By: Alex Coby and Guy Cocker

Sony's PlayStation 3 is a multimedia powerhouse, juggling the playback demands of Blu-ray, DVD, and DivX with ease. But while on-demand content is growing in popularity, there remain a vast number of people who watch regularly scheduled, over-the-air broadcasts. With many companies selling equipment to watch TV on your PC, Mac, or any number of portable devices, it's not surprising to see Sony enter the market with PlayTV, a new device that will let you watch digital TV on your PlayStation 3.

Sony’s PlayTV

Utilising a USB tuner, plus the included software, PlayTV will allow users to play, record, and stream free-to-air digital programming. These types of broadcast are common across Europe, where the open DVB standard has been incorporated into such services as TDF in France and Freeview in the UK. We sat down with a prerelease version of the device at a recent Sony event and used the occasion to put our questions to Cambridge-based developer Mark Bunting.

All models of the PlayStation 3 are compatible with PlayTV, although the more hard drive space you have, the more you'll be able to record. Whatever size hard drive you have, 6GB of space will be reserved exclusively for game-related data. The PlayTV adaptor plugs into any free USB socket on the front of the PlayStation 3. The unit itself isn't as small as some PC-based models and, instead, takes up about the same space as an original Nintendo DS handheld. However, it contains two separate tuners so you can watch and record different channels. Also, it does not require an external power source. While you can control PlayTV with a DualShock3 or Sixaxis controller, a more traditional remote control is useful if you want to navigate Freeview's many channels at speed.

PlayTV really comes into its own if you have a PlayStation Portable. By enabling remote play on your PlayStation 3, you can watch TV on your PSP locally via wireless or from anywhere in the world that has a Wi-Fi connection. If you want to use PlayTV from a remote location (if you have a PSP, you're definitely going to want to), then you're going to need a router and a broadband connection to hook it up.

Installation

Thumbnail View

The PlayTV package includes the PlayTV USB tuner and a disc that installs new software on your PlayStation 3 hard drive. The installation adds a "TV" icon to the PlayStation 3's XrossMediaBar, and selecting it allows you to jump straight into the PlayTV software. Assuming you've connected an aerial antenna and you're in a digital area (UK users can check on Freeview's site for availability), automatic tuning of the channels takes about five minutes. From there, you're ready to watch some TV!

Using PlayTV

Channel Grid

The interface for PlayTV is pretty slick, sporting the same colourful menus and rounded icons of the main PlayStation 3 XMB menu. You can navigate the menu system using either a DualShock3 or Sixaxis controller, and Sony claims that it has made the controls as simple as possible for people who don't have a Blu-Ray remote. While changing channels and pausing playback is simple enough, you have to use an onscreen remote if you want to input channel numbers or text pages. There are seven icons on the main menu, with the default option being "Live TV."

Live TV

PlayTV Menu

Selecting Live TV from the menu takes you straight into the live video or audio stream currently being broadcast. PlayTV supports both digital TV and radio, which you can flip between using the onscreen guide. The PlayTV box actually includes two tuners, so you can record one channel while watching a completely different one.

You can also pause the live TV at any time, allowing you to leave the room and come back to resume exactly where you left off. Because this buffering puts a constant strain on the hard drive, it's only activated when you press the pause button. You can force PlayTV to buffer the live TV stream all the time if you want, but it's not activated by default because of the increase in hard drive activity. While Sony says that its laptop drives are robust enough to cope with buffering, the high rate of return for Sky+ boxes has encouraged Sony to disable it by default.

One of the nicest visual touches of Live TV is the dissolving effect as you move between channels--a touch of gloss that's missing from most digital TV devices.

113 Comments

  • bootsgame

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 11:19 pm PT

    so its free to watch but u gutta pay for that usb thing???and thats it??

  • benboz

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 9:45 pm PT

    You still need a antenna cable to be connected. I don't even have one near me! Oh well, I still got TV and I don't need a PS3 to watch it.

  • shani_boy101

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 3:19 am PT

    can't wait till this comes to Australia this year!!!

  • Titch-X

    Posted May 29, 2009 3:34 am PT

    @lord-of-gamers Gaelic is scottish you retard

  • enice226

    Posted Oct 29, 2008 10:41 am PT

    adding to what ultima said... the extra 100 is pretty much b/c ps3 is bluray (which you must be blind to not understand why its a big deal). although if you add in buying batteries(or a charger $15-20) and then xbox live ($50 a year) pretty soon you paid more than i did

  • ultima_weapon21

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 4:24 pm PT

    this is to 10054254, Would you like to pay $300 for a 60 gig xbox that MAY (and MOST likely WILL) get the 3 rings of death and be money wasted OR would you like to pay $100 dollars more and get an 80 gig PS3 that WONT BURN within the same month its YOUR choice but for most ITS NO CHOICE AT ALL.oh and by the way THIS IS A MUST i have a psp and i take it when i go on trips other then the games i have i get bored so this is going to be great i just hope its not like $400 for this and IF it is it better be a ONE TIME PAYMENT and NEVER have to pay a xent after

  • lord-of-gamers

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 2:39 am PT

    LOL Gaelic and Welsh. - Gaelic is Welsh.

  • eLLiptiX

    Posted Oct 27, 2008 8:41 am PT

    ...TV programming?.. streamed live from Wi-Fi? With no monthly fees like Cox..Dish.. or DSS? You mean I don't have to sell my soul? Uhm.. marketing this in the US would be a definite sell. IF and only IF the versatility with the programming can rival those companies. I'm going to remain doubtful until I actually see it, but this sounds like a great idea.

    Kudos to Sony

  • 10054254

    Posted Oct 27, 2008 7:25 am PT

    This look amazing, still looking a reason to buy a PS3, now with FF13, MGS and Tekken 6 coming to XBOX and i dont see the deal with blueray i cant see a reason. Loving the look of this and the playstation live sims looking thing. Just need to bring that price down.

  • EBBIT

    Posted Oct 27, 2008 7:23 am PT

    When is it coming?

  • toyungu

    Posted Oct 26, 2008 9:04 pm PT

    This will be friggin sweet!!! If it happens....

  • flyingteddy

    Posted Oct 24, 2008 1:43 am PT

    it would be sweet if this worked with Sky+

  • inchabolas

    Posted Oct 23, 2008 5:59 pm PT

    Thats why playstation rocks

  • DeftonesRule

    Posted Oct 23, 2008 1:12 pm PT

    So when he said March is that next year or last march???

  • Cereo1

    Posted Oct 23, 2008 1:02 pm PT

    "And still the PS3 is lacking in the games area wit no AAAE and killer apps. This is supposed to be a game console first, multimedia second. This is why sony lost the lead this gen, downplaying games and focusing on multimedia capabilities(justy like the PSP)."

    Japan is ahead of us in technology, they LOVE all this integration of multimedia. You are just an after the fact happens "prophet" that doesn't know what he is talking about. It might not of been the most popular this gen, but the next gen systems are going to integrate more and more multimedia into the system just like the PS3, the PS3 and PSP are just ahead of their time right now and the average user isn't ready for it yet in the USA.

  • GrandTheftANL

    Posted Oct 22, 2008 11:40 pm PT

    Hope its below one fifty, i'd get it, Sony keep on pushing the ps3 features once again, im gonna have to get me a bigger hardrive pretty soon

  • ICEMAN_BJM

    Posted Oct 8, 2008 4:39 pm PT

    NICE... This is what will make a PS3 a complete home entertainment system - So glad i bought a PS3 - thats if this comes out in Australia (of course)... Any one kno how we can be updated on this product???

  • acer_062

    Posted Oct 7, 2008 10:31 pm PT

    Now this is what I'm talking about ..... can't wait.

  • TerDav78

    Posted Oct 5, 2008 3:30 pm PT

    I think that this is going to be the next big thing. I have high hopes and cant wait.

  • etramleinad12

    Posted Oct 3, 2008 10:03 pm PT

    I see Sony didn't want to miss Heroes for Prison Break.
    Nice! Definite buy for me!

  • mrhuntin

    Posted Aug 11, 2008 3:05 pm PT

    i dont stay in uk,thang

  • mrhuntin

    Posted Aug 11, 2008 3:04 pm PT

    woot

  • DeadlyDisciple

    Posted Apr 10, 2008 5:46 am PT

    Cant wait!!! Finally UK get something first!

  • PStringa

    Posted Mar 30, 2008 5:41 am PT

    yeah! well below £150, that's what I like to here.

  • Ishan555

    Posted Mar 29, 2008 9:55 pm PT

    i wonder if itll ever come to us or canada and btw where do u get an aerial antenna

  • bigevil_rashek posted Mar 29, 2008 9:48 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    bigevil_rashek

    Posted Mar 29, 2008 9:48 am PT (hide)

    And still the PS3 is lacking in the games area wit no AAAE and killer apps. This is supposed to be a game console first, multimedia second. This is why sony lost the lead this gen, downplaying games and focusing on multimedia capabilities(justy like the PSP).

  • bigevil_rashek

    Posted Mar 29, 2008 9:46 am PT

    And still the PS3 is lacking in the games area wit no AAAE and killer apps. This is supposed to be a game console first, multimedia second. This is why sony lost the lead this gen, downplaying games and focusing on multimedia capabilities(justy like the PSP).

  • bigevil_rashek posted Mar 29, 2008 9:44 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    bigevil_rashek

    Posted Mar 29, 2008 9:44 am PT (hide)

    And still the PS3 is lacking in the games area wit no AAAE and killer apps. This is supposed to be a game console first, multimedia second. This is why sony lost the lead this gen, downplaying games and focusing on multimedia capabilities(justy like the PSP).

  • bigevil_rashek posted Mar 29, 2008 9:37 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    bigevil_rashek

    Posted Mar 29, 2008 9:37 am PT (hide)

    And still the PS3 is lacking in the games area wit no AAAE and killer apps. This is supposed to be a game console first, multimedia second. This is why sony lost the lead this gen, downplaying games and focusing on multimedia capabilities(justy like the PSP).

  • jairowolf

    Posted Mar 27, 2008 11:13 am PT

    Having this thinf being able to play any ware is going to be THE HIGHLIGHT Of MY LIFE!!!

  • wars45

    Posted Mar 25, 2008 2:49 am PT

    geting it

  • azadiscool

    Posted Mar 24, 2008 1:46 pm PT

    This'll be great, the PS3 is pwning the 360 and wii in features now.
    TAKE THAT BIOTCHES

  • D1rty_Dawg

    Posted Mar 23, 2008 11:19 am PT

    I still can't believe that were getting something in Europe before everyone else!!!!

  • senjutsu

    Posted Mar 21, 2008 5:43 pm PT

    I want this in the US. I hope we'll see an "hacked" version with only one change, that it could play NTSC!

  • Sony_92

    Posted Mar 19, 2008 4:18 pm PT

    it doesnt replace any tv boxes you have.Think of it as a DVR and TV on your PS3.

  • anzelm

    Posted Mar 19, 2008 1:58 pm PT

    Me want, real bad!

  • deadcow1977

    Posted Mar 19, 2008 5:48 am PT

    It needs to be well cheap, around the £40 to £50 mark I think. After all, you're not buying a DVB recorder, you're just buying the tuner and the software, and the reason that DVB recorders are around the £100 mark is the fact that you're also buying a hard drive.
    If it's somewhere around that, it's worth it.

  • thecakeisalie47

    Posted Mar 18, 2008 9:57 am PT

    I WANT I WANT!!!!

  • tryfe_lyn

    Posted Mar 18, 2008 9:16 am PT

    interesting idea...

  • extrasafeivy

    Posted Mar 18, 2008 2:17 am PT

    I think this is a great idea and if its enters the market at a low price it wll definitely work. HD Freeview Boxes are £30-£50 and ones that record are closer to £100 so definitely a decent option. Also looks alot better too. As for keyboarders response about controllers.......???? Sony wouldnt keep these controllers if they didnt work so well...and if you want dual shock get one from asia.

  • Maersyndel

    Posted Mar 17, 2008 7:04 pm PT

    Don't watch alot of tv, but this might almost make it worth my while again.

  • supersonikk

    Posted Mar 17, 2008 11:14 am PT

    ♫♫♫

    This is great!

    Gonna be a big selling point over its rivals.

    Why by an Xbox 360 without Bluray and their own digital TV system?

    ♪♪♪

  • MGSteve

    Posted Mar 17, 2008 3:39 am PT

    @ inspectercoley - Well, if your TV has a built-in 2 channel freeview recorder then fair enough, but if it doesn't, it lets you record TV programs onto the hard drive.

    Why don't you read the article before posting comments which kinda prove you didn't bother to read it.

    Being able to save programs as unprotected MPEG2 files is a very good addition. Now make it able to record shows when you're playing games and it'll be perfect!

    I've got a SkyHD box anyway, but we do sometimes get times when we need to record 3 things at once, PlayTV will help at these times.

    Plus the fact you can record a superb copy of a film off the TV to keep for ever, its brilliant. Now, if you can edit the adverts out by using the (Free) EyeCreate software, that would be superb!

    But for people without Sky / Cable or who use the PS3 in the bedroom, its a very good solution.

    And the fact the decoders are HD capable as well is a good bonus, well, it will be when they start nationwide broadcasts in HD! At the moment I believe BBC HD on Freeview is available only around London.

  • inspectercoley posted Mar 17, 2008 3:30 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    inspectercoley

    Posted Mar 17, 2008 3:30 am PT (hide)

    my tv that is plugged into my console plays live tv ffs, what is the point in this?

  • MichaeltheCM

    Posted Mar 16, 2008 3:05 pm PT

    looks cool maybe i'll get my hands on a PS3 after all

  • Compilation

    Posted Mar 16, 2008 11:39 am PT

    This feature is okay, however, it is pretty late in the marketing world of gaming. Even though I am inspired by Playstation 3, I am not fussed to whether I use my SKY + Box to view programs, or not to Watch T.V. at all, so there is really no need to tantalize over this because it is nothing 'New'. We'll just have to wait and see for ourselves because it does look like there will be much more potential with this system, give it some time, and wham! It's different and exhilarating. For people who simply own a free view, or BT digibox service, and so forth, look forward to this in particular!

  • Oxymandias

    Posted Mar 16, 2008 11:14 am PT

    Fantistic do we have a release date yet... I've been running a MythTV linux server with 3 DVB tuners for a number of years. I use the PS3 as a frontend (IMHO its the best mpeg2 player on the market!!). I'll be getting one of these ASAP..

  • Beeker1

    Posted Mar 16, 2008 11:12 am PT

    I'll STICK TO MY SKY+ BOX THANK YOU VERY MUCH

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PlayTV: Digital TV on Your PlayStation 3

Discover how to watch and record digital TV on your PlayStation 3 with PlayTV.

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