Just a day after Microsoft announced a deal with Netflix which means Xbox 360 owners will now be able to download movies to their consoles, Sony has unveiled its own video download service for the PS3 and PSP.
The service was actually announced at the end of June, but very few details were known. At the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, the details were filled in, and the content partners revealed.
Movies and TV Episodes
According to the press release, the service is launching initially in the US, with full-length movies and television shows being made available over the Playstation Network and Playstation Store.
300 movies, and 1,200 episodes of television shows being downloadable, from content partners including 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate Entertainment, MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Entertainment.
Jack Tretton Speaks
Jack Tretton, president and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment America said:
“PLAYSTATION Network’s video delivery service capitalizes on the superior value and entertainment potential of PS3 and PSP — not only for gaming enthusiasts, but also for the millions of consumers looking to buy the best, most versatile solution for their home entertainment system,”
“The collaboration of Sony’s film, TV and entertainment business units, coupled with our hardware and content offerings, provide consumers with entertainment experiences unlike any on the market.”
Jumper, 3:10 to Yuma, Rocky, Cloverfield, Spider-Man, and 10,000 B.C. will all be available immediately, with many other big releases to follow.
Pricing and DRM
The rental price is set at between $2.99 and $5.99, with purchased movies costing between $9.99 and $14.99. Rentals will be available to watch for 14 days from purchase, and for 24 hours after playback has begun.
Sony has chosen to go with Marlin Digital Rights Management technology, which is an open industry standard. While it prevents content from being moved anywhere, it does at least allow content to be shared between the PS3 and PSP.
Good News For Gamers
Once a movie has been transferred to a PSP, it means users can watch it on the move. Something which is already available to gamers in the UK through Sky’s Go!View service, which launched yesterday.
It seems that whatever Microsoft can do, Sony can do better, or at least similar. This is all good for the consumer, as well as for the future of digital downloads, and the mainstream acceptance of online-based video delivery systems.
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