Sony PlayStation 3 (20GB)

Pros: Good form factor, easy installation, utilization of same video / optical cabling for initial startup.

Cons: Lack of clear upgrade path, lack of upscale for older HDTV sets with only 420i/420p/1080i

Summary: A definitive interesting platform with media center potential. This fits multiple family niches:

- Centralized multimedia storage (PSP only for remote storage)
- Web browser and chat communication.
- Potentail for ubiquitous content access to PSP.

That stated,

- There is be a PHY layer neutral method of connecting a PSP to the PS3. If you have a PS3 on an existing wireline network with a 802.11 b/g cloud, the PSP should be able to associate through the existing network and access PS3 content.
- The content should stream through LocationFree in the future. Once again, PHY independent. Just with IP.
- LocationFree uses an external proxy to help with direction back to a home encoder. This should also happen with the PS3.
- This has DVR potential through Sony's online service, but should also have a QAM tuner and OCAP to finish off as a Set-Top box to live in the Microsoft space. I'm surprised that I have not heard any discussion on OCAP and the OCAP stack for the DVR. MicroSoft gets it.
- There needs to be a clear upgrade path from the 20GB unit to have WiFi access for PSP integration.
- There needs to be clear integration into existing PCs and other appliances (iPod) for integrated media management.
- The 1080i downscale problem definitely poses a problem for those who do not have 720p or 1080p HD units.

All in all, an interesting addition to the house. A foundation.