How to Cram Up to 200 Blu-ray Discs in One Machine

CD and DVD changers have been around for quite some time now, as they provide a very easy and accessible method of automatically changing the disk that's being played without any direct intervention from the user (other than pressing a button, that is). However, Sony has decided to up the ante in this specific field as well, since it has just announced at CEDIA 2007 its Home Entertainment Server (a.k.a. HES V-1000), a huge machine that can tend to every entertainment-related need users might have.

Thus, the unit features a full HD 1080p 200-disc Blu-ray Disc/DVD/CD changer (196 x 12cm BD/DVD/CDs and four x 8cm BD/DVDs) and a 500GB hard disc drive that can store up to 137 hours of video, 40,000 songs or 20,000 digital photos. Additionally, the device is Sony's first Blu-ray Disc-enabled machine (other than computer optical drives) that can burn content to Blu-ray Discs, as well as DVDs.

The device features Sony's XMBTM (XrossMediaBar) menu, which allows for easier set up and content navigation features, and can even be connected to the Internet via Ethernet or WiFi (the latter with an optional adapter) for accessing commercial CD, DVD and Blu-ray Disc movie and music metadata for discs housed or stored in the device. Moreover, the entertainment server also uses the Internet for downloading any firmware updates directly to the system.

Any home entertainment server requires a fair amount of connectivity options, and the HES V-1000 has some pretty impressive features to offer in this specific area as well. Thus, the server features S-video, composite, audio and HDV/DV (i.LINK(R)) inputs, as well as HDMI with BRAVIA Theatre Sync, component, optical, coaxial and analog outputs. The unit also features Memory Stick media inputs, Secure Digital cards, CompactFlash media and xD-Picture CardTM flash memory readers, allowing easy transfer of digital image content.

"With its extraordinary storage capacity, the HES-V1000 unit is the perfect device to store and share personal digital content, such as high-definition home movies and photos," said Christopher Fawcett, vice president of home video marketing for Sony Electronics. "Not only can you burn photo slide shows and home movies directly to BD or DVD to share with friends and family, the device's massive storage capacity allows you to house an entire collection of movies, digital music and photos."

The HES-V1000 Home Entertainment Server will be available in October for about $3,500, which is a surprisingly low price tag for such a complex and comprehensive entertainment machine.

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