Sony intros HD-PG5 external hard drive with 500GB disk

Sony has introduced its first external hard drive, the HD-PG5. Although the drive works as a general USB-attached storage device, it also provides a number of features specific to Sony's range of devices. Users can record HD video directly from their Bravia TV, transfer video files directly from a Handycam camcorder without using a PC, or play videos and photos through a PlayStation 3 console.

The PG5 provides 500GB of storage on a 2.5-inch disk, while enabling users to connect devices via USB 3.0 or USB 2.0. When using the latter standard, the Data Transfer Accelerator software is claimed to double transfer rates.

The new drives are expected to ship in the UK, France and Germany by the middle of the month, however pricing information and other launch locations remain unknown.