PS3 Getting DVR Features — in Europe

Looks like European PlayStation 3 owners will soon be able to watch and record TV on their consoles, thanks to a new DVR add-on coming in 2008. But what about those of us stuck in the U.S.?

Sony Europe announced today that the new device, dubbed PlayTV, will be available early next year in the UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. According to Wired News, Sony reps in the U.S. say they are "investigating" the possibility of a PlayTV for the States, but there's no official launch date—or even confirmation that PlayTV will come here at all. Bummer.

Anyway, PlayTV will come with a pair of DVB-T (the digital broadcast standard in Europe) tuners, allowing you to watch one show while recording another, and an electronic programming grid will let you select individual shows or an entire series for future recording. You'll be able to watch and record shows in HD (up to 1080p), while PSP owners can stream shows to their handhelds over Wi-Fi or transfer them via USB for later viewing—nice.

Of course, Sony's announcement begs the question: what ever happened to talk of IPTV functionality on the Xbox 360? There are whispers that 360 TV features may be coming this fall, but nothing official. Stay tuned.

Related:
Sony Europe Adds DVR To PlayStation 3, Sony America "Investigating" Possibility [Wired News]