Report: Sony to unveil PS3 video service in July

The Los Angeles Times on Monday reported that Sony could reveal a new video download service for PS3 as early as E3 2008.

According to anonymous executives close to the Los Angeles Times, Sony will announce an online video service for PS3 as early as summer, presumably (or conveniently) in July at E3, gaming's largest worldwide press event.

The incognito sources went on to say that Sony has recently been in talks with various studios to license movies and TV shows for download from the PS3 Store.

While the timing of such an announcement is unconfirmed, Sony has already alluded to plans to compete with Microsoft's Xbox 360 Marketplace for video downloads.

"Many of you have been hearing rumblings about a video service that will allow you to download full-length TV shows and movies via PlayStation Network for North America," wrote Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing for SCEA, in a blog post last week. "While I don't have any new announcements... it's already been confirmed that we'll be offering a video service for PS3 in a way that separates the service from others you've seen or used."

Sony has unsuccessfully tried to launch a digital download service twice before. Last year, the company sold Movielink to Blockbuster Video for $6.6 million after disappointing sales of downloadable movie rentals. In March, Sony pulled the plug on its iTunes-killer, Sony Connect.

In related news, Nikko Citigroup on Monday said it expects the PlayStation 3 to break even by August via the possible introduction of a smaller Cell processor (or a fully redesigned PS3 Slim) to reduce manufacturing costs. Currently, the PS3 sells at a loss, which is standard in the industry.

THE VERDICT by Blake Snow Blake Snow's Avatar Sony unveiling a PS3 video download service at E3 this year is a no-brainer. Cool, but more importantly, what games are they gonna show?

Comments [45]

post a comment

LIVINGLEGEND69

i cant wait for this service.. this will be another beautiful feature to add to the PS TRIPLE

PaganFest

meh, why would I pay to download movies and tv shows, when I already get that for free.

artsaber

Meh, unless I can get some movies early... or cheaper than Blockbuster, this is no news to me.

dlocdabudsmoka69

hmm perhaps sony studios movie will be free to rent. i know it won't happen, but i can dream

ZanonX

yeah but remember sony is just doing this because alot of fans want it, they probably have other plans as well who knows, nobody ever really knows.

Post a Comment