Sony has announced a CMT-L7HD bookshelf stereo system that automatically copies the CDs you play on to a hard drive for future plays (you can also RIP them faster than playing speed in a handy “silent mode”.) You can also program ahead of time to record your favorite radio programs on to the device’s hard drive (not your computer’s hard drive) — just like a Tivo for broadcast radio (not webcasts).

Great idea, great product: once it has a digital output jack and wireless connection.

I certainly hope that this device’s lack of a digital output bus and Internet connectivity don’t count as copy protection mechanisms. Seems like there could be a big market for third parties to develop peripherals for these puppies. (Or perhaps that’s what Sony plans to do itself?)

See the NY Times article by David Pogue:
A Stereo That’s Small and Digital.