Sony changes PS3 tactics

Suffering from a high price and the popularity of the Nintendo Wii, Sony's latest gaming console, the PlayStation 3 (PS3) is to get more entertainment-based functions early next year.

PlayTV, a TV tuner for the PS3 that will allow you to record and playback TV as well as tune into digital broadcasts, was shown off at a gaming conference in Germany yesterday.

“The introduction of PlayTV really will extend the already broad entertainment credentials of PS3, and makes it an exceptionally attractive proposition for the whole family,” said David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

“PS3 already provides High Definition gaming, Blu-ray Disc movies, music, video, photo album and web browsing. With the introduction of PlayTV’s state of the art TV tuner and PVR (personal video recorder) functionality, PS3 is now the best choice of home entertainment hub for the whole family," said Reeves.

Much has been made of the inclusion of a Blu-ray Disc drive in the PS3, though ultimately this is the component that pushes the console's price tag up the most.

Having initially gone on sale in the UK for £425, Sony last month said that it had no plans to drop the price. However, it may be forced to reconsider after Microsoft announced that it was cutting the price of its Xbox 360 console from £280 to £250.

Some analysts think that introducing the PlayTV, which will cost around £100, will make it more attractive to a broader audience.

"While the PS3 has rightfully come under criticism for its high price point and lack of attractive games software, Sony has done a pretty good job in building up its functionality as a hub for the connected home," said Ovum analysts Jonathan Arber and Jonathan Coham in a statement.

However, they warned Sony against changing the focus of the PS3 entirely.

"Ultimately, Sony needs to ensure a steady flow of high-profile, high-quality games titles this Christmas in order to really push the PS3 beyond its current niche. Its home entertainment functionality might be impressive, but if it doesn't measure up as a games machine, then it will remain stuck in a niche," the analysts wrote.

http://uk.playstation.com/ps3

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