Sony 80GB Digital Photo Album

[Suhit Gupta]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06022602sonyhdpsl1.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06022602sonyhdpsl1.asp</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Sony Electronics is transforming static, digital images into a rich audio visual experience with the world's first dedicated photo storage unit with high-definition output. Featuring eight slideshow styles with image transitions synchronized to pre-installed background music and high-definition video output, the new HDPS-L1 hard drive photo storage unit offers an interactive way to view and share high-resolution photos from holidays, reunions and birthday parties on a home theatre system... The HDPS-L1 hard drive photo storage unit eliminates the effort required to organize printed photos, as it automatically sorts picture files by their creation date. It also provides the option to group images by type, such as travels and holidays."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/sony_hdpls1.jpg" /><br /><br />80GB sounds awesome although it is interesting that they claim to be the first one with a dedicated device like this. I am just wondering why the device is so large though, I mean it seems almost bigger than an iMac mini, no?

[j.freiman]

IT seems a bit silly that Sony would come out with a device such as this at a $300 price point.

You can currently get a Media Center PC (any brand of OS) for only about $200 more and be able to use it for DVD playback, television etc.

I really wonder if there is a market for a product such as this...

A couple of issues:
1. Who needs another remote control
2. Why when a company makes something 'small' do they think it will integrate well into a home theater unit/system? - everything in my home theater is about 19" wide!!!
3. Can I say, pass me the OTHER remote control? ;-)

I'm sure others will have their own opinions, but now in the process of integrating functions, not expanding my clutter.