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It seems the announcement was forced after news of the delay surfaced in the Japanese financial newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun, although reports had been widespread - PlayStation 3 facing Blu-ray delay. One of the problematic issues has been finalising agreements on disc copy protection technology. Delays were previously signalled by the failure of AACS (Advanced Access Content System) members to agree on final specifications.

Such digital rights management is a major concern for media companies - a particularly sensitive topic for Sony - and has been a factor in determining third-party support between the rival Blu-ray and HD DVD formats.

'We are absolutely delighted that we will be able to bring PS3 to gamers in Europe and Australia before Christmas,' the Corporation quotes David Reeves, head of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. 'This is an exciting first for Europe, and is a huge endorsement and vote of confidence in the strength of the European market and its importance globally.'

Details of pricing, and final specifications, have yet to emerge, however.