Sony announced today the release of their new “nasne”! The “nasne” is a 500GB networked recorder and media storage device with digital terrestrial and satellite broadcast tuners. As of now the new device will only be available in Japan for about $200. In essence the “nasne” is an external HDD/digital tuner specifically for your Sony devices. It does have cool stylings that are very reminiscent of the Playstation 3. The device hooks up with either coaxial cable directly from the wall, or wirelessly form your PS3/Vita/Vaio/Experia. I would not ever expect to see this kind of thing in America due to the TV service companies(Tivo, DirecTV) being so protective of how their services and technologies are used.

Here are some key highlights from Sony about how the “nasne” can and will connect to each Sony device and what benefits they have:

PlayStation 3

PS3 users will be able to watch and record (3) digital terrestrial and satellite broadcast through LAN cable by installing “torne” version 4.0, a dedicated application for PS3, which will come bundled with “nasne.” By connecting a maximum of four “nasne” units to their PS3, users can simultaneously record up to four television programs. Those who already have a “torne” device connected to their PS3 will be able to connect a maximum of four “nasne” units to their PS3 and record up to five television programs. Details of “torne” version 4.0 for PS3 will be announced separately.

PlayStation Vita

PS Vita users will be able to watch and record digital terrestrial and satellite broadcasts through “torne for PS Vita” (tentative name), a dedicated application for accessing “nasne” from anywhere within the same home network via Wi-Fi connection . “torne for PS Vita” will become available within this calendar year. By leveraging the ability of “nasne” to simultaneously create an export file while a television program is being recorded, users can quickly transfer recorded content through Wi-Fi connection and easily enjoy them on the go on their PS Vita’s beautiful 5-inch OLED. Details of “torne for PS Vita” will be announced in due course.

VAIO PC

VAIO PC users will be able to watch and record digital terrestrial and satellite broadcasts through “VAIO TV with nasne” (beta version)(5), a dedicated application for accessing “nasne” from anywhere within the same home network via Wi-Fi connection or LAN cable. “VAIO TV with nasne” (beta version) will become available concurrently with the release of “nasne.” Key features of “VAIO TV with nasne”: Recorded television programs on “nasne'” can be copied to Blu-ray Disc and DVD, or transferred to VAIO PC’s HDD or State Solid Drive (SSD). Up to eight digital terrestrial and satellite broadcasts can be simultaneously recorded by connecting a maximum of eight “nasne” hardware units to VAIO PC. Television programs can be searched by keywords. “VAIO TV with nasne” will become available for Windows 7 equipped VAIO PCs through “VAIO Update,” an automatic free update service for VAIO PC users.

“Sony Tablet” / Xperia

Sony Tablet / Xperia users will be able to watch and record digital terrestrial and satellite broadcasts through dedicated applications for Sony Tablet / Xperia for accessing “nasne” from within the same home network via Wi-Fi connection.

Nasne Front

Nasne Rear