Floppyhead – Digital Media and Streaming

Amazon.com is currently offering $200 dollars off of the Sony VAIO VGX-XL3 Digital Living System, bringing the price down from $3,299 to $3,099. This rebate should be valid through the end of June, according to the product page. Interestingly, this system is ranked #81 in Computers & PC Hardware at Amazon.

I have mentioned the VGX-XL3 before on this site. I think it is a very attractive media center but it’s lack of a second Digital Cable Tuner is a fatal flaw. The picture below shows the CableCard slot for the internal tuner. From Amazon.com

The VGX-XL3 is digital cable ready, and it features an OCUR receiver, which is a digital cable receiver and interface that accepts a TV CableCARD. This 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. You can also use the integrated NTSC (standard) and ATSC (digital) TV tuners in conjunction with Windows Vista Home Premium’s Media Center capabilities to record programming (even in HDTV) directly to the VGX-TP1’s hard drive. Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.