SONY to launch "PlayTV" for the PS3 early next year

[bigfnjoe96]

Quote:

22 August 2007 17:43 GMT - We'd previously reported this as a rumour story, but it has now been confirmed that Sony is to launch a product that will turn the PlayStation 3 into a fully-fledged digital (or personal) video recorder. The functionality will come thanks to an add-on, rather than a redesigned console, it will be called "PlayTV" and will launch early next year in Europe. The PlayTV gadget will boast dual TV tuners, so all current Freeview channels will be available, and offer a 7-day EPG. Programmes will be recorded to on the PS3's hard drive to be watched back when suits you but could also be watched on your PSP. PSP connectivity will let owners set recordings, watch live TV and recorded TV programmes remotely on the PSP via a wi-fi connection – or you could transfer video files to your PSP via a USB cable. Buying the PlayTV will be a one-off purchase cost, with no monthly subscription fees - the price for the device has yet to be confirmed. Taken from the official Sony information, here is the feature list for the new device. -Two High Definition-ready TV tuners: both able to view, record and play TV in High Definition as well as standard definition. -Electronic Programme Guide: an incredibly user-friendly, seven-day interface, that provides the navigation for programming the PVR features of PlayTV – it’s fast and simple to use with eitherXbox 360| PS3’s SIXAXIS controller or the Blu-ray Remote Control. -Compatibility: PlayTV operates on the widely available Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial (DVB-T) format. -Easy to use: Intuitive controls, single button help features, tutorial videos and simple navigation make PlayTV a joy to use compared with the complex navigation of other PVR models. -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 automatically for a hassle-free viewing experience. -Portable viewing with PSP: Seamless PSP connectivity allows you to set recordings, watch Live TV and recorded TV programmes remotely on the PSP via a wi-fi connection (using Remote Play feature) – or you can transfer video files to your PSP via USB cable. -It’s future-proof: PlayTV will evolve with time – with new features added and updated via the PLAYSTATION Network

http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/ne...3-add-on.phtml

Interesting...

[ExtremeGamer]

Obviously competing with MS' IPTV. No prices listed though. To buy a dual HD tuner now, with TIVO, is $300, so I'm wondering what this is going to run.

[USF11]

When will companies learn that High-End add-ons have a high likelihood of being total failures.

[Heelfan71]

so this is basically a tuner that you run your current satellite/cable through and you can record the shows etc ?? I don't think it will do well if this is the case.

[Critical Kills]

Quote: Originally Posted by Heelfan71

so this is basically a tuner that you run your current satellite/cable through and you can record the shows etc ?? I don't think it will do well if this is the case.

If it works well though it'd eliminate the $9.95 a month charge that most cable companies provide, plus giving you more freedom than most DVR's give you to record stuff as the hard disk is 3 times bigger. So it won't be a monster explosion but it could do better than people think.

[USF11]

Comcast DVR is only 4.95 a month plus they are already talking about expanding the service .

[Critical Kills]

$9.95 a month for dual tuner DVR for Comcast is what I paid. Maybe you got a special or something. EIther way $0.00 a month is better than $4.95 a month.

[aukevin]

My dual tuner through the cable company is $7 a month. We'll see if the PS3 can beat that.