Will a PS3 download service starve Blu-ray?

Sony is working to roll out a video-on-demand service for the PlayStation 3, and one report says it could happen as early as this summer. However, most Blu-ray DVD players in consumers' homes are actually PS3s. Will offering an online service cannibalize Sony's high-def format?

By Walaika Haskins

23 Apr 2008

PlayStation 3 owners may soon be able to watch movies without ever leaving their living rooms.

In an official PlayStation blog entry dated 15 April, the game maker hinted at plans for the PlayStation Network in 2008 and a recent revamp of the PlayStation Store. A senior marketing executive also mentioned that a video service was in the works for the PS3. Then, a report in Monday's Los Angeles Times cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter who asserted a video service is indeed headed for the PS3 as early as this summer.

"Many of you have been hearing rumblings about a video service that will allow you to download full-length TV shows and movies via PlayStation Network for North America," wrote Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing and PlayStation Network, on the PlayStation blog. "While I don't have any new announcements here for the PlayStation Nation, it's already been confirmed that we'll be offering a video service for the PS3 in a way that separates the service form others you've seen or used.

"Ultimately, the goal of the PlayStation Network service will be to break through the overwhelming clutter of digital media to give you the TV, movies and gaming content you want. More on this very soon," he continued.

A Sony spokesperson declined to provide any additional details such as pricing or lineup on the as-of-yet unofficial service.

"We don't have anything further to announce about this service," Patrick Seybold, Sony PlayStation spokesperson, told TechNewsWorld.

Read the full article here.