dottocomu

So-net starts PSP video download service

News of this had come along with the announcement of the v2.0 firmware for the PSP, but here comes confirmation that Sony's ISP, So-net, is tomorrow starting a video content download service targeted at the PSP. As so often with these things it's slightly disingenuous to say that this is exclusively a PSP service, since it operates by pulling the content down to a PC first and then transferring to the PSP (in a way that many of us are already doing). The plan seems to be to offer free content (movie trailers, dramas, etc.) until year-end and then start offering paid content such as new-release films. Apparently they've signed up 10 content providers including Sony Pictures Entertainment to supply this.

Next, a service that allows you to do this via WiFi?

[Via FujiSankei Business i (Japanese)]

[UPDATE: Seems from this Impress Watch article that the intent ultimately is to allow WiFi content downloads, just not from the get-go.]

Sharp's 3-in-1 video recorder

We were sure someone would have done this already, but it appears not: Sharp has announced a video recorder that puts VHS, DVD and a hard disk in the same box, along with a satellite decoder. The hard disk is a moderate 80GB, compared to the 400GB at which the big boys max out; but there's the peace of mind that comes from having something in reserve should you run out of tapes or DVDs, as well as the extra space freed up in the TV cabinet by having everything in one box. They also state that you can record things freely around between the three units with no restrictions, though we assume that doesn't mean it zaps the copy protection on commercial DVDs. One caveat is that the satellite tuner will only record to either the DVD or hard disk.

The DV-HRW30 will be out on July 1 in Japan, for about Y95,000.

[Update: Someone did do this already, though only just--looks like Panasonic's rather similar DIGA DMR-E150V made it to Japanese shops on June 21. Looks like the Sharp model should start out a bit cheaper, though]

[Via ITmedia (Japanese)]

Cheap plasma TVs

Startup byd:sign has announced a 42-inch plasma TV that sells for Y299,800 excluding tax. That's Y200,000-Y300,000 cheaper than competing models on sale at retailers, according to the Nikkei Shimbun. They started taking orders yesterday and will ship them from the 25th.

What's the average life of a plasma TV these days, though? About six years? Is the world not heading toward LCD TVs? If I ask nicely, will someone buy me one?

[Via the Nikkei Shimbun (Japanese)]