Sony Adds HD Downloads to PS3

Washington, D.C. (July 16, 2008) -- Sony yesterday launched a movie download service on the Play Station 3 video console that includes standard-def and High-Definition programs.

The announcement, which had been expected for weeks, follows Monday's news that Microsoft will add a NetFlix movie streaming service to its XBox 360 video game console.

While the NetFlix service apparently will not include high-def movies, Microsoft does offer HD TV shows and movies on its XBox Live service.

Sony and Microsoft continue to battle for the nation's living rooms with everything from Blu-ray players to download services as well as innovative games.

Sony said yesterday that it had signed up the major studios including Fox, Disney and Warner to offer movies on its download service, according to the Associated Press.

Additionally, company officials said the downloads could be transported from the console to the Play Station Portable handheld device.

As part of its new strategy, Sony said it would introduce an 80GB Play Station 3 for $399 in September.

“This new 80Gb PS3 is perfectly suited for high-definition downloads of games, movies and more,” said Jack Tretton, president of Sony Computer Entertainment.

Commentary:
Despite Wall Street's giddiness over downloads -- HD or non HD -- they will be no more than a niche service for years to come. As I keep pointing out, Americans are not tech savvy; the concept of video downloads on their TVs is too complicated to generate mass acceptance anytime soon.

Plus, HD downloads to date are not really, well, in HD. The picture quality is far inferior to the Blu-ray high-def disc or even what you see on cable or satellite.

So, tech intelligentsia, keep trying to flog this horse. It will still be stuck in the starting gate for some time to come.

Comment on this article!

__________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

Click TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.

© TVPredictions.com
______________________________________________________

Phillip Swann is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

Click TVPredictions.com to read more news and features on TV technology.