Another important note to make is that many Sony internal teams are in fact gearing up for PlayStation2, while more and more non-videogame companies will get involved in various software developments for the system. Kazau Hirai, President of Sony Computer Entertainment of America, added: "This is the first mass-market product for the broadband world. We believe that PlayStation2 will actually accelerate the deployment of broadband networking into consumers' homes. We are poised to take this to the next level of entertainment."

"Some call Sony a hardware company," Idei added. "Some call us a media company. What we are and what we will be is a broadband entertainment company."

While Sony, didn't directly suggest that the other devices they demoed - the Memory Stick and the Sony MiniDisc Cam - were directly compatible with PlayStation2, it seems Sony's plans are all but revealed. Phil Harrison, Vice President of R&D, has officially said in at least one magazine interview that the I-Link port on PlayStation2 will play a huge part in the hardware device's launch into the mainstream. Harrison said the I-Link port was for media out as well as media in. Consumers will be able to input digital camera and digital video media, AV in-home networks, printers, scanners, digital sound sources and other similar things into PlayStation2. Anyone remember Nintendo's 64DD?

Star Wars creator George Lucas showed up as part of the demonstration, adding indirect support for PlayStation, and let's face it, Lucas doesn't just show up to support anyone's products except, occasionally, his own. He praised the virtues of filming, editing and showing a movie in an all-digital environment.

It's clear that Sony and LucasArts are becoming closer, too. In recent months, Sony delivered a new camera called HDCAM to Lucas' studios, in order for him to film the next Star Wars film, Episode 2, in full digital form. "Whatever I can imagine, I know I can put on the screen somehow," Lucas said about recent developments in computers.

Courtesy of IGN.com