The PS3 comes with a hard disk drive, agreed the games would need some space to store data, but what about the rest of the space? Well, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has announced the introduction of PlayTV, a combined TV tuner and Personal Video Recorder (PVR) for the PS3, at the Games Convention.
The PlayTV has been developed taking into account the entertainment needs of the gamers. The twin channel TV tuner peripheral and PVR software basically turns your PS3 into a high-tech TV recorder. It will let users watch, pause and record live TV as well as record individual programmes or whole series to the PS3 hard drive for viewing later on the TV or for transferring to the PSP for remote viewing outside the home.
PlayTV will make use of the widely available Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial (DVB-T) format. It comes with an extremely swift and easy to use 7-day Electronic Programme Guide EPG2, which offers the navigation for programming the PVR features of PlayTV.
Here is the whole list of features of PlayTV for the PS3:
PlayTV’s two TV tuners are High Definition ready and are able to view, record and play back High Definition signals in full HD1080P to fully complement PS3’s already impressive High Definition credentials.
Unlike the electronic programme guides found on conventional satellite and cable services, PlayTV’s EPG is lightning fast, and simple to use with either PS3’s SIXAXIS wireless controller or the BD remote control to really enhance viewing pleasure.
Intuitive controls, single button help features, tutorial videos and simple navigation make PlayTV a positive joy to use compared with the complexity of some standalone PVR models
Seamless connectivity with PSP allows you to set recordings, watch Live TV and recorded TV programmes remotely on PSP via a Wi-Fi connection (using Remote Play feature). Alternatively, quickly transcode recorded TV shows for high quality viewing to PSP by USB cable for remote viewing away from the home.
Optional on-screen graphical display provides a wealth of information about the status of PlayTV and provides quick access to programme information, stored TV programmes and the controls to pause or record live TV. PlayTV will also set the correct interface for either Standard Definition or High Definition displays, maximising the viewing experience.
PlayTV will evolve with time, with great added value functionality being updated via PLAYSTATION Network; a feature that sets it above all other set top boxes. PlayTV will never be out of date.
David Reeves, President, SCEE says, “The introduction of PlayTV really will extend the already broad entertainment credentials of PS3, and makes it a very attractive proposition for the whole family. PS3 already provides High Definition gaming, Blu-ray Disc movies, music, video, photo album, web browsing and PLAYSTATION Network support. With the introduction of PlayTV’s state of the art TV tuner and PVR functionality, PS3 is now the best choice of home entertainment hub for the whole family.”
However, PlayTV will only be available in UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain in early 2008. Other PAL territories can expect this service for the PS3 after it is released in the regions mentioned above. I think this announcement by SCEE has made me love my PS3 more than my Xbox 360!