 500GB HDD retailing for $149 (with 1 year service plan at $14.99, of course). That can be compared to the original's 320GB drive that's currently selling at around $80. The listings hint at shipments beginning in the next few weeks, while these drives certainly won't sate the hunger of those pursuing a 1TB Premiere XL or quad tuner Elite model, a claimed extra 30 or so hours of HD recording could be worth waiting for, even at the higher price. We're not seeing indications of any other differences yet, but we'll keep you updated if more information becomes available.[Thanks, @BrennokBob]
Hitachi's 50-inch P50-GP08 3D TV could be its Japanese swan song
If the P50-GP08 is indeed Hitachi's last domestically produced TV, it would make for a pretty worthy finale. Unveiled today, this 3D TV features a 50-inch plasma screen capable of beaming images in full HD, 1920 x 1080 resolution, with a contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1. The beast also packs five TV tuners, a 500GB removable HDD, a quartet of HDMI ports and a motion sensor that turns off the set after a preset period of time (between five and 60 seconds). Best of all, everything can be controlled from the comfort of an iPad or iPhone, thanks to the Wooo Remote app, scheduled for release later this month (see an image, after the break). According to AV Watch, the P50-GP08 should start shipping on August 27th for about ¥220,000 (around $2,875), though there's no word yet on whether it'll ever make it to markets overseas.
Verbatim Store 'n' Go USB 3.0 hard drives add color to your otherwise drab storage needs
Our parents always taught us that it's what's on the inside that counts -- and that's why we don't ever take them hard drive shopping with us. Sure these Store 'n' Go drives are pretty standard 500GB HDDs, but hey, they come in Caribbean blue and hot pink, so they should fit in nicely with that neon fanny pack we just picked up to haul around our computer peripherals. The drives sport USB 3.0 and come loaded with Nero BackItUp software. You can pick them up for $100 from Verbatim's site -- they shouldn't be too hard to spot. Decidedly less colorful press information after the break.
LaCie's Rugged Mini is rugged, also mini (video)
Got a knack for all things rugged, rubberized and orange? Then you're undoubtedly familiar with LaCie's robust line of drives, which the firm's been peddling to abusive storage lovers since 2008. Joining the family today are 500GB, 1TB, and (next month) 1.5TB miniaturized versions of Neil Poulton's shock, drop, and rain-resistant baby. They also tote USB 3.0, making them perfect candidates for speedy transfers while you're being hunted by some rare and soon-to-be extinct Amazonian jungle cat. Sound like your kind of shindig? PR and a video await you after the break.
G-Technology's G-Connect offers 500GB of wireless storage, portable WiFi network to smartphone, tablet users
Hitachi's G-Technology unit has already showered us with a slew of external hard drives, but it's taking a slightly more hybridized approach with the G-Connect -- a device that offers both wireless storage and portable WiFi access to smartphone and tablet users. Designed with nomadic content-hoarders in mind, this little rascal boasts 500GB of mobile storage, can simultaneously support more than five different devices on its 802.11n wireless network, and, when connected via Ethernet, serves as a WiFi access point. It's also robust enough to stream up to five standard-definition movies at one time (or up to three HD flicks), and, at about 9.7 ounces, it won't add too much weight to your quiver of gadgets, either. If you're worried about security, you can surround the network with a password-protected fortress, or store some of your less mentionable content in your very own private folder. iOS users can further enhance their G-experience by downloading the accompanying app, which will allow them to view and access all of their G-stored documents and media from the comfort of their iDevices (an equivalent app for the Android crowd will launch this fall). If you're interested, you can pre-order the G-Connect from G-Technology's website for $200, or wait until it hits retailers next month. Full PR after the break. %Gallery-126886%
500GB Virgin Media 'baby' TiVo available for preorders
Existing Virgin Media customers can preorder a 500GB version of its TiVo-based DVR now for a mere £49.95 (compared to £149.95 for the 1TB). The boxes are expected to ship in July and as The Virgin Media TiVo Blog notes, these are also available to customers with M+ and L service packages, while the 1TB model is only available with XL service. This is the latest step in Virgin Media expanding TiVo across all of its offerings, just relax and go with it.
Virgin confirms 'baby TiVo,' expects 500GB model to become the new standard DVR
Richard Branson apparently wasn't kidding about how much he loved Virgin Media's new TiVo-powered DVRs, as the company revealed this week it will start offering a cheaper model with a 500GB hard drive to all of its customers, differing from the original which is only available to those with the XL package of channels. We can expect the "baby TiVo" -- aside from the HDD space, it is similar to the original in all respects including the three tuner capability -- to start shipping for existing customers May 16th. The up front pricing has been slashed, at just £49.95 (plus installation) while TechRadar mentions the price of the 1TB will be reduced to £149.95 for existing customers with preorders, or £199.95 for new customers but with the £40 installation fee waived.The existing V+ HD service isn't going away immediately, but it seems like the TiVo will have more features for the same price, but we'll wait to hear if our UK readers find the experience worthwhile.
Is Virgin Media planning a cheaper, 500GB TiVo?
It appears Virgin Media may be ready to follow up its initial TiVo product with a cheaper version very soon. Just like the TiVo Premiere and XL here in the US, the current model has a 1TB hard drive while forum posts indicate a 500GB "baby TiVo" model could be announced next week and arrive in late spring. We'll wait for some official word before knitting lil' TiVo booties, but if the current asking price for the Virgin Media TiVo -- which recently added BBC iPlayer catch-up support to its list of features -- is just too much for you to take the leap, the situation could take a turn for the better shortly.
Echostar Europe launches HDS-600RS SlingLoaded FreeSat+ DVR
It's been a surprisingly long wait for a SlingLoaded box outside of the Dish ViP922, but now European customers can do the all-in-one DVR/Slingbox dance with the new HDS-600RS. As a set-top box it can tune into 150 or more digital channels and VOD depending on provider with its own HD EPG and includes access to BBC iPlayer with plans for access to more services like ITV Net Player in the future, and of course it can Sling TV, live or DVRed on the unit's 500GB hard drive. One unfortunate limitation was revealed during a quick hands-on session by Pocket-Lint, if you're Slinging video somewhere else, despite the box having two tuners, it will only display the same thing the remote user is watching on the TV. Otherwise, they believe the box will cost around £300, although all EchoStar has officially confirmed is that it will launch April 1st, with preorders available on Amazon starting March 23rd. Check out the press release after the break and a few more pictures in the gallery below. %Gallery-119545%
Sanho announces new HyperDrive line-up, still enough storage for your Frank Zappa discography
Surely you remember Sanho's HyperDrive lineup -- ya know, the only portable HDD that plays nicely with the iPad? Well, if you don't dig the $249 entry level price, you're in luck. The company just announced a bunch of new HDDs for you to take with you and your iPad on that road trip you've had planned for years. As we saw at CES, the new drives no longer sport the QVGA color display or the CF and SD card slots -- instead, the black case has two mini USB ports and a power socket. The HyperDrive doesn't come with the traditional AC adapter but instead a USB-to-DC cable and the user-replaceable battery will allow up to 40GB of transfers on a single charge. And if you're wondering why there's two USB ports, we really couldn't tell you. Perhaps if you choose the right port while connected to your PC and enter the Konami code, unicorns and fairy dust will pop out of your screen -- wishful thinking, we know. The HyperDrives ship in March (pre-ordering is available now) with prices starting at $99 for a bring-your-own-drive housing, 1TB for $349 and various sizes in-between. So, if your photo/video library is worth accessing at all times, well, props to you. Press release is after the break.
Hitachi GST releases CinemaStar hard drives aimed for a DVR near you
Hitachi GST has announced two new drive families that it hopes will find happy homes in living rooms soon. To survive the mean streets of entertainment, both the 2.5-inch CinemaStar C5K750 and the 3.5-inch CinemaStar C5K750 families are lauded as quiet, energy sipping, and compact -- though they're positively fat compared to their 7mm thick Travelstar brethren. The 2.5-inch line ships in capacities of 750, 640, and 500GBs, while sipping 1.5W power during read/write operation and generating 2.3 idle bels. The 3.5-inch family bumps up the storage up to 1.5TB and 2TB capacities and features a CoolSpin Technology for A/V performance when handling the onslaught of recording and playing multiple video streams. For full details check out the PR after the break.
Comcast's quad-tuner Xfinity Spectrum DVR with internet access revealed by the FCC
Say hello to the future of DVRs, at least from Comcast, as its as-yet unannounced Xfinity Spectrum box passed through the FCC's database shortly after having its existence revealed by the Wall Street Journal. A quick peek at the production-ready manual reveals there's plenty of new features here, including a new guide design including IMDB-style cast & crew info as well as access to internet services. While it's hardware makes this Pace RNG-210n a 500GB HD DVR with four tuners, MoCA and IP access, one of the biggest changes is a software makeover means it pops up notifications prompted by your Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Configurable at Xfinity.com/Spectrum, it looks like it will only pull in information when people you follow share pictures, video, or link to info about TV shows and movies, with "most" viewable right on the box itself, plus the option to share what you're watching on those services. There's less details available about that "apps" section of the menu but weather, traffic, music and games are promised, take a quick peek at the most interesting sections including a look at the guide, remote and box in our gallery or check out the FCC filings yourself for more details -- it's hard to tell if the changes will make all our issues with cable provided set tops go away, but pretty much any new guide has to be better than what's there now, right? [Thanks, cypherstream] %Gallery-111807% %Gallery-111809%
Hitachi's 7mm-thick hard drives grow to 500GB, keep slimline profile
If you can't beat SSDs (and you can't, we've checked), you might as well try and dress like them by squeezing into the unreasonably low profile of just 7mm. Such must be the reasoning behind Hitachi's svelte 7mm-thick HDD series, which today gets augmented with a new top-of-the-line drive boasting 500GB of storage room. This single-platter archivist measure 2.5 inches diagonally, but as its Z5K500 product name suggests, it only spins at the tame rate of 5400RPM. The less generously proportioned Z7K320 offers 7200RPM if you're after more oomph, but it's most likely that your first real contact with either of these drives will be when you see them built into whatever larger device you're buying. Like, say, an ultrathin netbook or a PMP that's eager to swallow your music collection whole.
Verizon FiOS starts rolling out 500GB DVRs
Other than clunky GUIs and a lack of modern features, the most common complaint about most DVRs provided by cable, IPTV and satellite providers is their small hard drives, but Verizon's FiOS is the latest to take a step in the right direction, offering a 500GB Motorola QIP7232 HD DVR to customers in Texas, New York and Pennsylvania. Add in the software update on the way that spruces up the interface and adds support for external storage, and you have plenty to get excited about. Check the thread on DSLReports to see what availability in your neck of the woods is like
