PS3 To Become PVR

New software for the Playstation 3 will allow the console to become a personal video recorder, letting users record and playback digital terrestrial television.

The PlayTV software will be available first in the UK, France, Germany and Spain from early next year, with more countries to follow.

Recorded programmes can be streamed over a wireless internet connection to the PlayStation Portable (PSP) or transferred permanently to the handheld gaming system via a USB cable.

In a statement, David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, said: “The introduction of PlayTV will extend the already broad entertainment credentials of the PS3.”

Speaking at the Leipzig games show, Sony also unveiled a deal with BT which will see the launch of software to enable PSP users to make phone and video calls and send texts.

In addition to this, it is developing a branded video content download service for the PSP, in a joint venture with BSkyB.

Sony: www.sony.co.uk