Posted Tue Oct 7, 2014 at 08:10 AM PDT by Brian Hoss
Lots of features and lots of limitations.
Sony has just released the Ultimate PlayStation TV FAQ, and it's a doozy. Included in the FAQ are basics like the PlayStation TV's built 1GB of memory and 1080i max resolution, but the FAQ delves deeper into what exactly the DS4 can due when paired. (The DS4 can't share or use its headphone jack, but up to four DS4s can be paired.) The PS TV allows for one acocunt to be used on two PS TVs at once. Specific North American entertainment services support (like say Netflix) will be announced at launch on October 13th. The PS TV does not support DLNA, but can play MP3s from memory card. The PS TV can run entertainment services without a memory card by using the built-in 1GB.
The PlayStation TV does have HDCP. It supports the BD remote (CECH-ZRC1), but cannot access Blu-rays or DVDs through PS4 Remote Play. The PS TV does not support PS3 Remote Play, but does support cross-Party Chat for up to eight users across PS TV, PS4, and PS Vita paltforms. The PS TV does not support Sony's Wireless headsets (such as the Pulse Elite and Gold Wireless Stereo). The PS TV does support sub-accounts, and the system will require a system update at launch in order to brought up to 3.30. The PS TV will only be available in black at launch in North America. PlayStation Now will launch in Open beta for the PS TV on October 14th.
Here's the entire FAQ:
The PS TV system will retail for $99.99 (MSRP) for the standalone system in the United States (and CAD $99.99 [MSRP] in Canada) when it debuts on October 14, 2014 across North America. There will also be a limited edition bundle version of the PS TV system with The LEGO Movie Videogame for $139.99 (MSRP) in the United States and CAD $139.99 (MSRP) in Canada.
October 13, 2014.
November 14, 2014.
PlayStation TV system, HDMI cable, AC adaptor, and AC power cord.
PlayStation TV system, DualShock 3 wireless controller, 8GB memory card, The LEGO Movie Videogame Game Voucher, AC adaptor, AC power cord, HDMI cable, and USB cable.
HDMI OUT, Ethernet, and one USB 2.0 port. PS TV also features integrated 802.11 b/g/n (n=1×1) Wi-Fi for wireless internet connectivity and for DUALSHOCK 3 and DUALSHOCK 4 controller support as well as Bluetooth headset/headphone (A2DP, AVRCP, HSP) and keyboard (HID).
PS TV has 1GB internal memory, which can be used for game saves or small-sized downloadable content. However, you will need a separate memory card for those games that require game saves or have downloadable content with larger data. A memory card isn’t required for streaming services like PS Now or Remote Play.
PS TV measures approximately 13.6 mm (thickness) × 105 mm (height) × 65 mm (length). PS TV weighs approximately 110 grams (0.24 pounds).
The following table highlights the feature differences between the two systems.
Applications | The following PS Vita applications are not available on PS TV: - near - map - welcome park - network operator - Remote Play (for PlayStation 3) The following applications are available on both PS TV and PS Vita, though with these differences: - Photos cannot be taken on PS TV’s [photo] app (PS TV does not have a camera). |
Network Connection | PS TV supports both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. |
Video/Sound Output | PS TV outputs video/sound to a TV via HDMI cable. |
Controls | PS TV is controlled by DualShock 3 or DualShock 4.
The touch pointer feature allows users to use right/left stick on a controller (DualShock 3 or DualShock 4) to perform touch operations like you would on a PS Vita system. In addition, users can also use a touch pad on a DS4 to perform touch operations. Users can use this feature in supported PS Vita titles or PS Mobile titles. [OPTIONS] and [SHARE] buttons on a DS4 will be assigned to [START] and [SELECT] button on a PS Vita system. Speaker and Stereo headset jack on a DS4 are not supported on PS TV. PS TV supports key input via Bluetooth keyboards (however, Sony Computer Entertainment does not guarantee compatibility with all Bluetooth keyboards). |
Game Titles | PS TV supports different titles from PS Vita. |
The model color at launch is black.
PS TV will support 480p, 720p, and 1080i via HDMI output.
No, the PS TV system does not support 4K output for games.
No. PS TV’s video and audio are transmitted using HDMI, a common digital connector found on most HD TVs. PS TV does not support standard-definition TVs.
Popular features already available on PS Vita, like Remote Play, will be available when PS TV launches. Additional PS TV features will be rolled out in phases. Please read full details on what’s available followingsystem software update 3.30, and followPlayStation.Blog and PlayStation.com for further news.
Every game features a space called “LiveArea” where you can access new game information from Sony Computer Entertainment and third-party developers and publishers via PSN. You’ll also be able to view an “Activity” log that includes your PSN Friends. This log is constantly updated with accomplishments from users who are playing the same game, which in turn can trigger active real-time communication and gameplay among users.
Yes. Click here for information about sub-accounts.
Yes. PS TV provides the flexibility to manage console use by time and day, gameplay by ESRB rating, and block in-store purchases.
Also, for each sub-account user, there are controls over the ability to use chat features, the ability to post and view user-generated media, and the ability to control a monthly spending limit for PlayStation Store purchases.
For additional information on PS TV’s Parental Controls, click here.
You can add users on the PSN with whom you do not want to communicate to your block list. Messages from people on the block list will not be received. Also, people on the block list will not be able to see your activities and friends list. You can also remove someone from your block list.
No, the PS TV system does not support client functionality for media servers.
PS TV can play games from a range of PlayStation platforms, including compatible titles from:
PS TV also supports PlayStation Now, allowing PlayStation 3 games to be played via streaming over an Internet connection.
As with PS Vita, PS TV supports PS4 Remote Play, allowing PS4 users to continue playing a game enabled for remote play on a PS TV system in another room such as their bedroom.
Click here to see a list of all compatible games.
Customers can purchase supported PS Vita games at retailers, or purchase and download games from PlayStation Store to PS TV’s internal memory or a memory card. Customers can also purchase digital games through the Sony Entertainment Network online store via their PC.
Users who purchased PS Vita games that are compatible with the PS TV system will be able to download these titles, some of which feature enhanced graphics or improved features, to their PS TV system for no additional charge if they are using the same SEN account.
This functionality is technically possible and some developers may choose to support it for their titles.
PS TV will not support the Gold Wireless Headset, Silver Headset, and Pulse Wireless Stereo Headset – Elite Edition. PS TV generally supports Bluetooth headsets, speakers, and keyboards.
Yes, PS TV supports BD remote control (CECH-ZRC1).
No.
PS TV supports HDCP (copy protection). HDCP cannot be turned off.
The DualShock 3 controller, which is included with the PS TV bundle, can be charged using a USB mini-B cable. Users can charge the DualShock 4 controller on PS TV using a USB micro charge cable (available for purchase separately). Dedicated charging stations for both DualShock 3 and DualShock 4 are also available.
The “Share” button on the DualShock 4 operates like the “Select” button on the DualShock 3; the “Option” button on the DualShock 4 functions like the “Start” button on the DualShock 3. Please note, PS4’s ‘Share’ functionality is not available on PS TV.
Yes, you can charge DualShock 3 or DualShock 4 wireless controllers when PS TV is in standby mode.
PS TV supports up to four DualShock 3 and DualShock 4 wireless controllers for local multiplayer experiences (The number of controllers that are supported will depend on individual titles/applications).
PS TV and PS4 users will be able to communicate with each other via text messages and voice chat using the Party app and a supported Bluetooth headset.
As with the PS Vita system, PS TV will support up to eight users for cross-game Party Chat. The Party Chat feature works across PS TV, PS4, and PS Vita platforms.
Remote Play will enable users to stream their PS4 gameplay to their PS TV system via the network, freeing up the television for other uses. Sony Computer Entertainment expects that most PS4 titles will support Remote Play unless the title requires a special peripheral such as PlayStation Camera during gameplay. Furthermore, Blu-Ray Disc titles and DVDs cannot be played, and content from some video services cannot be played either.
Remote Play will work best when the PS TV system is located within close proximity to a Wi-Fi AP (access point) where the PS4 system is connected. We also recommend that PS TV be connected to the local area network via an Ethernet cable, and that the PS TV system be within close proximity to the Wi-Fi access point so the connection is free of interference.
Supported titles will allow the PS4 system and PS TV users to play together in the same game via online multiplayer (PlayStation Plus required for online multiplayer on PS4).
Players can voice chat or text chat between the PS4 and PS TV systems using the Party application, even during gameplay. Users can also browse and compare each other’s Trophies. Text messages can also be sent/received between PS TV and the PS Vita and PS4 systems.
PlayStation Now
PlayStation Now’s Open Beta for PS TV is scheduled to launch on October 14, 2014 to consumers in North America. It is also scheduled be available on PS Vita at this time. Service not available in all areas. Seeus.playstation.com/playstationnow for details.
The Open Beta will launch with over 150 PS3 titles. See the games library page for the latest updates.
Users will need a steady broadband internet connection ranging between 5-12 Mbps and a SEN Account and a DualShock 3 or DualShock 4 controller.
To maximize your connection we recommend:
Yes, couch co-op and online multiplayer features are playable on PS Now as long as these features are supported by the game.
Yes. Your game saves are stored indefinitely in our cloud storage system, allowing you to pick up where you last saved.
Yes, this is supported.
We recommend that people buy from the PlayStation Store in the region in which they signed up in order to ensure the best experience and customer support.
Video content such as movies and TV episodes available on PlayStation Store will be available at launch in North America. We will announce other entertainment services that will be available on Day One prior to launch. Check PlayStation.Blog and PlayStation’s social channels for further news and updates.
The following benefits will be available only to PlayStation Plus members on PS TV:
No.
Yes. One PS Plus membership will continue to grant benefits for your PS4, PS3, and PS Vita system, even after you pick up a PS TV.
Please refer to the following comparison chart:
PS3 | PS Vita and PS TV | PS4 | |
Online multiplayer | Free on PSN | Free on PSN | PS Plus members only (certain free-to-play titles may allow online multiplayer) |
Automatic game patch download | PS Plus members only | PS Plus members only | Free on PSN |
Online game saves | PS Plus members only | PS Plus members only | PS Plus members only |
Automatic trophy synch | PS Plus members only | PS Plus members only | Free on PSN |
Automatic system software downloads | All users who have updated to system software 4.50 | Will be available to all users after a future system software update | Free on PSN |
Content Services | |||
Instant Game Collection | PS Plus members only | PS Plus members only | PS Plus members only |
Exclusives | PS Plus members only | PS Plus members only | PS Plus members only |
Discounts | PS Plus members only | PS Plus members only | PS Plus members only |
Game Trials | PS Plus members only | N/A | Will not be offered at PS TV launch |
Some of the features users can enjoy for free include:
Yes. PS TV can play MP3 music that is stored on the memory card.
Source: PlayStation Blog
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