At Games Convention today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe announced the introduction of PlayTV, a combined TV tuner and Personal Video Recorder PlayStation 3. The twin channel TV tuner peripheral and PVR software turns PS3 into a TV recorder, allowing users to watch, pause and record live TV. PlayTV will also record individual programs or whole series’ to the PS3 hard drive for viewing later on TV or for transferring to the PSP for remote viewing outside of the home.
Operating on the widely available Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial (DVB-T) format, PlayTV uses an incredibly quick and easy to use 7-day Electronic Program Guide EPG2. that provides the navigation for programming the PVR features of PlayTV. PlayTV provides a host of added value features seldom seen on anything but the highest cost standalone PVRs:
· 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 program 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 programs 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.
“The introduction of PlayTV really 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 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.”
