By Craig Zammit

LEIPZIG: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 gaming console will be receiving a combined TV tuner and Personal Video Recorder (PVR) peripheral to be known as PlayTV.

PlayTV, which was revealed at the recent games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, will allow users to watch, record and replay TV shows on demand by turning their PS3 into a digital personal video recorder.

To be made available in UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain early in 2008, with other PAL territories including Australia to follow in due course, PlayTV will operate on the widely available Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial (DVB-T) format and will utilise the easy-to-use seven-day Electronic Programme Guide, EPG2.

PlayTV will also boast two full HD 1080p TV tuners, intuitive controls via the PS3 SixAxis controller or the Blu-ray player remote, single-button help features, tutorial videos, simple navigation and PSP connectivity which allows users to set recordings, watch live TV and recorded TV programmes remotely on PSP via a Wi-Fi connection or USB cable.

“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 SCEE president, David Reeves.

“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,” he said.