Chicago (IL) – As of yesterday, Sony Computer Entertainment America is now offering television programs and movies from NBC Universal. The deal expands content to 1,300 movies and 4,500 TV episodes which can be purchased or rented on Sony’s PlayStation network.
The PlayStation Network boasts over 20 million registered users worldwide, which is significantly greater than the 17 million reported by Microsoft’s Xbox Live. However Microsoft has partnered with Netflix to deliver to gamers a library of over 30,000 movies and television programs.
PlayStation users have been able to download movies and TV shows since last July, with Sony partnering with MTV to deliver channels such as Spike, MTV, and Nickelodeon. The company is having to make significant strives to gain a better market position.
The deal with Universal Studies Home Entertainment and NBC will offer the download of films and television programs to those who use the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation portable within the United States. There are 9 million registered accounts within the United States. The use of the PlayStation Portable gives Sony an edge, as users can carry the content with them on the go.
The addition of programming and films via this partnership gives Sony 1,300 movies and 4,500 television episodes. Users will have access to TV shows like 30 Rock and Battlestar Gallactica, as well as movies like Milk, and Burn After Reading.
Users will be charged anywhere from $2.99 and $5.99 for rentals, and purchases cost between $9.99 and $14.99. Television shows can be viewed the day after their original airing.
