Media centre-enabled Vaios with built-in digital TV tuners – both the VGN-AR49 and VGC-LM18 – are included in the deal, which also includes a feature called IceTV Remote which allows users to set individual shows or an entire season from any web browser-enabled computer.

"These VAIO notebooks are designed to be stylish entertainment hubs, incorporating Windows Media Centre, inbuilt TV tuners, large, bright screens and high quality sound," said Sony Australia marketing manager, Vaio, Hiro Ishikawa.

"The free IceTV subscription will give purchasers of the AR and LM series the opportunity to fully utilise digital TV's capabilities."

Using the IceTV guide, users will be able to navigate through the free-to-air programs for up to a week ahead and use the notebook's controls to set recordings for the week.

Once recorded, shows appear in the "Recorded TV" library with their name, episode and description to be watched whenever the user wants. Users can also search via genre, title, actor and more.

"Today's deal with Sony is extremely exciting and the perfect way to begin what will be a very big year for IceTV," said IceTV general manager, Matt Kossatz.

"When combined with our services, the new range of VAIO notebooks will offer consumers fantastic functionality and flexibility with their TV viewing. Sony customers will truly be able to watch what they want, when they want and where they want, giving them complete control."