Initially, Sony only announced the availability of the new Play TV capable PS3 for Europe however, due to Australia being a PAL TV country, it is anticipated that the device could be launched by mid 2008 following extensive technical evaluation by Sony.

"We have a lot of work to do from a technical prospective before this product is launched. We are excited about it and want it. We need to talk to partners about content and the way that the service will be rolled out here," said Ephraim.  

Play TV on the PS3 will consist of a dual HD tuner and recording software that turns the existing console into a fully functioning PVR. In Australia, Sony will need an electronic program guide, (EPG) which will allow consumers to access a TV schedules via an online browser and then program the recording of programs in advance.

One option is that Sony bundles the IceTV EPG service, which last week won its copyright battle with TV network Channel Nine in the Federal Court.

The new system will also deliver "seamless" connectivity with the PSP, so users can watch live and recorded programming on the PSP via WiFi, or transfer their TV programming to their portable systems for on-the-go viewing.

Sony initially plans to roll out PlayTV in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the UK in early 2008, with other PAL regions following thereafter.

The PlayStation Portable hasn't been left out of Sony's plans: Sony Europe has confirmed it will launch three new "Go!" branded services in Europe.

First, Go! Entertainment is expected to launch in early 2008 in conjunction with British Sky Broadcasting and will offer a video download service for PSP owners in the UK and Ireland. Users will be able to use the PSP's built-in WiFi connectivity to download a "vast selection" of Sky's sports, movies, music, and animated programming, as well as select content from other partners; if WiFi isn't available, users will be able to transfer content from a PC. Users will be able to subscribe to specialized Sports, Entertainment, and Animation packages, as well as catch premiere content on a pay-per-view basis.

Next up, Go! Messenger will add WiFi-enabled instant messaging, and VoIP voice video chat capabilities to the PSP. Go! Messenger should be available throughout Europe in January 2008. Loaded as an application via Memory Stick (which seems to mean it's a firmware update), users will be able to send text messages using a new onscreen keyboard, and participate in chat using headset microphone and/or the Go!Cam PSP camera accessory. Go! Messenger will be free, but—for now, at least—it'll be available in Europe only, in partnership with telecommunications operator BT.

Finally, Sony Europe announced Go! Explore, a satellite navigation system for the PSP. Offered in conjunction with TeleAtlas and NavNGo, Go!Explore will offer both in-car and pedestrian navigation for the PSP using 3D maps, voice navigation (in 11 languages!), and version with map information for UK/Ireland, Iberia, France, Germany/Austria/Switzerland, Italy, Benelux, and Scandinavia. Users will be able to purchase new maps via the PlayStation Network, and Sony says WiFi-based features will come to Go!Explore in the future. Sony hasn't released any pricing information, save to describe Go!Explore will be available at an "affordable" price, which will include the PSP GPS accessory.