Sony reveals HDD-based stereos with Walkman port

Sony updated its NETJUKE stereos today with three models that serve as a digital music hub without the need for a PC. The D55HD, M75HD, and M95HD (pictured) each bring hard drives for ripping and storing music CDs to either MP3s or Sony's older ATRAC format; the M75HD and M95HD models add MiniDisc decks that can also add media from Sony's proprietary storage format to a larger digital library. Owners of newer Walkman players like the A800 and S610 can use the stereos as their digital home: a Walkman Port syncs music from the NETJUKE's hard drive and will transfer over full album art and track information pulled across a built-in Ethernet connection. A 4.3-inch LCD displays the full track detail when playing music from the system itself.

As with an increasing number of Sony devices, the stereos support streaming media to or from hardware with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) support or directly from two USB ports built into each unit; one port can be used for an optional Wi-Fi adapter with a one-button secure wireless connection. The D55HD represents the company's most basic model with two 20-watt speakers, a standard digital amp, and an 80GB hard drive to match its CD reader. At the next level, the M75HD adds the MiniDisc deck plus an enhanced S-Master digital amp. The top M95HD boosts the hard disk to 250GB and improves the speakers with a combined 26 watts of power.

All three models will be available in Japan by October 20th at prices equal to $529, $705, and $1,058. The D55HD will be available in black, pink, or white, while the M75HD and M95HD ship in silver. Sony frequently leaves most of its NETJUKE range in its home country but is known to bring some of its enhanced stereos to North America. [via Impress]