LGC07: SCEE announces PlayTV for PS3, "watch, record and replay TV shows"

by Christopher Grant { Aug 22nd 2007 at 1:25PM }

As expected, Sony just announced PlayTV, a combined TV tuner and PVR (think TiVo) for the PlayStation 3.

But we already knew that, you want to know the details! PlayTV has two high definition tuners allowing you to watch one channel while recording another all in 1080p. It uses the European Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial (DVB-T) format meaning a US release isn't possible in this configuration. You can store shows on your PS3 or transcode and transfer them to your PSP for viewing on the go and, speaking of PSP, you can use the handheld's Remote Play feature to program or watch your PlayTV while away from home. They promise the interface and guide will of course be beautiful and lightning fast, but until we can try it out for ourselves you'll just have to take their word for it.

Just in case it's not the be all and end all of set-top boxes, Sony says, "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 PlayTV will never be out of date." ... At least not for Europeans. PlayTV will hit Europe "early in 2008" with other PAL territories to follow. We've asked SCEA to comment on a North American version.

Tags: BreakingNews, DVB-T, LGC07, PlayTV, SCEE

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

SBrooks1 @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:32PM

What about recording 2 channels at the same time....in 1080p?

David @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:36PM

Surely SCEA can adapt SCEE's DVB-T PVR for ATSC (please!) I'm cancelling my digital cable to save money, so I could really use this!

MC Hampster @ Aug 22nd 2007 3:46PM

Bingo.

They give me a PS3 that can do this with ATSC signals and no monthly fee for maybe under $800 and I buy one the next day.

Jakob @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:38PM

See picture of the menu on a Danish game site:
http://www.playstadium.dk/2007/08/22/sony-afsl%c3%b8rer-playtv-en-tv-tuner-til-ps3/#more-4204

Very nice :)

Christopher Grant @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:44PM

Got it, thanks. :D

Contra666 @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:38PM

Seeing as there is currently no HDTV broadcast (not even 576p) on Digital Terrestrial in the UK, advertising support for 1080p is a little odd. Some channels are pretty low res SD.

The other problem is that when (perhaps if) HDTV does come to DTT, nobody knows what hardware will be needed and it's quite possible that it wont be possible to upgrade with just software.

Jakob @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:00PM

In Denmark when HD will launch in 2009-2010 (with the public service channels), the politics has decided to use MPEG-4, instead of MPEG-2, which I think is that Denmark and UK use..

I thought BBC, was broadcasting a HD-channel at DVB-T??

Contra666 @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:22PM

The BBC was trialing one channel at 1080i in a limited area, to a limited set of people.

Ofcom, the regulator is dragging its heels in allocating space for HD broadcasts on Digital Terrestrial. They are suggesting that existing SD services be cut and quality reduced to Squeeze in a few channels.

As I said though, there's no way to say whether they'd use MPEG4 or MPEG2 - perhaps something else. Either way buying hardware expecting it to work would be a risky move.

DangerMouse @ Aug 22nd 2007 4:07PM

But the ps3 has a 10 year life span, so you'll likely get some 1080p HD one of these days ;)

DrXym @ Aug 22nd 2007 4:35PM

It's called future proofing. I assume that the PVR hardware is fairly simple and just shoves the data to the PS3 for decoding so it doesn't matter if its MPEG-2, H264 or anything else coming down the pipes. And since the PS3 already has H264 codecs, you basically get HD for free. Personally I think its a fantastic idea.

I do wonder what form this device takes I can't see it looking too attractive over USB, but who knows.

Micah Neumark @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:43PM

When I comes to the US, I hope and pray it will use a cablecard. A USB cablecard adapter would work perfectly.

David @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:58PM

Making the PS3 into a Cable device would open a whole new bag of worms. Using CableCARDs requires certification by CableLabs, which is an exhaustive process that requires months of testing. I don't anticipate that soon!

Crono @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:44PM

So, wait. Why is this thing called a "Playstation" again? Just call it a "Sony-vo" with built in blu-ray, since that fits the target market for the PS3.

Seriously, whoever says Nintendo doesn't care about gamers better not be PS3 fans, because sony doesn't give 2 shits about you. They're targeting the rich home theater enthusiast who couldn't care less about having a game console.

Ska Oreo @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:49PM

Truth. It seems that sony is much more interested in making the ps3 the ultimate media center super computer thingy instead of actually getting new IPs as exclusives.

Christopher Grant @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:49PM

Or maybe the gamer who wants more out of his game system than just games. It takes all kinds.

Zaphod Beeblebrox @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:50PM

Why do you bother? Sony has always said that they are in the Home Computer (stay with me now...) Entertainment buisiness. That includes games, movies, music, pictures etc.

I am glad Sony is starting to show what they have in mind for the ever evolving PS3. I know I have alot to look foward to in the coming years for my Playstation Home Computer Entertainment System.

Good job Troll....keep it up, it gives me a good laugh.

The truth @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:50PM

Don't be silly, you don't have to be rich. You can just work more hours or more jobs!

J @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:51PM

It's a cool feature I think, but I agree with you that it just makes the PS3 seem even less like a gaming machine and more like a souped up BD player/Tivo.

cc123 @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:52PM

@Ska

What the hell are you talking about?

There are a bunch of new IPs coming out for the PS3 exclusively. Isn't that one of the complaints about the PS3s linup too many unknown IPs and not enough big hitter sequels?

You people are just reaching for fucking reasons to complain.

d-pad @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:52PM

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Someone give this guy an award.

They're driving up the cost of this thing by including a bunch of shit that only a minority (yes joystiq readers, that's you) are going to use.

The PS2 sold like crack because it had an insane library of games - not additional tech features that would appeal to gadget gamers and videophiles.

koopa @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:03PM

Yes! and/or Duh!
Yes they're going for the rich home theater enthusiast. Did you forget the PS3 is high def, has bluray, and is the most expensive "console" on the market? The fact is most PS3 owners are running it through their main HDTV, and I'm guessing they have cable. If you're looking for broke-gamer-gear, the PS2 is still running strong.

elmersglue @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:40PM

What the hell, since when did the PS3 garner so much support from the Joystiq crowd?

But you know, i gotta say... back in the day the Sony fanboys used the argument that the ps2 had the best game library and therefore it was the best system to own. Xbox fanboys used the argument of a more powerful system (which overall proved to not make much of a difference), Halo, and the controller.

Now, what cracks me up about this next gen situation is that the arguments have completely switched. The Sony fanboys argue for the power of the system (which i think, just like with the original xbox, will prove to not make much of a difference), and Xbox 360 fanboys argue for the game library.

So in conclusion, we're all idiots...

Rare Hare @ Aug 22nd 2007 4:14PM

This is a little off topic, elmersglue, but in my opinion the original Xbox can hardly use the controller as a bragging point. It sucked.

elmersglue @ Aug 22nd 2007 6:16PM

I don't know about that rare hare, maybe the original xbox controller wasn't that great(the big one), but i've always thought the "controller S" was fantastic, and the 360's controller is basically just an improved upon controller S. I suppose a lot of people liked the ps2 controller as well, so maybe it wasn't as much of an arguing point to some people as it was for me. But,quite frankly, i think the playstation controller stinks.

Since i'm commenting, might as well make a statement relevant to this article, I think the idea of being able to use the PSP to remotely record programs is a bad ass idea. Too bad i don't own a PS3 and sold my PSP for a DS (student with no money... can't have em all ya know).

phhowell @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:04PM

I wouldn't say that Sony doesn't care about their customers, they just have a different market than Nintendo (i.e. multimedia enthusiast vs. casual gamers). With all the new features being added to the PS3 and very little few being added to the Wii you could just as well argue the opposite.

Kye @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:50PM

This reminds me of that webcomic about rejected Wii channels.

Wii TV: Watch TV, on your TV, through your Wii*

*This channel only in black and white.

GoonieGooGoo @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:50PM

MEH!!!
Less of this DVR crap....i have a TIVO and a Comcast DVR box and an ARCHOS....

I don't need this crap or HOME.....I NEED MORE GAMES for my PS3 (which sits collecting dust)!!

Sorry....The Battlefield derivative WARHAWK comes next week is hardly inspiring awe in my 1200$ investment (yes I bought 2 of them).

Its times like thist that make me worship my Wii60.....

Yes....BIOSHOCK is that good by the way.

Silver R. Wolfe @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:49PM

Why the fuck did you buy two? D:

FrankTheCrank @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:53PM

*scratches head and wonders what he got himself into when he bought the PS3*

BioshockWarrior @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:54PM

Its interesting....

But what if you have Tivo already?

Vince UK @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:01PM

You don't buy it for crying out loud.

makattack @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:56PM

I already have a Tivo. I'm sure the Sony software will never be as good. Why bother?

Zaphod Beeblebrox @ Aug 22nd 2007 1:56PM

SCEA, could you please issue a press release on the North American versions of these announcements?

It seems SCEE is getting their act together. I remember just before the EU launch when people were complaining about the lack of 100% backwards compatability that SCEE said they were focusing on the PS3 becoming the center of the future of home entertainment.

It would appear that they were not kidding. I would take 70-80% BC and all of these announced goodies over 100% BC anyday.

And for trolls like Crono, Bioshock, and Fernando....the games will be there along with all of this other stuff so do not bother.

Actually, please do bother, I never shy away from a good laugh.

PS3, future proof entertainment for your games, movies, music, pictures etc. etc.

samfish @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:01PM

Damn, looks like someone got into the Kool-Aid.

BioshockWarrior @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:04PM

HOw was I trolling?

It was just a simple question...

And the bottom line is that TIVO and the like have basically saturated the market with DVR's and other recording devices.

So this new feature might not work out so well.

But if it does kudos to sony. The idea sounds nice but the timing may be a lil late...thats just my opinion though.

And finally don't take it so personal...

FrankTheCrank @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:08PM

I'm all for expanding the capabilities of a system, whether it be Music, Movies, Photos, PSN, Bluray or DVR's...but at this point in time, it would be nice if Sony carpet bombed PlayStation Nation with some KICK ASS GAMES for their uber console.

Crono @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:12PM

At a price anyone can afford...

Oh wait!

Hows that kool-aid treating you, guy. Also nevermind that the 360 has had this functionality (through being a media center extender) since launch.

GoonieGooGoo @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:16PM

The point is....this is all derailing Sony away from why we bought a PS3.....GAMES.

I did not buy it to play Movies (which is what I do most), I did not buy it for a clunky online experience amd slow to navigate store, and I definitely did not buy it for a near useless non-unified friends list and rehash of the PS2 Online experience.

The beauty of the 360 (and the Wii to a lesser degree) is that all of the extra functionality they have added has NOT taken away from the most important thing.....GAMES.

Sony has lost its way. There are no AAA titles this fall....and they will lose yet another XMAS.

What will they have for next XMAS if MGS4 and FFXIII are released in the 2nd Quarter next year as announced? Sorry....DVR functionality and HOME are not gonna sell systems.

d-pad @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:00PM

@CC123

"There are a bunch of new IPs coming out for the PS3 exclusively. Isn't that one of the complaints about the PS3s linup too many unknown IPs and not enough big hitter sequels?"

I think the biggest complaint is that gamers feel that Sony is putting the games on the back burner while focusing on this multi-media bullshit. I would imagine that people who bought the PS3 expecting to see some sweet games are feeling pretty disappointed right about now.

"You people are just reaching for fucking reasons to complain."

It's not reaching when it's sitting 2 inches away from you.

cc123 @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:11PM

Sony has the most new first party IPs coming out out of all three!

So you people are reaching for shit. They aren't putting aside games to add dvr, they are doing it beside it. They have the most first party studios and you people are still complaining.

samfish @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:00PM

So the final death knell has been sounded for the PS3 with this announcement.
All-In-Ones almost ALWAYS fail. Especially when it comes from Sony. If they're truly Hell-bent on marketing the PS3 as a media center (which, take it from me, MCs are *NOT* ready for prime time yet), it's going to end up a complete failure.

Zaphod Beeblebrox @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:02PM

I love the hypocrisy of some of the regular posters to this blog.

When the 360 announced DL movies and TV shows it was a good thing. Not one complaint about turning the 360 into an entertainment machine.

Now Sony does the same thing only better and looky what we here, all of these complaints about Sony not caring about the gamers....blah blah...blah.

Funny stuff.

samfish @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:04PM

I seem to recall endless bitching about that, too.

GoonieGooGoo @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:24PM

I give you these numbers on why this focus on added features verseus games on PS3 matter:

360 Consoles Owned: 4 (2 Premium, 1 Core, 1 Elite)
Games purchased for 360: 48 Disc Games
Games Purchased on XBLA: 39 (including Space Giraffe)

Wii Consoles: 3
Games purchased for Wii: 12 Disc Games
Games purchased for Wii VC: 10 Titles

PS3s Owned: 2
Games Purchased for PS3: 2 (the obvious RFOM & Motorstorm)
Games Purchased for PSN: 2 (MKII & TEKKEN)

As a hardcore gamer with plenty of expendable income......I'll tell you....I buy everything.
If I can't find anything to buy for a system.....that's bad.

Marty @ Aug 22nd 2007 2:24PM

Probably because, despite all the new features they are adding to 360, they aren't losing sight of the fact that it is a games console.

Yes, it's a neat thing to have, but honestly, fans of the PS2 didn't buy the PS3 because they wanted a Tivo They bought it because they wanted to play games... good games. So far, the PS3 has not delivered on this front. Sony continues to whisper promises of Metal Gears and Final Fantasies into it's fans' ears, but for the gamer, there's no good reason to own a PS3 right now.

That's frustrating for people who bought a PS3 in the hopes that it would continue the gaming legacy of the PS2, I imagine.