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PlayTV ready for Aussie launch?

  • By James Kozanecki, GameSpot AU
  • Posted Oct 25, 2009 11:30 pm PT

New patch released by Sony for the UK version of the PS3-based PVR adds in Australian TV support.

Source: An official patch released for PlayTV that specifically states "Support for Australian Digital TV."

What we heard: It's no secret that Sony has been teasing Aussies with a 2009 release date for PlayTV, but the company has always remained quiet when it comes to specifics about bringing the PVR add-on down under.

Keen tech enthusiasts who have imported PlayTV into Australia, however, noticed an interesting update on the weekend, with a patch released that included support for previously unsupported channels like SBS, SBS HD, Parliament, and others.

The official story: A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Australia told GameSpot AU: "We are still tracking a 2009 launch for PlayTV in Australia and will keep you updated on any official announcements regarding the launch timing."

Bogus or not bogus: It’s fair to say that from a technical standpoint, PlayTV is all ready to go in Australia, so we’re calling not bogus. GameSpot AU has confirmed the validity of the attached screenshot and that all Australian digital TV channels (including the ever-so-exciting Parliament and Senate channels) are now working fine on imported PlayTV units. However, trying to work out a release date is a different story. One Australian video games retailer has it dated for release on November 1. The end of 2009 is less than nine weeks away now, so either way, it’s safe to say it will be out soon.

Stay tuned to GameSpot AU for more details on PlayTV, when Sony announces more details.

11 Comments

  • ps3jon

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 9:22 pm GMT

    Why the price difference? You can buy it for around 60 pounds in the UK (= A$115) but in Aus it's going to sell for $169?? Think I'll be ordering mine from Amazon UK...

  • hyperkass

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 11:47 pm GMT

    169.95, 27th of November

  • BlackendV

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 7:46 pm GMT

    Nice find JamesMilligan_5 and thats EB too, maybe even cheaper somewhere else.
    I'll be geting this.

  • JamesMilligan_5

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 1:52 am GMT

    http://www.ebgames.com.au/ps3/product.cfm?id=11558&refer=productsearch

    check this out

  • shani_boy101

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 3:09 am GMT

    can't wait, as soon as it comes out i'm upgrading my hard drive and getting one of these babies. Being able to record HD television (strangely a feature not supported by my HDMI enabled DVR) will be sweet.

  • kate_jones

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 10:50 pm GMT

    awesome, Im so getting this when it comes out

  • benboz

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 10:23 pm GMT

    Wow, I really need to get my PS3 fast. This looks awesome. I can't even get TV in my room. I only use my 42" LCD TV for playing my xbox 360 on.

  • mischa82

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 5:50 pm GMT

    The rumour is a mid november launch at $199

  • FluxZero

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 6:18 am GMT

    @jasopan, Its a twin HD tunner for your Playstaiton 3. It means you can watch digital and digital high definition free to air through your PlayStaiton 3. It also allows you to record TV to your PlayStaiton 3 hard drive. Moreover because it has two tunners it allows you to record one channel while watching a different channel. It also allows you to record TV while playing a game or doing anything else with your PlayStation 3. I imported it from the UK and love it especilly since the firmware upgrade.

    My guess would be a end of November release with a price of $169 or $199
    more info at playtvps3.com

  • jasopan

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 4:11 am GMT

    Wait, so what is this? Can someone reiterate?

  • sonic0491

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 2:57 am GMT

    PRICE PRICE PRICE?

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