Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sony Europe aware of PlayTV crashing issue, working on fix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/sony-europe-aware-of-playtv-crashing-issue-working-on-fix/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/sony-europe-aware-of-playtv-crashing-issue-working-on-fix/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/sony-europe-aware-of-playtv-crashing-issue-working-on-fix/#comments A Sony Europe representative has informed Joystiq that the company is aware of a current issue with PlayTV, the HDTV DVR add-on for PS3 available in the region. Users have reported encountering a system-crashing bug after applying the most recent premium update to the device.

"We are aware that since the latest PlayTV update, certain issues have arisen," a company representative told Joystiq. "We are working to fix these and hope to have a solution very shortly." A Joystiq tipster suggests the issue can be fixed by reinstalling PlayTV, though doing so will erase all data, including the paid update.

[Thanks, Antony D.]

JoystiqSony Europe aware of PlayTV crashing issue, working on fix originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>play-tvplaystationPlayTVps3sceeWed, 12 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[3D Blu-ray PS3 update dated for September, YouTube 3D support planned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/3d-blu-ray-ps3-update-dated-for-september-youtube-3d-support-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/3d-blu-ray-ps3-update-dated-for-september-youtube-3d-support-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/3d-blu-ray-ps3-update-dated-for-september-youtube-3d-support-pl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You can expect another firmware update for your PS3 this September. No, it won't add PlayStation Move support to the system (you already have that, folks!); instead, it will add support for 3D Blu-ray movies -- of which there's currently only one.

As with Blu-ray movies, Sony is using the PS3 as a Trojan horse for pushing new technology. 3D is a major corporate focus for Sony, as evidenced by plans to support not only 3D movies and games, but 3D photos as well "later in the year." SCEE senior director Mick Hocking has also promised support for 3D broadcasts through the Europe-exclusive PlayTV service, as well. Additionally, "YouTube will be supporting 3D content over the next 12 months as well - and you'll be able to watch that on the PlayStation 3."

Hocking also believes that many of us will adopt 3D cameras of our own in the future. "And as you start taking 3D pictures of your family or 3D camcorder movies, you can play those back on PS3, too," Hocking explains. Hopefully, that means we'll be able to use our PS3s to share 3D photos taken by our Nintendo 3DSs.

Joystiq3D Blu-ray PS3 update dated for September, YouTube 3D support planned originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3dtvmick-hockingplaystationplaytvps3sceesonyyoutube-3dMon, 12 Jul 2010 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayTV gets SD upscaler and more in new update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/playtv-gets-sd-upscaler-and-more-in-new-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/playtv-gets-sd-upscaler-and-more-in-new-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/playtv-gets-sd-upscaler-and-more-in-new-update/#comments The European freeview box and recorder known as PlayTV has just gotten a new software update. Several new functions have been added, including: new fast-forward/rewind speeds and new volume control settings. More importantly, users will enjoy the new SD upscaler and direct-to-TV option via the XMB (no more having to go through the PlayTV menu).

So, check out the embedded vid to see Mark Bunting, the producer of PlayTV, explain more about the new features. And, if you haven't gotten it yet, what are you waiting for? It's available now.

JoystiqPlayTV gets SD upscaler and more in new update originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playtvsceeFri, 03 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Fanboy review: PlayTV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/ps3-fanboy-review-playtv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/ps3-fanboy-review-playtv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/ps3-fanboy-review-playtv/#commentsFiled under:

The PS3 has firmly entrenched itself as not only a games console, but a fully fledged multimedia device. It features blu-ray, media streaming, a web browser and image viewing and printing. Now, with PlayTV, the PS3 adds television to its repertoire. Sony could easily have released a simple TV tuner with only the most essential features, but instead they've developed a product that's incredibly feature rich and integrates itself into the PS3 experience seamlessly.

Setting up your surprisingly light PlayTV box is simple and painless and requires nothing more than plugging an aerial in one end and a USB cable, connected to your PS3, into the other. Once this is done you need only load up the accompanying disc software, which will install the PlayTV client onto your XMB and guide you through the simple setup. After this, you'll have a new "TV" section on the XMB. PlayTV takes advantage of Freeview in the UK, a set of free TV channels and radio stations. Load up the client and you're off.

The emphasis has clearly been placed on being user friendly. The first time you enter any section of the software a splash screen will show you the controls. These can be reviewed again in the help section, along with more in-depth guides. If you'd rather use a remote control than a SIXAXIS controller, your Blu-ray remote will work just fine and PlayTV even comes with an overlay which can be stuck on top to show which buttons do what.

Continue reading PS3 Fanboy review: PlayTV

JoystiqPS3 Fanboy review: PlayTV originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqfeaturesPlayTVreviewMon, 06 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayTV ships 85,000 units in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/28/playtv-ships-85-000-units-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/28/playtv-ships-85-000-units-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/28/playtv-ships-85-000-units-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: ,

The PS3 is an excellent entertainment hub, and adding the freeview box and recorder known as PlayTV only leverages the PS3's profile. Since the initial sale of PlayTV in the UK over 9,000 Britons have pre-ordered the service, while 85,000 units have been shipped.

Again, that's only numbers for the UK. Continental Europe won't be getting the service until December. Can this interest seen in Britain spread eastward to the rest of the continent? Will it bomb; will the response be better? These are question we're interested in seeing answers to.

JoystiqPlayTV ships 85,000 units in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>play-tvplaytvSun, 28 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of September 14th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/worldwide-ps3-releases-for-the-week-of-september-14th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/worldwide-ps3-releases-for-the-week-of-september-14th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/worldwide-ps3-releases-for-the-week-of-september-14th/#commentsFiled under:

This week the Force unleashes worldwide whilst Americans get their hands on off-road racer, Pure. Europeans can enjoy recording TV onto their PS3 hard discs (while playing games, no less) and the Japanese finally get their hands on Eternal Sonata (though they choose to call if Trusty Bell, and why not?) Here's the full release list:

US Games
 EU Games
 Asian Games
 Don't forget, release dates are constantly subject to change, so check with your local retailer if you need any of the above information confirmed. We're now only a month away from one of our most anticipated titles of the year -- Dead Space starts the holiday season off on October 14th and after that it's a terrifyingly expensive avalanche of titles until years end.

JoystiqWorldwide PS3 releases for the week of September 14th originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armored-core-for-answereuroreleasesplaytvpurereleasesstar-wars-the-force-unleashedthe-force-unleashedSun, 14 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe's PS3 PlayTV records TV with no DRM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/europes-ps3-playtv-records-tv-with-no-drm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/europes-ps3-playtv-records-tv-with-no-drm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/europes-ps3-playtv-records-tv-with-no-drm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In a world where video providers seem to be adding increasingly disruptive digital rights management into their video streams, you can always count on video game accessories to provide a hole for unprotected video to break through. First it was the Xbox 360's HD-DVD drive, whose component output allowed for DRM-free copying of the now-defunct high-def discs. Now it's Sony's European PlayTV digital video recorder add-on for the PS3, which CVG reports can "export [recorded] videos to your PS3's XMB menu as MPEG-4 video" for free use on other devices.

At a time when everyone from Tivo to Microsoft seems to slap some sort of protection on digital video recordings, it's frankly a little baffling that Sony (itself a major video producer) would leave this hole in its digital recorder. Not that we're complaining, we're just waiting with trepidation for the other patch shoe to drop.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqEurope's PS3 PlayTV records TV with no DRM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryadd-onDRMeuropeplaytvPS3recordervideoThu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayTV goes back to DRM-free PSP-lovin' copying]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/playtv-goes-back-to-drm-free-psp-lovin-copying/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/playtv-goes-back-to-drm-free-psp-lovin-copying/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/playtv-goes-back-to-drm-free-psp-lovin-copying/#commentsFiled under:


Sometimes it's hard to keep track of what's "official" and what's not -- especially because Sony continues to contradict itself. (Case in point: PSP Brite's battery life.) When we first heard the Euro-exclusive PlayTV box would allow users to copy recorded shows onto the PSP, we all said "yay." The convenience of recording TV and taking it with us wherever we go sounded swell. Then, we found out that the files would be restricted.

Well, with PlayTV in the hands of reviewers, it appears Sony has switched back to the original plan. You'll now be able to copy DRM-free versions of your recorded programs to your PSP, or any other compatible MPEG-4 device, at least according to CVG.

Our European readers may want to check out CVG's review. The rest of us will just sit here in the corner, waiting.

[Thanks, benny boy!]

JoystiqPlayTV goes back to DRM-free PSP-lovin' copying originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playtvWed, 03 Sep 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Aussies not getting 160GB PS3, PlayTV confirmed for 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/aussies-not-getting-160gb-ps3-playtv-confirmed-for-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/aussies-not-getting-160gb-ps3-playtv-confirmed-for-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/aussies-not-getting-160gb-ps3-playtv-confirmed-for-2009/#commentsFiled under:

Looking forward to the 160GB PS3? Then we hope you are not in Australia, for you will not be getting the configuration. Though the new 80GB configuration is still headed your way on August 28th for AU $699, which includes a single DualShock 3 controller.

Now onto the good news: the wireless keypad attachment has been confirmed to debut "before the end of the year." PlayTV is also confirmed for Australia in the "first half of 2009." Though with the recent reduction in features, we wonder if you guys Down Under still want the DVB-T tuner peripheral.

JoystiqAussies not getting 160GB PS3, PlayTV confirmed for 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaplaystation-3playtvps3sonywireless-keypadThu, 21 Aug 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayTV recorded content will not be transferable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/playtv-recorded-content-will-not-be-transferable/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/playtv-recorded-content-will-not-be-transferable/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/playtv-recorded-content-will-not-be-transferable/#commentsFiled under:


You just knew this was too good to be true, right? Eurogamer got in touch with Sony, who told them that PlayTV's saved video files will not be transferable to other devices, including the PSP, PC or memory cards. You will still be able to stream live or recorded content to your PSP via Remote Play. This completely contradicts what we were told earlier. No reason was stated for this aberration.

Furthermore, PlayTV will be unable to record HD signals, at least at launch. However, Sony is looking to add the feature some time in the future. With these reductions in features, will you still be picking the £69.99 device up come September 19th?

JoystiqPlayTV recorded content will not be transferable originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eurogamerplaytvSCEEUKWed, 13 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayTV coming September 19th, reasonably priced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/playtv-coming-september-29th-reasonably-priced/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/playtv-coming-september-29th-reasonably-priced/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/playtv-coming-september-29th-reasonably-priced/#commentsFiled under:

Despite Mr. Sony Europe, David Reeves, telling the world that PlayTV would be with us as soon as September 10th, Eurogamer has been told by SCEE that the device will now not be available until the 19th. Reeves also stated a price of €99, which has also been confirmed false. PlayTV will now set you back £69.99. A much better price point than the originally rumored £100.

In case you're not aware, PlayTV is an add-on for the PS3 which will allow you to watch and record SD and HD freeview channels. You will be able to watch and record separate channels at the same time and even play games while recording is taking place. This is a Europe-only device, however, thanks to something that involves a lot of very technical TV jargon.

JoystiqPlayTV coming September 19th, reasonably priced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eurogamerEuropeplaytvSCEEUKTue, 12 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SCEE President dates PlayTV for the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/scee-president-dates-playtv-for-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/scee-president-dates-playtv-for-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/scee-president-dates-playtv-for-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: ,


Eurogamer has learned from Sony Europe's David Reeves that PlayTV will debut in the UK on September 10th, with the rest of Europe getting the add-on "from September to December," while Australia and New Zealand will be joining in on the DVR fun in January or February. No word on pricing though, but Reeves previously stated the price would €99.

Even more exciting for Europeans, Aussies, and New Zealanders is that the digital video recorder add-on will allow users to record TV while simultaneously engaging in a game. Apparently there were some technical obstacles they had to overcome to achieve this, so kudos to Sony for that. Reeves states that the firmware needed for PlayTV was already included in update 2.41, "so in theory if your PS3 is up to date you're all set for the 10th September launch."

Of course, North Americans who use the ATSC digital standard will never see this, since PlayTV is a DVB-T tuner. We'd say if anything, this should bring some relieve to our PAL regions friends who are currently missing out on the PS Store video service.


[Thanks, jimb!]

JoystiqSCEE President dates PlayTV for the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeplay-tvplaytvps3sonyukFri, 18 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: PlayStation Day demonstration of PlayTV, Go!Explore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/video-playstation-day-demonstration-of-playtv-go-explore/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/video-playstation-day-demonstration-of-playtv-go-explore/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/video-playstation-day-demonstration-of-playtv-go-explore/#commentsFiled under: ,

Europe gets all the fun stuff! Watch David Reeve's PlayStation Day presentation about the PSP, which talks about two key PSP products available across the Atlantic: PlayTV and Go!Explore. PlayTV gives PSP owners access to DVR content, through connectivity with PS3. Go!Explore is an affordable GPS utility, which adds yet another fancy tool to PSP's ever-expanding features list. C'mon, SCEA! Give us GPS ... now!

JoystiqVideo: PlayStation Day demonstration of PlayTV, Go!Explore originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>go-exploregoexploregpsplaystation-dayplaystation-day-2008playtvFri, 09 May 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayTV priced and dated, but not really]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/playtv-priced-and-dated-but-not-really/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/playtv-priced-and-dated-but-not-really/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/playtv-priced-and-dated-but-not-really/#commentsFiled under:

Amazon.co.uk has caused some confusion today when it listed a release date and price for the Digital TV recording peripheral, PlayTV. With a date of July 31st and a price of £59.99, it was looking like a good deal for UK PS3 owners. Until Sony refused to confirm both details and Amazon pulled all the information on their site, that is. Instead, the release date is now set for October and there's not a price in sight. Weird.

We're sure you're as excited as us about PlayTV, so we'll be sure to keep you up to date with any developments.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqPlayTV priced and dated, but not really originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeplaytvsonyukMon, 21 Apr 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayTV recordings will have no restrictions, DRM or encryptions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/playtv-recordings-will-have-no-restrictions-drm-or-encryptions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/playtv-recordings-will-have-no-restrictions-drm-or-encryptions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/playtv-recordings-will-have-no-restrictions-drm-or-encryptions/#commentsFiled under:

What's better than recording your favourite telly shows onto your PS3 with PlayTV? Could it have something to do with transferring these recorded videos onto your computer without restriction? That's what Sony are promising will be possible when PlayTV launches this year. There will be no restrictions on what you can do with your vieos which, once recorded, can become just another file on your XMB and can then be copied onto an SD card or USB key for easy transfer where ever.

Not only that, but there will be not DRM or proprietary encoding on the videos, they will simple render out as high-quality MPEG-2s. This means you can watch or edit them on your computer, or even encode them for use on your PSP (slightly pointless considering PlayTV supports PSP playback via Remote Play) or iPod. As long as no-one does anything illegal with the files (like put them on a BitTorrent network) then everything's fine. Expect people to take no notice of this whatsoever and start sticking stuff online as soon as PlayTV finally gets released - which is when, again?

[Thanks Jakob]

JoystiqPlayTV recordings will have no restrictions, DRM or encryptions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PlayTVTue, 26 Feb 2008 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See PS3's PlayTV doing its thing; still Europe only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/see-ps3s-playtv-doing-its-thing-still-europe-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/see-ps3s-playtv-doing-its-thing-still-europe-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/see-ps3s-playtv-doing-its-thing-still-europe-only/#commentsFiled under:


Remember PlayTV? Sony's been real mum on their PlayStation 3 TV-tuner slash PVR peripheral since first announcing the thing back in August. Like then, it still appears PlayTV will be Euro-only, thanks in no small part to the device's reliance on the European Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial (DVB-T) format. The BBC has a nice shakycam video (found after the break) of what you can expect from PlayTV, showing off live TV playback, the episode guide, pause and record functionality, and even (most impressively) playback from a PSP turning the PlayTV into a console-centric Slingbox of sorts.

They say it's coming out "later this year" (they previously has targeted "early in 2008") so it's anyone's guess when you'll be able to get one for yourself. As long as we're all guessing, you might want to take a couple stabs at price (still unknown) and potential availability of a North America-compatible version (also still unknown).

Continue reading See PS3's PlayTV doing its thing; still Europe only

JoystiqSee PS3's PlayTV doing its thing; still Europe only originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PlayTVPS3SCEESony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeFri, 15 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See PlayTV in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/see-playtv-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/see-playtv-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/see-playtv-in-action/#commentsFiled under:

In glorious low-res shakycam! Those lucky BBC Tech guys have got their hands on PlayTV and have produced a wee video showing off exactly what it can do. The video takes you through the interface of the software on the PS3, showing you how quick and streamlined the whole system is. They then go on to show off the remote play features. It all looks rather excellent to us and we can't wait to get our hands on the magic box itself.

ThreeSpeech has also been able to put rest to some niggles that some of you may have. They have confirmation from Sony that, should you set a program to record and have your PS3 on standby mode, it will turn itself on, record, then shut down. So those of you who are worried about wasting energy can rest easy in the knowledge that your PS3 will be on only as long as it needs to be.

JoystiqSee PlayTV in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCplaytvthreespeechThu, 14 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 47]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-47/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-47/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-47/#commentsFiled under:




Gamevideos.com's Wipeout Pulse import impressions (61.9MB)

Also featured: God of War: Chains of Olympus, Twisted Metal: Head on: Extra Twisted, PlayTV and Syphon Filter: Combat Ops

Continue reading PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 47

JoystiqPSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 47 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-warplaytvsyphon-filtertheatretwisted-metalSat, 19 Jan 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Still confused about PlayTV? Watch this video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/still-confused-about-playtv-watch-this-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/still-confused-about-playtv-watch-this-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/still-confused-about-playtv-watch-this-video/#commentsFiled under:

There's been a lot of talk about PlayTV, but until now that's all been words. ThreeSpeech have released the above video to show you, with actual pictures and everything, how exactly PlayTV will work. It's all very simple and straight forward.

PlayTV's release date is still shrouded in mystery, though Play.com did leak a possible date and price (March 28th for £99) this has now disappeared. No doubt there will be a significant marketing push when the system is nearing its release. We're just hoping to get our hands on it as soon as possible.

JoystiqStill confused about PlayTV? Watch this video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvrplay-tvplayTVthreespeechFri, 18 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayTV DVR gets priced, dated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/playtv-dvr-gets-priced-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/playtv-dvr-gets-priced-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/playtv-dvr-gets-priced-dated/#commentsFiled under:


UK retailer Play.com has placed a listing for the upcoming PlayTV peripheral on its website. This Europe-exclusive add-on for the PS3 will allow PS3 owners to do a number of cool things, such as:
  • Record and view your favourite programmes at the same time - Play TV enables you to record both Standard Definition as well as High Definition
  • Personal Video Recorder functionality - watch live TV, pause, fast forward and rewind
  • Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) to show what's on, now and next - up to 7 days in advance in certain countries
  • Mobile TV functionality - export content easily from PS3 HDD to PSP - watch TV on the go! Thanks to live streaming, you can watch your favourite show whilst abroad
  • Channel surf with either your BD remote or your Sixaxis
The site has a March 28th release date and a £99.99 price point.

[Via PSPGadgetZ]

JoystiqPlayTV DVR gets priced, dated originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvrplaytvSun, 13 Jan 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayTV interface makes XMB look outdated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/playtv-interface-makes-xmb-look-outdated/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/playtv-interface-makes-xmb-look-outdated/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/playtv-interface-makes-xmb-look-outdated/#commentsFiled under: ,

Europe's exclusive PVR service, called PlayTV, looks to be a winner. So much so that Americans (like a majority of the PS3 Fanboy team) are jealous of their friends across the Atlantic. If the features and services provided by PlayTV weren't incredible enough, it utilizes a genuinely sexy interface that (dare we say?) looks better than Sony's XMB. Watch this "leaked" footage from Leipzig to see for yourself.

[Via digg]

JoystiqPlayTV interface makes XMB look outdated originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leipziglgc07playtvWed, 29 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayTV brings HD DVR features to European PS3 systems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/playtv-brings-hd-dvr-features-to-european-ps3-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/playtv-brings-hd-dvr-features-to-european-ps3-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/playtv-brings-hd-dvr-features-to-european-ps3-systems/#commentsFiled under:


In Leipzig today, SCEE announced PlayTV, a TV tuner and personal video recorder (PVR) for the PS3. PlayTV will be available in UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain early in 2008, with other PAL territories to follow in the future. [Update: Kotaku has confirmed that the service is unlikely to come to America. "The problem with the DVR is that the U.S. doesn't have terrestrial digital television yet, so while some cities like San Diego have it not nearly support in the U.S. to make it worth the effort for Sony. When that changes, and it will, Sony will be on the ball, Harrison said."]

PlayTV will allow users to watch, pause and record live TV. PlayTV can also record individual shows, or entire series to the PS3 hard drive. The videos can then be watched from the PS3, or can be transferred to the PSP to watch on the go. PlayTV will provide a 7-day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG2) utilizing the "widely available" DVB-T format.

The peripheral will feature two TV tuners that are 1080p compatible, allowing users to view, record and play full HD television signals. Through the PlayStation Network, the program will be constantly updated, to improve the service and offer new functionality.

See the full press release after the break.

Continue reading PlayTV brings HD DVR features to European PS3 systems

JoystiqPlayTV brings HD DVR features to European PS3 systems originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvrleipziglgc07playtvpvrWed, 22 Aug 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[LGC07: SCEE announces PlayTV for PS3, "watch, record and replay TV shows"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/scee-announces-playtv-for-ps3-watch-record-and-replay-tv-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/scee-announces-playtv-for-ps3-watch-record-and-replay-tv-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/scee-announces-playtv-for-ps3-watch-record-and-replay-tv-show/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

JoystiqLGC07: SCEE announces PlayTV for PS3, "watch, record and replay TV shows" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsDVB-TLGC07PlayTVPS3SCEESony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeWed, 22 Aug 2007 13:25:00 EST