PlayTV

PlayTV was a peripheral for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 consoles developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE). It functioned as a digital video recorder (DVR) allowing users to watch, pause, and record free-to-air digital terrestrial television (DTT), also known as Freeview in the United Kingdom and Saorview in Ireland.

The device consisted of a dual-tuner USB receiver, allowing users to watch one channel while recording another, or to record two channels simultaneously. The PlayTV software, which was pre-loaded onto the PS3's hard drive (or provided on a disc for the PS2), provided the user interface for navigating channels, scheduling recordings, and managing recorded content.

Key features of PlayTV included:

• Live TV Viewing: Ability to watch live Freeview/Saorview channels on the PlayStation console.
• Time Shifting: Pause, rewind, and fast-forward live television.
• Recording: Schedule recordings of TV programs to the console's hard drive.
• Series Link: Automatic recording of all episodes of a selected TV series.
• Program Guide: Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) providing information on upcoming programs.
• Remote Play: Streaming live or recorded TV content to a PlayStation Portable (PSP) via Remote Play functionality on the PS3.

PlayTV was primarily available in European markets and Australia. While it offered a cost-effective way to access and record free-to-air television, it was ultimately discontinued and no longer supported by Sony. The digital terrestrial television capabilities were integrated into the consoles but later removed, making PlayTV a historically significant accessory for the PlayStation platform.