Sony downgrades PS3 PlayTV functionality
Live and recorded video transfer settings changed
We’re all excited about PlayTV’s launch next month, but would you be upset if we said that the PlayStation 3 telly tuner now won’t allow saved video to be copied to the PlayStation Portable, a PC or a Memory Stick?
Well, get the tissues ready, because Sony’s confired to Register Hardware that PlayTV will now only be able to stream live or recorded content to the PSP using Remote Play, an application that essentially lets turns the PSP into a remote screen and controller for the bigger console.
It was originally thought that PlayTV would allow video to be moved freely from the PS3, onto a memory card or Flash drive, and then onto the PSP or a PC.
"With regards to PlayTV, you can not transfer content to your PSP, PC, or memory sticks. You can stream live or recorded TV content on your PSP via Remote Play only," said a Sony spokeswoman.
In a double whammy of disappointment, Sony’s also confirmed that PlayTV won’t be compatible with HD signals. But the firm’s at least claimed that it’s working to make this a future possibility.
PlayTV will be launched in the UK on 19 September for £70 ($130/€87).
COMMENTS
re: AC's "They haven't got a clue"
You realise you sound like some sort of digital hippy, who thinks that he's all enlightened because he's sticking it to the man?
"the world is moving on fast from these proprietary devices that try to restrict what you can do with their devices."
Meanwhile, people in the real world are still buying iPods etc. like crazy, and doing just fine.
Big deal
Big deal. So Sony has removed some functions from the formal release. To satisy laws in countries it sells units in.
A patch here, and a reset there and bam.
Fixed.
HD? Who cares?
Who gives a flying f*** about HD? HD's a sideline that the PSP can't exactly benefit from.
The point is surely that PlayTV is now unable to provide offline viewing of the programmes that you can record! That would've been the killer app to give me a reason to shell out several hundred pounds on a PS3, so that I can watch recorded TV programs on my PSP, without turning the PS3 on. Hey ho - I'll just spend 500 quid on my car instead.
they haven't got a clue
Sony, Apple, Microsoft, etc, they really haven't realised yet that the world is moving on fast from these proprietary devices that try to restrict what you can do with their devices.
I have stopped long ago buying crippleware (which means most consumer entertainment electronics from major brands), my PC runs Linux, my MP3 player (Nex IIe) uses plain CF cards on which I can freely copy any songs I feel like without the need of DRM or proprietary software and for movies I use a Popcorn Hour (network streamer) which plays almost every existent video file format including DVD backups.
and for TV? Who needs a TV when you have the Internet (of course with a small independent ISP)!
