The BBC are reporting that Sony are set to announce a TV tuner for the PS3 that will allow recording and playback of digital TV as well as a video download service for the PSP in partnership with SKY. the BBC also state that Sony will be lifting the lid on a video chat and instant messaging network that will be made available for the PSP in partnership with BT.

Quote:
Sony is also expected to give more details of a video chat and instant messaging system for the PSP, developed in conjunction with BT in the UK.

Sony will be hoping that the new multimedia functionality for its PlayStation 3 and PSP consoles will make it more attractive to both gamers and non-gamers.

Both machines lag behind sales of rival devices from Nintendo and Microsoft, such as the Wii, DS handheld console and Xbox 360.

Sony said it aimed to increase shipments of the PS3 to 11 million units by 2008.

Unlike other major games conferences, Leipzig is open to the public and 200,000 gamers are expected to attend the four-day event to get their hands on the latest titles.

"This year we are expecting over 9,000 trade visitors and some 2,800 journalists from over 35 countries," said Josef Rahmen, managing director of the Leipziger Messe, in a statement.