With the launch of a new gadget by Sony, which is due to be out by the end of the month, PlayStation 3 owners will be able to use their gaming consoles as TV recorders as well, much like the Tivo HD TV Recorder. The shipment of the gadget, announcement of which has created much excitement, will soon begin.

Christened the Sony PlayTV, the device can be connected with a PS3 via a USB port. Users can then use it to record TV shows, which will be saved on the gaming console's hard drive and can be played back later.

The unit, all set to go on sale as early as November 26, has been priced at $169.95. Included with the price is a pair of HD tuners so that users can watch one show while the other is being recorded. In addition, PlayTV can also record shows while the PS3 is in use to either play games or Blu-ray video discs.

Since its Australian launch in March 2007, more than 540,000 PS3 units have been sold across the country. Recently, Sony slashed its price from $499 to $200 with the aim to kick sales during the Christmas season. The Sony PlayTV has received rave reviews and is being viewed as the perfect companion to the PS3.