Sweet Blu-Ray Recorder/Burner/Portable Converter/Love Machine

Sony decided to show up to the game well-prepared this time around, announcing their BDZ-A70 and BDZ-A90, their first Blu-Ray recorders. These little gizmos are packing some extra happiness though, as they don't just simply record your Blu-Ray content, they can burn dual layered Blu-Ray BD-RE, they feature tons of ins/outs to satisfy just about anyone, and sport a 320 GB or 500 GB hard drive (A70 and A90 respectively, hard drive size being the only difference). The feature that I'm most excited about, however, is the one-touch transfer capability to select portable devices like the PSP, Walkman devices and cell phones!

Sony had promised PSP transfer capability before for the PS3, but to see it rolling out on other devices is exciting. To also see the feature being used on more than just PSP's is really exciting. Currently, all the compatible devices are Japanese, which is not surprising as BDZ's are currently only slated for a Japanese release, and from Sony or Sony-friendly manufacturers, which is also not surprising because... well, it's Sony. You can expect to see these devices popping up later this month for 170,000 Yen, which is about $1,650. Pricey, to be sure, but it is loaded with features.

I have to admit that I like this trend, as it speaks of possibilities and innovation in the physical media market, but Sony has to be careful to not restrict compatibility to a small set of devices. The idea of being able to get a digital copy of your movie with the physical version is just about the only thing I can see saving the physical media from the coming digital take-over, and the easy conversion to a portable format is a step ahead of the movement. I'm of the mind that this functionality needs to be spread to a larger base of devices, not just Sony-branded handhelds, but it does make a compelling sales argument for a Walkman phone over another handset. Hit the jump to watch the video of the BDZ in use.

Sony, PSP "located a few steps forward," BD recorder new "A70" [Impress - Translated]
[via: Engadget]