Sony is finally poised to release the PlayTV add-on for PlayStation 3 in Australia, which turns the console into an easy-to-use personal video recorder like a Tivo.
PlayTV is a little black box which connects to PS3 via USB and features twin high-definition digital video tuners. Users can watch one channel while recording another, search and choose shows to record via a simple electronic program guide, skip or fast forward ads, and pause live TV.
Sony has just released a software update for PlayTV which fixes all the issues that impatient Australians who had imported the device from Europe have experienced, including stuttering on the ABC high-definition channel and support for SBS channels. The update explicitly states that it adds "support for Australian digital TV".
PlayTV is obviously going to be Freeview compliant in Australia, as the new update removes the 1 minute skip button and the 120x fast forward and the "copy to home menu". Users can choose "rest of the world" rather than "Australia" in the settings menu to keep the features, but then SBS channels do not work.
It's been over two years since Sony first announced PlayTV (and a year since its European debut).
Back in June, Sony Australia's Michael Ephraim told Screen Play that "once we can record in HD, we will launch it. We'll make some announcements fairly soon." A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment confirmed to Gamesmaster yesterday that "yes, we are working towards a 2009 launch for PlayTV in Australia" but price and a release date have not yet been revealed. The EB Games site has PlayTV listed for a release on November 26 at $169.95.
Gamesmaster imported a PlayTV unit earlier in the year and has been using it successfully. The best thing I can say about the device is that it has passed the punishing wife test. Mrs Gamesmaster will instantly dismiss anything that seems too complex or takes too long to learn, but she instantly started scheduled recordings of all her favourite shows and making use of the excellent search options.
Recordings can be set to start early and finish late for when the networks do not stick to their schedules and are arranged on a library page for when you want to view them. PlayTV can also automatically turn the console on and off again if you have scheduled a recording while away from home.
PSP users can also schedule recordings, view live TV or watch recorded programs on their handheld direct from their PS3 wherever they are in the world via the amazing RemotePlay feature and a wireless internet connection. Some Sony Ericsson phones are also compatible with RemotePlay.