From early 2008 Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) users will be able to record digital television broadcasts to their PS3 hard drives or to the PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld console.
The ‘PlayTV’ external peripheral combines a dual-channel digital TV tuner and personal video recorder (PVR) and will launch in early 2008 in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, with other territories receiving the device later next year.
PlayTV’s two TV tuners are high-definition (HD) ready and are able to view, record and play back HD signals in full HD1080P.
PlayTV will operate on the Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial (DVB-T) standard. It will feature a seven-day electronic programme guide. Digital television can be recorded directly onto the PS3 hard drive, or transferred to the PlayStation Portable handheld console.
Added functionality will be updated to the PlayTV service on an ongoing basis via Playstation Network.
“The introduction of PlayTV will extend the already broad entertainment credentials of PS3, and makes it an exceptionally attractive proposition for the whole family,” said David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “PS3 already provides HD gaming, Blu-ray Disc movies, music, video, photo album, web browsing and Playstation Network support.”
By Niall Byrne
