Dish Network app turns your PS3 or PS4 into a virtual set-top box

Today at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show, Dish Network announced that it will launch a new application on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 this spring that will allow owners to use those systems as virtual Dish set-box boxes.

Of course, you'll need a Dish Hopper subscription to make use of the service.

The "Virtual Joey" app pledges to provide a "nearly identical" experience to the Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR's hardware-based Joey, which allows users to watch live TV and recorded programs.

The software-based Virtual Joey clients will operate on PlayStation users' wireless or wired networks. Once installed, customers can operate the Virtual Joey on PS3 or PS4 using a Dish remote or DualShock controller.

If you're attending the 2014 CES this week, you can check out a demo of the Virtual Joey app at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Central Hall at booth #8243.