Sony adds Freeview recording to Playstation 3

Sony has announced a package that will let the Playstation 3 record and play back high definition Freeview content in the UK.

PlayTV essentially turns the Playstation 3 into a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) like Sky's Plus box. Connecting via USB, it adds two high-definition TV tuners and software that will allow users to view, record and play back two programmes at once in high or standard definition.

Freeview recently received its first high-definition channel, BBC HD, which the Playstation 3 should be able to take advantage of.

A seven day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) will also be included for scheduling upcoming recordings using the Playstation 3's standard controller or a Blu-ray Remote Control for navigation.

The service will launch in early 2008 in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain, with other Pal territories (Europe, Asia and Australia) launching later in the year.

PlayTV will rely on the DVB-T format for recording and the service will also interact with Sony's Playstation Portable. The hand-held console will be able to set recordings remotely and play back live and recorded TV programmes. Pricing has yet to be announced.

In other news, BT's VoIP and instant messaging application for Sony's PSP has been dubbed Go!Messenger. It will let users talk free between Sony's handheld console as long as each device is connected to a Wifi router.