The lights are on
This hardware generation has expanded users' ideas of what a gaming console can be, as they reach beyond mere game-playing devices. The PS2 brought the DVD format into many households, and Sony and Microsoft's console technology has continued to evolve, incorporating streaming music, video, and more. If reports are to be believed, Sony could be taking its video services a step further.
Variety cites sources who say the company is in talks with several content providers, whose content could be bundled and sold on the PS3 and other connected devices such as Bravia TV sets and Blu-ray players in a service that could compete with cable. It would differ from Microsoft's Comcast Xfinity support, in that it would allow new users to access the content instead of extending it to existing subscribers.
According to Variety, the service wouldn't allow users to pick and choose their channels, but they would be bundled together in a package similar to cable. One advantage such a service would have over cable competitors would be its nationwide availability, as opposed to regional service areas. If the sources are to be believed, we could see the fruits of these negotiations in the U.S. before the end of 2013.
Sony hasn't offered any statement beyond the usual "We don't comment on rumors or speculation."
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Humm depending on how the content is bundled I could give this a try, I haven't have cable tv for maybe a year so far.
I'm a satellite man myself. Cable companies here in Alaska want a small fortune for a lesser product. This would be cool for those with limited options, though. I'm sure they would integrate DVR capabilities as well, since TV is unwatchable for me unless it has been prerecorded and I can bypass commercials (somewhere, a corporate sponsor sheds a tear).
So wait sonybots, it's now ok that this happens now that sony is doing it, yet MS are a**holes because they should just focus on gaming only for a game console?
I love how fangirls are, good stuff. I never mind stuff like this, it's a great option for many people for many different reasons and just might get the current providers to realize how bad they are ripping people off and fix their pricing once people start moving to said service.
I'm a gamer, I don't understand all this zippity zap, cable lingo.
I already have cable, thank you Sony
Silly Sony, Al Gore already invented the Internet.
Hmmmm... I wonder what SONY has up their sleve this time.
Well, assuming this is true, then all three consoles are involved in a tv service in one way or another, with Microsoft's Xfinity service on the 360 and TVii on the Wii U. I guess Sega Channel was ahead of its time lol.
I dont care about this sony. I care about that stupid used disc patent tech you have sitting on your desk.
I'm guessing if your internet provider is also a cable company, this service may not be supported by them for some reason or another.
Just another deathblow to the old format of cable TV. Cable TV is dying a very slow death. I'd say in 10-20 years time content providers are going to be able to distribute on their own. Hopefully sooner. Haven't had cable in over a year and two things: 1) I've learned to adapt; 2) I don't miss it. Doing without it will definitely change your behavior and the way you think.