In anticipation of the launch of Sony's Torne digital TV tuner, Buffalo Japan has introduced two new PS3 certified external hard drives. The HD-AV500U2/SC and HD-CL500U2/SC are designed to be used as external recording devices for Torne and add an additional 500GB of storage to the PS3. The drives can also be used to backup the PS3's internal hard drive as well as store multimedia content and other files.
The main difference between the two drives is the design. The 14,800 yen ($164) HD-AV500U2/SC sits horizontally and has a piano black finish and front-panel LED capacity indicator. The 11,800 yen ($130) HD-CL500U2/SC stands vertically and sports a matte-black finish. Both drives are expected to hit retail in time for Torne's launch in March, 2010.