As widely expected Sony Computer Entertainment today confirmed that the doors to the long-awaited Home service will be opened to a public beta on December 11th.

Offering PS3 owners a 3D social-gaming platform, Home allows users to communicate, interact and share gaming experiences.  Players can create and customise their own avatars and explore the virtual community while chatting through text or voice chat.

Boasting an abundance of content, Home users can participate in fun mini-games, share videos, and attend special events with friends, along with the ability to create clubs with other Home users who share the same interests - although to be a Clubhouse owner you will need to buy the entitlement to run the club.

The Home beta will be made available as a free download and launch directly from the Home icon on the PSN tab on the XMB.  The basic features and services are free, however additional services and features will come at a cost.

PS3 owners in the SCEE territory (that's us) can take advantage of special themed areas to explore.  Beginning with a Far Cry 2 space, Home offers PS3 gamers specific areas to discuss the game, plan strategies, and access additional content that will enhance the game.  SCEE promises that additional spaces for Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Warhawk, Motorstorm, and SOCOM will follow shortly, while the first-party is working alongside EA, Ubisoft, Midway, SEGA, and Atari to create further environments.

"We are very excited to be bringing PlayStation Home to Europe and the PAL territories, offering users an interactive, social, gaming experience," said Daniel Hill, Home Service Manager, SCEE. "PlayStation Home is unique to anything else in the gaming world and by partnering with both global and regional gaming and non-gaming brands, we are able to offer exciting and entertaining content that will enhance the PlayStation experience."

Home of course is also a way for plenty of companies to sell you virtual items - if you're in to that type of thing.  Clothing from Diesel will initially be available, with items ranging from free of charge to 1.50 euros.  Furniture to decorate your virtual living space will also be provided by Ligne Roset, offering a variety of options including the iconic Togo and Facett upholstery collections.

Finally the PlayStation Home Theatre offers a cinematic experience, although like Microsoft's Video Marketplace, we suspect this will take a little while to grow.  From the start the Theatre will offer an exclusive video greeting from Watchmen director Zack Snyder along with the latest trailer.  Later in the New Year a selection of virtual Watchmen merchandise will be made available, along with a special event allowing PS3 owners to meet and chat with the cast and filmmakers.  Something tells us that seats at the PlayStation Home Theatre won't be in too much demand for a little while yet.