[Updated 1:00 pm PDT] Both Reuters and IDG news services are reporting today that Sony has unveiled a new Internet-connected personal video recorder (PVR), dubbed the 'Cocoon'. Like TiVo, which pioneered the PVR market, the Cocoon is powered by an Embedded Linux operating system. The new Sony PVR boasts an internal 160GB hard drive which can provide 100 hours of programming (expandable to 320GB), and is initially being introduced only to the Japanese market. According to the IDG news service report, the Cocoon's Embedded Linux OS is a version of Montavista Linux, running on a 350MHz MIPS processor.

From the Reuters news service story . . .

“Japan's Sony Corp gave a fresh peek on Wednesday into its strategy for linking consumer electronics to the Web, unveiling a Net-connected video recorder that can seek out and record TV programmes it thinks its owner would like.”

“The device, which uses a hard-disk drive instead of optical discs or magnetic tapes, will be the first of Sony's 'Cocoon' line of products that aim to become an alternative to the PC for accessing Internet content . . . “

“The recorder includes a 160 gigabyte hard-disk drive, able to record 15 hours of high-definition TV or up to 100 hours of standard quality [programs], with a possible expansion to 320 gigabytes . . . “

“And indeed, the Cocoon machine won't be cheap: Sony expects it to retail for about 130,000 yen ($1,110) and has targeted initial production of 5,000 units a month . . .”

Read full Reuters story

From the IDG News Service story . . .

“Sony has unveiled a video recorder based on a hard drive and running the Linux operating system, the first in what the company says will be a new range of audio-visual products that take advantage of the always-on feature of broadband networks.”

“Other features include two TV tuners so you can watch one channel while recording another, although recording of two programs simultaneously is not possible. The E77 includes a VHF/UHF/cable tuner and can also hook up to an external satellite tuner, cable set-top box, or other video source.”

“The system runs Montavista Linux version 2.4.17, an embedded version of the free operating system, on a MIPS processor running at 350 MHz, Sony says . . .”

Read full IDG story

Photos of the Sony's new Linux-based 'Cocoon' . . .

Linux-based Sony Cocoon PVR

Rear view showing connections

Note: Further details on CoCoon are available on Sony's website (in Japanese).

 
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