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PlayTV patch to cost "reasonable" amount

Even PSN+ subscribers must fork out.

That "major update" to PlayTV that Sony's promised since April: well, it's going to cost you - even if you subscribe to PlayStation Plus.

"The guys at Cambridge put a great deal of effort into this update and, unlike the previous free updates, we will be charging a reasonable amount for the new features," James Thorpe, PSN product manager, wrote on the European PlayStation blog.

"[PlayStation] Plus members are very important to us and we are looking into providing you guys extra value for PlayTV. Will keep you posted on this.

"If you are not keen on the new features then you do not have to buy the update, therefore there is no reason not to recommend this to your friend, we are not charging people to watch TV."

The update, due later in the year, adds the ability to text-chat with friends while watching live TV. There's also a new guide so you can plan your recordings seven days in advance; a Series Link feature to earmark all episodes of a series for recording; the ability to send Facebook recommendations; and Community Favourites, which lets you see what your friends are watching. Giggle.

PlayTV is an external device for PlayStation 3 that allows you to watch and record free-to-air digital TV on PS3. PlayTV carries an RRP of £70, although most retailers offer significant discounts.