PlayStation 3 has been announced by Sony Corp. to get equipped with a new external device that will allow it to function also as a digital TV tuner and recorder. The new device for Sony’s video game console is called PlayTV and it will allow the gamers to watch and also record high-def TV broadcasts. PlayTV will also allow the users to transfer what they have recorded to Sony’s PlayStation Portable too.

So through the new PlayTV plug-in device the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Portable will be turned into real high-def tuners. On the other hand, the recording capabilities of the PlayStation 3’s add-on will be also important. The users will be able to use their PlayStation devices no only for gaming, as they will have the possibility to choose also the TV broadcasts as entertainment resources.

PlayTV will be available starting with early 2008 in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and other European markets will follow soon. Sony Corp. has not plans yet to sell PlayTV also outside Europe. The price of the new external device hasn’t yet been determined.

The new device Sony will launch on the market starting with early 2008 has been a surprising move from the Japanese company. Sony is trying through PlayTV to go ahead of Microsoft’s Xbox 360. The move could catapult PlayStation 3 in front of its rivals, although till 2008 there is still time for Wii and Xbox 360 to get similar amazing features too.