Press release from Hausmann Communications
Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) has today launched TV on demand services in Australia with the arrival of the TV icon to the Xross Media Bar (XMB) of PlayStation®3 (PS3™) interface.
This new addition signifies the start of two new TV entertainment on demand applications for PS3, which includes a high definition personal video recording device, PlayTV™ (RRP $169.95), and streamed catch up TV services, also known as IPTV, with the debut of ABC iView optimised for viewing via PS3 on the living room TV.
PS3 owners in Australia can now watch what they want, when they want and how they want, either on a big screen TV, or when they are on the go with PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) and Sony Ericsson’s AINO mobile phone.
Michael Ephraim, Managing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia said, “PS3 in Australia has today made a very significant leap forward with the addition of TV services to its already broad home entertainment credentials.
Firstly, PlayTV delivers all the features other premium PVR devices do, at a fraction of the cost. What’s more, the additional opportunity for 675,000 homes with PS3 consoles to now be able to watch their favourite ABC iView shows on demand, from the comfort of their sofa, signals a milestone in the roll out of optimised IPTV services for consoles in Australia.”
“Anyone looking for the best value home entertainment solution, offering something for the whole family, should see PS3 as the only real contender for pride of place under their living room TV.
The game really is just the start of the home entertainment experience with PlayStation, and our new TV on demand services offer Australians even more choice.
Enjoy the best games, multi-award winning Blu-ray, free VidZone music video streaming, easy storage and viewing of family photos and videos, web surfing and access to continuous new content and social experiences through free to join and play PlayStation®Network. In 2010, we will also roll out a Video Delivery Service, offering movies on demand,” he said.
ABC iView is the first catch up TV service to be optimised for viewing on the lounge room TV through PS3. A free internet broadcasting service that offers a range of ABC TV programs streamed in high resolution, it features local and international comedies, dramas, news and current affairs, arts and entertainment and documentaries. ABC iView currently has around 100 programs (incorporating 300 individual episodes) available on demand and in October recorded more than 1.054 million visits from 286,000 visitors.
ABC Director of Television, Kim Dalton, says ABC TV’s focus is on making content more accessible. “The television industry is in the middle of a revolution, as Australians increasingly want more choice and flexibility in how they watch their favourite programs and discover new content.
Our collaboration with Sony Computer Entertainment Australia to integrate ABC iView within the PlayStation platform, is the start of an exciting phase for us as we develop new ways to share our programs; and it’s one we’re sure audiences will greatly benefit from.”
Robin Parkes, CEO, Freeview, says, “We are all about providing more at Freeview. More channels, with more of the best entertainment and content, giving Australians access to more choice in free to view digital television. The association between Freeview and SCE Aust. gives consumers a new option on how to make the switch to digital. With PS3 and PlayTV, home entertainment enthusiasts gain access to a whole world of entertainment, including the ever expanding selection of Freeview free to view digital channels.”
With twin HD tuners, PlayTV allows you to watch one program while recording another and even record television at the same time as playing a game or enjoying a Blu-ray movie. Owners can then either watch their pre-recorded programs on the TV at a convenient time for them, or alternatively on the go via Remote Play on PSP or Sony Ericsson’s AINO phone, via WiFi or in AINO’s case, 3G.
PlayTV will be available in Australia from 26 November 2009 for RRP$169.95. To mark the launch of PlayTV, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia has announced a new bundle offer of a PS3 250GB console, coupled with PlayTV at no additional cost, for RRP$599.95 to offer the ultimate HD full entertainment suite[1]. With a large storage capacity, combined with personal video recorder functionality, owners will be able to record hours of TV, with no ongoing subscription fees.
The new PS3 120GB and 250GB consoles represent the best choices for consumers looking to upgrade their HD home entertainment setup. With their increased storage size, slim design, reduced power consumption, and now with the addition of PlayTV, ABC iView and access to Freeview free to view digital channels, PS3 brings more entertainment on demand to the living room than any other device.