PlayTV Interface Screenshots

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has released some new screenshots of the interface of their upcoming PlayTV, currently a Europe exclusive. Here's hoping it is coming to the States. View the screenies at the link.

[PlayTV Interface Shots]

BBC Shows off Sony's PlayTV for PLAYSTATION 3

If your in Europe and your looking to get more insight to PlayTV and see what it's all about, we got the perfect video above for you to watch. BBC was lucky enough to get it's own preview. They show us the program guide, menu, and even the PSP remote play for PlayTV. Enjoy!

PLAYSTATION 3's PlayTV In Action

Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe has released a new video today displaying their upcoming TiVo like accessory for the PLAYSTATION 3. PlayTV allows you to view, record, and save TV programs with the touch of a button and no subscription fee. Currently, this is only coming to Europe. Hopefully though, it will reach our shores. Enjoy!

PlayTV Pricing & Date Revealed?

Play, a United Kingdom online retailer, has the price for the upcoming IPTV PLAYSTATION 3 add-on, PlayTV, listed along with the date of it's release.

PlayTV's price is listed at £99.99 ($146.00 USD) with a UK release of March 28, 2008. Currently, nothing was mentioned about a US release date.

None of the details given are confirmed by Sony Computer Entertainment.

[Via Play UK Online Retailer] [Thanks Toto-Sama!]

PlayTV: New Details

GameCovered contacted Sony for more information on PlayTV, and they got a list of features as a response:

· 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 programme 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 programmes 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.

· 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, maximising the viewing experience.

· 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.

PlayTV will release in Europe around January 2008.

[Via GameCovered]

PlayTV Gets Estimated Price in Europe

In the latest issue of UK's Official PlayStation Magazine, gamers are given an estimate of the price you need to pay to get one of these nifty PlayTVs.

'While you could easily sink £60 - 100 each on a Freeview receiver, PVR and Sling Box, the rumour is that Play TV will cost around £70'

[Via TechDigest]

GC 2007: Sony Press Conference Full Video

Here is the whole Sony conference from Leipzig Games Convention 2007. This is were they announce such products as PlayTV, Go! Series of products, and more. Enjoy the conference.

[Via GamePlayer.Se]

GC 2007: PlayTV In Action!

Now that you read how the new upcoming PlayTV works, don't you want to see it in action? Well luckily Kotaku has a video of it and it's looking great. View the video at the read link or clicking the above image.

[Via Kotaku]

SCEA: No PSP/PS3 Announcements for US

This is straight from GameIndustry.biz:

Following Sony's recent Leipzig GC announcements, SCEA has indicated that they are still evaluating the services for the North American market.

In Leipzig, SCEE announced a voice chat, video chat, and instant messaging service named Go! Messenger. While it will continue to expand the capabilities of the PSP via firmware upgrades, SCEA has not made any announcements for this type of service in the US.

The PSP satellite navigation peripheral, named Go! Explore, is currently available in Japan and select countries in Europe. Before considering the product for a North American launch, an SCEA spokesperson told GamesIndustry.biz "[We] want to ensure there is the appropriate level of software that would be applicable and bring value to the consumers in North America."

While it had no announcements regarding GPS capabilities for the PSP in the US, SCEA's spokesperson said that the company "will continue to explore appropriate and compelling software that would allow us to bring this feature to PSP in our market."

SCEE also unveiled PlayTV, a TV tuner and PVR accessory. At this time, SCEA has no announcements for similar PS3 DVR capabilities in North America either.

Finally, SCEE announced a partnership with British Sky Broadcasting to bring video downloads to the PSP in the UK and Ireland. SCEA is "evaluating similar types of partnerships in North America" but has no announcement at this time.

"We understand and respect the consumer interest in this type of service, and we will continue to explore downloadable content options for our territory," SCEA's Dave Karraker told GamesIndustry.biz.

[Via GameIndustry]

GC 2007: Welcome to PlayTV

At their conference today at Leipzig Games Convention 2007, Sony unveiled their next PlayStation 3 - PlayStation Portable product. That product is PlayTV.

It will let you watch and record your favorite shows on your console completely independently of each other - so you can view something while saving something else. Here is EuroGamer with the description:

You'll be able to choose programmes to keep on your hard drive by selecting them from a fancy seven-day guide, and even control it all remotely using your PSP - in case you forgot to tell it to record something before you left for work. Or you could just stream it to your PSP and watch it elsewhere.

It will use the Digital Video Broadcasting standard, and be able to intelligently display the picture in high or standard definition depending on the capabilities of your TV.

It's supposed to be so easy, that old lady who's house you walked by while she was taking off her bra could use, as for me, I can't wait to see how this works. They got a nice design on it, now alls we need is a nice design on the PlayStation Store.

[Via EuroGamer]