Sony PS3

In an unusual flash of foresight, I have made a decision that may well save my life this Christmas. I see now that my choice of a Sony PS3 as a principle gift for my girlfriend, even with the addition of Gran Turismo 5 and FIFA 11 may leave me open to accusations of insensitivity, even, perish the thought, self interest.

Of course nothing could be further from the truth because gaming really isn’t my bag. The PS3 offers rather more than a compelling gaming experience, and it is this extra functionality that is of particular interest to me. Television, or more precisely, catch up TV is the killer application that puts the PS3 in the centre of the Magic and Lies entertainment hub. Sony have beaten the competition to the punch, licensing not just the BBC iPlayer, but also More4 and the ITV player.

Having the ability to watch TV on my terms, at a time that is convenient to me is something that in these days of endless repeats and dismal format shows will allow me to catch up on such vital Television as I currently miss because its on too late or is buried deep in the unnavigable depths of some dreadful digital channel. And there is good television out there, the recent documentary on krautrock for example. And this is where Sony have really upped the ante, the addition of PlayTV, a small very reasonably priced peripheral containing a pair of Freeview tuners, paired with the PS3 gives you total control of the airwaves. You can watch live television, pause it, rewind it, just like Sky+. Using the hard drive of the PS3, you can record one channel, while watching another and even set the thing to record a whole series.

That’s not all. Sony have also kitted out the PS3 with a Blue Ray player and a wireless adapter. This, for me completely seals the deal. I can stream media, download movies from LoveFilm, and I am told, with the addition of the PSP, programme the thing from afar. This may be a step too far this Christmas, and, the PSP being small enough when gift wrapped to be mistaken for a bottle of perfume, may prove to be an unacceptable risk to my health. As it is, there is a large gift wrapped present under the tree with no name on it. Look what Santa brought!