Floppyhead – Digital Media and Streaming

Home theater computers that will support CableCard digital receivers are right around the corner. Most of the announced products to date have been from smaller manufacturers like Niveus or VidaBox. Sony is also preparing their own version of a Vista-based media center computer, named the VAIO Digital Living System VGX-XL3 . With a great overall design, the VAIO XL3 looks like a piece of high-end stereo equipment. From Sony’s website:

The XL3 Digital Living System™ is digital cable ready and features an OCUR receiver, which is a digital cable receiver and interface that accepts a TV CableCARD. The CableCARD removable security module, which must be obtained from your local service provider, allows you to access the digital cable channels to which you subscribe without the need for a set-top-box. Windows Vista™ Home Premium with Media Center functionality acts as your DVR, letting you record and catalog your favorite TV programs to the hard drive. These innovative tools let you consolidate your entertainment center by replacing your HD DVR and digital cable set-top-box with the VAIO XL3.

The system integrates Blu-ray and an internal digital tuner for CableCard support. Beside the design, the appealing aspect of the system is that the digital tuner is built right into the system. The downside, and quite frankly it is a big downside, is that it only has one digital tuner. Why is this a big deal? Having only one tuner means you cannot watch AND record television at the same time.
With a price over $3000, it should come with more than one tuner. A Series 3 Tivo even has multiple tuners.

Sony could have a very attractive system if the price was about $1000 less and included a second tuner.