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This PlayStation DVR add-on is coming back in Japan, and it will get PS5 support
Nasne still has PS3 styling, but later this year it will let Japanese gamers watch live TV and DVR recordings on their PS5.
Sony Japan blends the Torne PS3 TV tuner with 500GB of NAS, calls it Nasne
While the PS3's media abilities in the US are limited to what it can access via discs or over the network, in Europe / Australia (PlayTV) and Japan (Torne) TV tuners stretch things further. Now, Sony Japan has followed those up with the Nasne headless media box shown above. A combination networked recorder and media storage device with a 500GB SATA HDD and tuners for both antenna and satellite TV built-in, it pulls in broadcasts and either records it or streams to up to two other Sony products (Vita, PS3 with Torne app, Vaio PC, Sony Tablet or Xperia phone) on the same home network at once. It will also support streaming of stored media via DLNA, once its software is updated to version 1.5. The capabilities of the Nasne vary depending on the hardware it's used with: PS3 users can connect up to four of the devices to one console, however it can also export video files formatted for offline viewing on the Vita or transfer recorded files to PCs for Blu-ray archival. Is this a promising example of the "One Sony" synergy Kaz so recently promised? We'll have to wait until the Nasne ships July 19th for 16,980 yen ($211) to find out for sure. Sadly, like the Torne (which will receive its own 4.0 software update this summer) and Blu-ray recorders that came before it's unlikely we'll ever this one in the US, but that won't stop us from dreaming. A press release with full specs follows after the break, check out Engadget Japan for a few more pictures.
PlayStation Vita's Torne app pulls in live TV streams served up from a PS3
Need another reason to be interested in the PlayStation Vita? Sony announced during tonight's press conference that it will tie in with the only-available-in-Japan Torne DVR adapter (PlayTV in Europe and nonexistent in NA) for the PlayStation 3. Once synced up, it allows users to remotely tune into live TV streams Slingbox-style, browse listings and remotely schedule recordings via an app on the portable device. It should be ready to go at launch, while the ability to export recorded shows to the Vita like one of Monsoon's boxes will be added later. For now however, we can only look on in envy and hope rumors of a PlayTV 2 eventually come true, and come out here.
Torne application on PS Vita allows for remote TV recording and viewing
Sony's hardware-based Torne service is heading to the PlayStation Vita, albeit in application form. Sony head of worldwide studios Shuhei Yoshida introduced the application live on-stage during today's second keynote, demonstrating the ability to navigate television listings, remotely set up recordings, and stream television, all via the PlayStation Vita and its Torne application. Yoshida never stated an exact release date, but he implied that the application would launch with the Vita in Japan this December. And as you might expect, the application is thus far only slated for the Japanese market.
PSN service coming back in Asia tomorrow, Welcome Back package detailed
While there were some extra ... hurdles before PlayStation Network services could be restored in Japan, Sony announced that the phased renewal of network services for Japan and other Asian territories will go through tomorrow -- except for Korea and Hong Kong, whose service renewal "will be announced as soon as ready." Like North America and Europe, the services coming back include online play, sign-in (with password change), and Home. The torne DVR thing will also be usable again. When the PlayStation Store does return, PSN members in Asia will have their own PS3 and PSP Welcome Back packages, from which to choose two games for each system. And they're ... different. Instead of games like Dead Nation and Infamous, PS3 owners can choose from the following five games: The Last Guy LocoRoco Cocoreccho! echochrome WipEout HD Hustler King And for PSP, the choices include: Yuhshanokuseninamaikida or2 PSP® the Best (What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!? 2) Everybody's Stress Buster (Hot Shots Shorties) PATAPON2 PSP® the Best LittleBigPlanet Portable LocoRoco -Midnight Carnival- Users also get 30 days free PlayStation Plus access, Home stuff, free "select" movie rentals, and a month of "Platinya" membership for the weekly news program/cat minigame collection Weekly Toro Station.
320GB PS3 bundled with Torne DVR in Japan
Sony has introduced yet another PlayStation 3 variant to the Japanese market, for those who weren't already confused enough about whether to buy the system in white, black, or blue, with or without a game, with a 160GB or 320GB hard drive, and with or without the Torne DVR add-on. The latest PS3 bundle, available in Japan November 18 at ¥39,980 ($480) includes a Charcoal Black PS3 with a 320GB hard drive, and a Torne tuner. In addition, Sony also announced that it will market a longer USB cable for charging PS3 controllers. "Through the introduction of this new bundle pack and peripheral, SCEJ will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment that is only possible on PlayStation." Charging from 2 meters away -- you can't get that anywhere else.
White PS3 Slim, larger hard drives offered in Japan
[GAME Watch] If you were in the market for a white PS3 Slim, but didn't want one with Lightning all up on it, you're in luck! Sony Japan has just introduced a new "Classic White" system, along with a new white vertical stand and, of course, Classic White DualShock 3 controllers. The new system is outfitted with a 160GB hard drive. The 160GB PS3 will retail for 29,980 ($341). In addition, Sony is selling the "Charcoal Black" PS3 Slim in a 160GB Torne digital recorder bundle, for ¥36,980 ($421), and a version with a luxurious 320GB hard drive (and no Torne) for ¥34,980 ($398). All of these are going on sale -- in Japan only -- on July 29. The current 120GB PS3 Slim is now going "open price," meaning retailers can drop the price at their discretion.
PS3's Torne digital TV tuner / DVR adapter gets 2.00 software update next month
Japan hasn't had a lot of time to get used to the PlayStation 3's Torne digital TV tuner since it launched in March, but it's already getting an update which will add a few more DVR features to improve the experience. Coming in June, v2.00 will enable MPEG-4 AVC compression to squeeze HDTV recordings by as much as 3x their original size as opposed to just copying the original MPEG-2 stream even while playing a game, plus the ability to start watching a program and fast forward/reverse while it's still recording and update the user's PSN status. The free update will be issued in June, until then Torne fans can argue with European and Australian PlayTV owners about whether or not their new features are better than Facebook integration while the U.S. sits out like the ginger kid of a previous marriage it is. %Gallery-93375%
International HD news roundup
Here at Engadget HD, we'd prefer not to just focus on high-def happenings in the US of A. Thus, we round up the best of the best from the international front each week and present it here, bundled together in a single, easy to digest list. If something went down in your corner of the globe over the past seven days, let the rest of the world know it in comments. 'Til next week, Sahha! Read - Sky Deutschland claims first 3D success Read - "SKY Perfect! Light" HD begin service in May. (Japan) Read - Glashart Media expands HD line-up (Netherlands) Read - Facebook and Twitter headed to Cello iViewer TV (UK) Read - Satellite group to launch 3D demo channel (Germany) Read - High on entertainment (India) Read - Demand picks up for HDTV (Malaysia) Read - AXN HD channel launches in SE Asia Read - Zoran and DVN Demonstrate High Definition China Cable Set-Top Boxes for Operators at CCBN 2010 in Beijing Read - Coship Selects Trident Microsystems' Set-Top Box Chipsets to Deliver High-Definition Television Services to The High-Volume China Market Read - Broadcom Powers High Definition Set-Top Boxes to Topway Cable Subscribers in Shenzhen Read - Sigma/CopperGate to Demo Leading IPTV Set-Top Box Processors Featuring 3D Graphics and Home Networking at IPTV World Forum Read - SCE, PS3 Dejichuna land "torne" the update Ver.1.10 Read - Pace Boxes Up Microsoft's Mediaroom Read - Sky's 3D showcase coming to UK shopping centres Read - Tata Sky to launch HDTV this year (India) Read - Sky Player to Launch on Internet Connected TVs and Further Freeview IPTV Set-Top Boxes (UK) Read - ESPN to air NFL's Monday Night Football (UK - Thanks @JoeCise)
Japanese retailers selling out of PS3 'torne' DVR peripheral
We wouldn't have thought a digital video recorder attachment for the PS3 would be a particularly hot seller in Japan, but the neverending lines spiraling from the front doors of Japanese retailers are proving otherwise. Andriasang recently passed along a Famitsu report explaining how shops are quickly selling out of the standalone version of the torne DVR peripheral -- though the 250GB PS3 which comes with the device built into its frame isn't selling quite as expediently. If the device's popularity has inspired you to import one, you should know that it's only capable of recording Japanese terrestrial TV signals. As such, we also suggest you simultaneously purchase around 5,500 miles of coaxial cable.
PS3's Torne DVR adapter gets moved up to March in Japan
Well, look at that. After a suite of delays and a confirmed launch in May, the Torne DTV DVR adapter for the PS3 (OMG, TLA overload) is actually getting released two months ahead of schedule. It'll ship on March 18, to be exact, which just so happens to be the birthday of a certain Engadget editor -- a certain editor who certainly won't be expecting one of these as a present, as it's highly unlikely that this device, or the all-inclusive bundle with a 250GB PS3, will ever see American shores. Meanwhile those in Japan can expect to pay ¥9,980 ($110) or ¥42,800 ($466.52) for the "limited edition" bundle, which we hear makes a lovely unbirthday present.
PS3's Torne DVR launching in Japan March 18
If you want to pick up the Torne PS3 DVR unit, March 18 is the day to do that. If you're buying a PS3 for the first time and hoping to get the bundle, you should know that the package (which includes a PS3 with a 250GB hard drive and the Torne unit for ¥42,800 or $466.52) will be available in "limited quantities." You should also know that this is designed for Japanese terrestrial TV signals, and isn't likely to work outside of that country. On Saturdays throughout February and early March, Sony will hold demonstrations of the Torne device in electronics stores in Tokyo and Osaka, as well as Sony's own Ginza Sony Building.
Officially licensed external PS3 HDDs hitting Japan for 'torne'
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. has given its official endorsement to two upcoming 500 gigabyte external USB hard drives for PS3 -- in Japan. The Buffalo HD-AV500U2 (pictured) and HD-CL500U2 are the first add-on storage solutions to receive Sony's blessings, and are being released overseas in March to coincide with the launch of the PS3's "torne" DVR hardware / software combo. Apart from the fact that they're officially licensed, neither drive boasts any special features that make them usable only with PS3; in fact, the tower design HD-CL500U2 (¥11,800 / $130) is essentially one of Buffalo's external HDDs already available in the US, with a model number change. The HD-AV500U2 is designed to fit into existing entertainment center setups and features a blue LED display on its front that shows remaining disk space. It's selling for ¥14,800 ($164). [Via Andriasang]
PS3's Torne could give you Trophies for watching TV
Hayden Panettiere desperately trying to get off her show. Surely, you deserve some award for sitting through a season, nay, an episode, of Heroes. Torne, a new DVR service for Japanese PS3s, may do just that. A new report in Famitsu (via 1UP) suggests that Torne will offer viewers Trophies. "It's compatible with the PS3 trophy system, and you can get trophies for things like watching final episodes from a lot of TV series, for example," SCE's Kiyoto Shibuya told the magazine. Being able to unlock Trophies should make the Sony's DVR offering a "uniquely PlayStation product." We've already brainstormed a few possible Trophy selections. How about a Gold "Otaku" Trophy for watching all 366 (and counting) episodes of Naruto? Here's an idea that could save network TV: a Bronze Trophy every time you refuse to hit fast-forward through the commercials?
PS3 TV tuner/DVR out in Japan in March
[Andriasang] Sony Japan has just announced the goofiest, but most interesting DVR device since the TiVo. torne (yes, lower case, and pronounced "torn-eh") is a USB TV tuner that connects to the PS3 and allows users to watch, search, and record television through that system. DVR'd shows can be saved either to the PS3's hard drive or a USB-connected external drive. The device can record even while the PS3 is engaged in a Blu-Ray or game. Shows can also be watched on a PSP using Remote Play or transferred to a Memory Stick. torne will be available separately this March for ¥9,980 ($108.78) or bundled with a 250GB PS3 for ¥42,800 ($466.52). No release has been announced in any other region, though Sony has already released the PlayTV, a different TV tuner peripheral, in Europe.
Japan gets Torne PS3 DTV DVR adapter in May, all is right with the world
When the PS3 was announced so many moons ago, one of the major functions that was touted about the thing would be its ability to record and process high-definition video. It's taken quite some time to get there, with the oft-delayed PlayTV tuner finally hitting Europe in late 2008, though the rest of the world still got left out in the cold. Sony's finally taking care of its home crew, announcing Torne, a DTV adapter for Japan that will enable recording of television and even video playback while surfing the web. The Torne will ship in March, priced ¥9980 ($110) on its own or ¥42,800 ($465) as part of yet another PS3 bundle. When will we in the US get a little tuner love? Probably never, at this rate.
