Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) announced that it will introduce “torne” for the PlayStation 3 (PS3), a digital terrestrial tuner and software on Blu-ray Disc (BD) for viewing and recording Hi-vision digital terrestrial broadcasts on the PS3 system.
According to the statement, users can watch digital terrestrial broadcasts and record them on the hard disk drive (HDD) of the PS3（MPEG-2 video 1,440 × 1,080, AAC) by connecting the tuner to the system through its USB cable and installing the application from the BD.
“torne” will be available in Japan in March, 2010 for 9,980 yen ($109 USD). SCEJ also plans to introduce a “PlayStation 3 Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting Recorder Pack,” consisting of a PS3 with 250GB HDD and “torne.” This special bundle will also be available in March and sell for a limited time at 42,800 yen ($468 USD).
For more information visit: torne.jp
Unedited press release follows:
SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN TO INTRODUCE “TORNE™”
A SET OF DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TUNER AND APPLICATION FOR VIEWING
AND RECORDING DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL BROADCASTING ON PLAYSTATION®3
“PlayStation®3 Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting Recorder Pack,” featuring PlayStation 3
with 250GB Hard Disk Drive and “torne,” Will Also Become Available as a Limited Offer
Concurrently with the Release of “torne” in March, 2010
Tokyo, January 14, 2010 – Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ), a division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. responsible for business operation in Japan, today announced that it would introduce “torne™” for PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system, a set of digital terrestrial tuner and application in Blu-ray™ Disc (BD) for viewing and recording digital terrestrial broadcasting on the PS3 system. “torne” will become available in Japan in March, 2010, at a recommended retail price (RRP) of 9,980 yen (including tax). Users can enjoy watching digital terrestrial broadcasting and record them on the hard disk drive (HDD) of the PS3 system*1 by simply connecting the digital terrestrial tuner to the PS3 system using the attached USB cable and installing the application from the BD. Release date will be announced at a later timing.
To accommodate those users who wish to record TV programs in high-definition on PS3 and store many high quality entertainment content already available on PlayStation®Store including games, anime, movies, TV dramas, music videos and many other various content and services, SCEJ will also introduce a “PlayStation®3 Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting Recorder Pack,” that comprises the PS3 system with 250GB HDD, the largest HDD capacity of the existing model, and “torne.” The special bundle pack will become available in March, 2010, concurrently with the release of “torne,” and will be a limited offer at a RRP of 42,800 yen (including tax).
Features of “torne”:
* • Easy to use interface
Applying the expertise acquired from game development, “torne” offers user friendly interface, allowing users to swiftly and intuitively operate the application using DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller*2. Users will be able to search through the electronic TV program guides or play back recorded content comfortably as if they were playing games.
The colorfully designed 24 hour TV program guide can be zoomed in or out by pressing L1/R1 buttons, allowing users to easily find and select their favorite TV programs by a simple touch of a button.
* • Recording and playing back
TV program search function on “torne” application can sort the TV programs by genre or by keywords and will instantly list up the corresponding TV programs for users to simply select and record out of the list. Additionally, “torne” will automatically start recording pre-programmed content even when the PS3 system is in Stand-by mode or when users are playing games or using the application on the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) such as the Blu-ray/DVD player*3. Users can also connect external HDD*4 via USB cable to record TV programs directly on to the external storage instead of on the HDD of the PS3 system. Additional useful features include quick playback and scene search for viewing recorded TV programs.
* • Connectivity with PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)
Seamless connectivity with PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) allows users to transfer recorded TV programs to its Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (Mark2)/Memory Stick Micro™ for high quality viewing on the go*5. By using the Remote Play feature of the PS3 system, users at home*6 can connect on to their PS3 system using their PSP and remotely access the application to view or record TV programs.
* • Various Online features
“torne” also offers online functionalities, such as the Internet browser which can be used simultaneously with the application, and unique “Toru-Miru feature” which can display the number of users who have pre-programmed the TV programs*7 through “torne” as well as the user trend of which program is being most watched.
SCEJ will deploy various measures to further expand the platform to offer attractive interactive entertainment experiences only available on the PS3 system.
*1 BS and CS broadcasting are not supported. CATVs are supported for “Pass-thorough” type only.
*2 Separately sold BD Remote Controller (CECH-ZR1J) can also be used.
*3 To use the feature, users will need to activate it through setting. The “torne” application may not function properly depending on what software title or peripheral users may be using simultaneously. Application will not record TV programs when users are playing PlayStation®2 games on the PS3 system (for CECHA00/60GB model and CECHB00/20GB model only).
*4 Conventional USB supported HDD can be used. Please ask each manufacturer for the support of “torne”.
*5 Can be transferred to all PSP model including PSP-1000/2000/3000 and PSP®go (can be transferred to internal flash memory). Digital terrestrial broadcasting cannot be recorded directly to PSP system.
*6 Remote Play via Internet is not supported. Users must be in close proximity to the PS3 system when using the Remote Play feature. The connectivity range of the Remote Play feature will depend on user environment.
*7 To enjoy online functionalities, users must have broad band Internet connection and PlayStation®Network account. “torne” uses its own unique system to estimate the numbers. The provided information and its accuracy are not guaranteed.
Product Outline
“torne™”
Product name
torne™
Release date
March, 2010 (Release date will be announced at a later timing)
Recommended retail price (RRP)
9,980 yen (including tax)
Product code
CECH-ZD1J
Platform
PlayStation®3 (PS3®)
Included
Digital terrestrial broadcasting viewer/recorder application for PS3 (Blu-ray™ Disc) × 1
Digital terrestrial tuner for PS3 × 1
Antenna cable × 1
USB cable (type A-mini B) × 1
B-CAS card × 1
Application feature
Full Hi-vision viewing and recording
EPG supported
Close-caption broadcasting supported
Bilingual supported
Video transferrable to PSP
PSP Remote Play supported
Quick playback
Scene search
Internet browser
Background recording
Toru-Miru feature (online feature)
Trophy (online feature)
Digital Terrestrial Tuner Features
Digital television reception type Digital terrestrial television ISDB-T
Channels VHF 1-12ch, UHF 13-62ch, CATV C13-C63ch*8
Recorded video format MPEG-2 TS （MPEG-2 video 1,440 × 1,080, AAC) (direct rec)
Inputs/ outputs Antenna input F connector
USB port Hi-speed USB (USB2.0)
Power 5.0V (USB bus power)
Power consumption Approx. 2.5W
External dimension Approx. 100 × 24 × 112 mm (width × height × length)
Weight Approx. 130g
Official Website torne.jp
*8 CATVs are supported for “Pass-thorough” type only.
PlayStation®3 Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting Recorder Pack”
Product name
PlayStation®3 Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting Recorder Pack
Release date
March, 2010
RRP
42,800 yen (including tax)
Product code
CEJH-10010
Included
・PlayStation®3 (color: Charcoal Black) × 1, hard disk drive capacity 250GB
“torne™”
・DUALSHOCK®3 Wireless Controller × 1
・Power cord × 1
・AV cable × 1
・USB cable ×1
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.