The home entertainment revolution

PlayStation®3 is leading the charge in the home entertainment revolution, so what better place to celebrate the launch of PlayTV™ and ABC's iView service than in an actual living room.

At a press conference held at a private residence in Sydney, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia today celebrated the arrival of two key milestones in the ongoing development of the PlayStation 3 system's multimedia capabilities. The event was attended by media and celebrities, including TV personality Grant Denyer, Video Hits presenter Fuzzy, Packed to the Rafters George Houvardas and acclaimed Director of Cedar Boys Serhat Caradee.

The first milestone Sony Computer Entertainment Australia celebrated today was ABC's iView service, which is now available and optimised for the PlayStation 3 system.

Arul Baskaran, Head of Multiplatform at ABC TV, spoke to journalists and various media about how Australian PS3™ owners can now watch ABC iView content on their TV through the PS3 via the PlayStation®Network (PSN), the company's online content and service platform. ABC iView is a free* internet broadcasting service that offers a range of ABC TV programs streamed via the internet. Hit shows such as Dr Who, The Wire, Torchwood and Good Game, can all be streamed to your living room through your PS3.

ABC's Director of Television, Kim Dalton, has said he wishes to extend ABC iView to a wider audience. "We want to make our content as accessible as possible to our audience. Increasingly, that means extending our online reach so Australians can watch what they want, when they want it. Today's gaming consoles, televisions and DVD players all have internet capability and we're excited to be able to team up with Sony PlayStation, as the first step in integrating ABC TV content into new online platforms and technologies."

Managing Director Sony Computer Entertainment Australia, Michael Ephraim: "PlayStation 3 is truly the ultimate entertainment device for consumers which goes far beyond just fantastic video games. Our announcement with ABC shows that PlayStation 3 remains on the cutting edge of delivering expanded entertainment services both globally and locally."

Also attending today's press conference to celebrate Sony Computer Entertainment Australia's second key milestone was Robin Parkes, CEO Freeview, to discuss the impending launch of PlayTV - a device which allows PS3 owners to watch, pause and record free-to-air HD digital television while taking a break from gaming, further expanding the entertainment possibilities of PlayStation 3.

Retailing for AU$169.95RRP, the PlayTV Tuner which plugs into one of the PS3 system's USB ports, is capable of showing and recording free-to-air HD digital television, and will allow you to record one channel while watching another. PlayTV is also Freeview compliant, making it even more accessible as the HD tuner of choice to consumers looking to get into the PVR market. It features a comprehensive programme guide which lets you view listings and schedule recordings for the following week. Also announced today was the PlayTV 250GB PlayStation 3 console pack which will retail for AU$599.95RRP and includes the PlayTV Tuner plus a 250GB PlayStation 3.

PlayTV will be available in stores from Thursday, November 26. For more information on PlayTV, click here.

ABC's iView service is available now on PlayStation 3. Just make sure you have the latest system update on your PS3. You can locate the iView service on your XrossMediaBar (XMB) under the new TV icon. For more information on iView, or help using the service, visit the iView section at abc.net.au.

* Using the iView service may be metered or unmetered depending on your Internet service provider.