TOKYO--Sony today announced that it will release two new models of its multifunction PlayStation 2 and DVD recorder, the PSX. Like the original, the new PSX will be available in two models--the 160MB hard drive DESR-5100 and the 250GB HD DESR-7100. Both will come in the same color and case as the original PSX, though Sony will also release a limited-edition silver DESR-5100.

　　Scheduled to ship on July 1, the new PSX's main improvements are in its DVD recording capabilities, although there are also minor tweaks in the machine's screen menu. Users will have the option to manually set the recording quality for DVDs, enabling longer movies to fit on a single disc. The machine will also have 50 preinstalled templates to allow users to create their own DVD menus. The new PSX will also come with DVD+RW and DVD-RW compatibility already installed.

　　Aside from having improved DVD capabilities, the new PSX will let users surf the PlayStation bulletin boards, something the original PSX could not do. However, the new PSX will still not allow users to view or play content downloaded from the PlayStation BB, presumably as an antipiracy measure.

　　Neither the DESR-5100 nor the DESR-7100 has a set price, though they are expected to cost around 74,000 yen ($675) and 95,000 yen ($868), respectively. Previous PSX models retailed for 79,800 yen ($728) for the 160GB DESR-5000 and 99,800 yen ($911) for the 250GB DESR-7000.

　　Luckily, owners of the first PSX models do not have to go out and buy a new machine. Sony will be providing an update on July 15 that will give older PSXes the same capabilities as the new versions.