In a hefty press conference at the Games Convention 2007 in Leipzig, today, Computer Entertainment revealed the first details on PlayTV, a new service that promises to turn the into a personal video recorder.

The new offering will launch in UK, France, Italy, and Spain early in 2008, with other PAL regions set to follow.

PlayTV will allow PS3 owners to watch, pause and record live TV from a 'huge' range of free TV channels. What's more, PlayTV will link-into the PSP, offering remote play on Sony's handheld device.

"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," explained Dr. David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. "PS3 already provides High Definition gaming, Disc movies, music, video, photo album, web browsing and PLAYSTATION Network support. With the introduction of PlayTV’s state of the art TV tuner and PVR functionality, PS3 is now the best choice of home entertainment hub for the whole family."

HD-TV is supported, as is the DVB-T digital broadcasting format. We're also promised a program guide, and an intuitive interface that will blend all the features of a high-end set-top box in with the PS3. The remote function will use WiFi, or you can transfer recordings using the USB cable.

With the PlayTV service Sony are convinced the position at the centre of the living room is now there's for the taking. Only time, and Microsoft's response, will prove if this is correct or not.

By Luke Guttridge