Sony poised to reveal PS4 live TV service

January 9th, 2014, 00:21 Posted By: wraggster

Sony is preparing to launch a live TV and on-demand streaming network for PS4 as the electronics giant vies to compete with the Xbox One's media capabilities.
The cloud based service, which has not yet been named, will allow users to watch live television through their PS4 and purchase a range of films, television shows and possibly additional TV packages.
Sony expects to launch the program across the US in 2014. Other specifics, such as European launch timings and subscription prices, are unknown for now.
At E3 in July, Sony signalled its intent to bring a comprehensive TV service to PlayStation [Image: GameBang]One feature proposed is that users will be able to watch shows and live TV on their PS4 and pick up where they left off on another device. Sony added that it wants the service to eventually support iPads, iPhones and Android devices.
A smart search algorithm is promised along with DVR functionality.
The PlayStation manufacturer has a long-established relationship with film and TV content providers, and runs its own production unit Sony Pictures Television, which has produced shows such as Breaking Bad.
How this on-demand and live TV service will affect Sony's existing relationship with cable TV providers is not clear. Speaking at a press conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday, the corporation's CEO Kaz Hirai insisted that "we are not trying to compete with the cable operators".
"We're trying to resolve one of the biggest hurdles, which is watching live TV and streaming content on different devices," he told a gathering of journalists at CES.
"Everybody's been talking about it, I don't think anyone has been able to do it. We're offering live TV and we're combining it with other video services... We don't set out to do this and say we're going to compete with cable companies."
It is unclear if Sony's current Video Unlimited service will exist alongside the new cloud TV network.
All three key console manufacturers are trying to shake up TV in the living-room with their own content services. Microsoft's Xbox One can read live TV feeds with a HDMI-In cable, while Nintendo is planning a Wii U TVii service.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...ve-tv-service/

There are 0 comments - Join In and Discuss Here