PS3 Gets Digital TV Tuner and Recorder Add-on in Japan

Sony announced a new combination of add-on hardware and software for Japan that turns the PS3 into a full-fledged digital TV tuner and video recorder. Torne, as it's called, comes with a small digital tuner box that connects to the PS3 via USB and software for watching TV, browsing schedules, and creating and managing recorded show files. This bundle will be available there in March for 9,980 yen (right around $110 US).

Torne shares a number of features with the similar PlayTV accessory released in Europeans in late 2008 and adds some slick sounding refinements. TV can be independently recorded at the same time as playing a game or watching a Blu-ray. The resulting files can be saved to either the built-in hard drive or separately connected USB drive. Along with watching them later on the TV, shows can be transferred to a Memory Stick and the software will even optimize the video for display on the PSP screen.

Desirable as these features sound don't get your hopes up for seeing it in North America. History shows that Sony rarely if ever brings over this sort of consumer electronic related accessory for their gaming machines. When reached for comment a Sony spokesperson said that there are no plans for Torne in the States.