PlayTV hands-on: Turn your PS3 into a PVR
Tags: channels, hard drive, europe, tuner
The menu system for PlayTV is as user-friendly and robust as we've come to expect from Sony. The interface boasts far more polish than most other Freeview equipment we've seen, while its PSP functionality will no doubt make it a must-have for frequent travellers. Displayed on a large widescreen TV, DVB performance can sometimes leave a little to be desired, with MPEG artefacts being a common occurrence on some channels. This is a problem facing all digital programming due to compression, however, and PlayTV is certainly no worse than anything else we've seen.
In terms of high definition, PlayTV does support the HD AVC streams that are currently being tested in Europe. According to Bunting, HD content from the BBC looks fantastic, and it will definitely be supported when the corporation makes it more commonplace.
PlayTV is looking promising. If you're not served by cable or satellite and have a PS3, it's definitely worth looking into PlayTV. It'll go on sale in September for €99 -- around £80. We look forward to seeing the finished product later in the year.
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AnonymousFri 9 May, 2008 5:26pm
If this thing comes to the US market it could be huge. And springboard into sales of the PSP.
AnonymousFri 9 May, 2008 7:19pm
Should we suppose the only MPEG2, but not more elaborate MPEG4 standard of DBV-T will be supported?
AnonymousFri 16 May, 2008 4:50am
Interesting read.
AnonymousMon 26 May, 2008 4:19pm
This is ridiculous, . . Sony said LAST YEAR that it would DEFINITELY be available BEFORE March of 2007, . . . it's going into June. . . why the UK has such a hard on for the PS3 I don't know, . . I have had mine here in the states since launch day, . and for the life of me, besides bluray, I can't figure out ONE advantage, . . but I can tell you a handful of disadvantages......It's been out longer here in the States, and if you go the the OFFICIAL PSU forums, you will also see that the PS3 is experiencing freezing, bluetooth issues and disk drive issues in record numbers, . . I am one of the morons that am experiencing the first two.. . . Now I got a 360 after suffering with a PS3 and no games for it for a year and have had NOT ONE PROBLEM, . . it hooks up to my PC with the touch of a button and they have all but eliminated the tech problems. . Sony must first ADMIT that there is PROBLEMS with the PS3 if they don't want it to turn into a RROD issue, but at least MS admitted and addressed the issue, . . I'm just now waiting on Sony.
AnonymousWed 9 July, 2008 12:46pm
Where can i get one of those PlayTV things?
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AnonymousThu 8 May, 2008 5:12pm
BBCHD Definitely supported?
I think not. The current plan is to use DVB-T2 to transmit HD on freeview and I don't believe the tuners in PlayTV will be DVB-T2 as the standard isn;t even ratified.