Andre Yoskowitz
14 Nov 2014 12:59
Sony has announced the launch of PlayStation Vue, a cloud-based TV service that will "reinvent" the traditional cable TV experience.
The service will start in beta for PlayStation consoles, and will launch with content from 75 networks including the majors like CBS, Fox, NBCU, Viacom and Discovery. More partnerships are expected in the future especially since Disney and Time Warner are noticeably absent. Disney is the owner of ABC and ESPN, two of the more popular stations for content on all of TV.
PlayStation Vue will offer both live TV and on-demand content but the company did not announce pricing except to say they would be "fair and competitive." Major media outlets have pegged that "fair" figure at about $70 and Sony did note that there are no contracts necessary, nor any additional fees or service charges. You will need a PS3 or PS4, however, which ranges from $150-$400.
"Everyday TV is about to become extraordinary with our new cloud‐based TV service, PlayStation Vue," said Andrew House, president and group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment and group executive in charge of the network entertainment business. "PlayStation Vue reinvents the traditional viewing experience so your programming effortlessly finds you, enabling you to watch much more of what you want and search a lot less."
"PlayStation Vue brings the best of live TV and a robust catalog of the latest content, always keeping you connected to what's popular, new and trending."
By being cloud-based, subscribers can also save shows "without storage restrictions or scheduling conflicts," gaining access for 28 days to watch at their own leisure.
Sony listed the partners and what channels, content will be available at launch:
CBS: at launch, the service will offer signals from owned-and-operated CBS TV stations in selects markets along with on-demand primetime programming
Discovery Communications: Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Science, OWN, Discovery Family Channel, plus 11 others
Fox: Fox's owned-and-operated TV stations, FX, FXX, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, BTN, regional sports networks, including YES Network
NBCUniversal: all local offerings from NBC, Telemundo and regional sports networks, Bravo, CNBC, E!, NBCSN, Oxygen, Sprout, Syfy, USA, others
Scripps Networks Interactive: HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Cooking Channel