Having already (arguably) conquered the world's of home entertainment, gaming and films (though what with the recent hacks that last one comes with a pretty major caveat), Sony are branching out into TV broadcasting (or at least an approximation of it) with their new Playstation Vue service. In many ways it's a pretty obvious move, given that Microsoft came out of the gate swinging with their competing Xbox One console when it came to creating an all-in-one entertainment box. What sets Sony's plan apart though, is that the service isn't restricted to their current-generation Playstation 4 console, it also works on their Playstation 3 system, a console with a pretty staggering install-base.
Sony are branching out into internet-based TV broadcasting with their new Playstation Vue service
It's able to do this by pulling its televisual data not from a TV cable or satellite dish, but online via a bespoke cloud service that could very well revolutionise the way we get our TV. Vue offers live and on-demand (think Netflix) content, and is available now in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia, starting at $49.99 per month. In addition, the service will also include new network partners such as Fox News Networks, AMC Networks (home of Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead), and Turner Broadcasting.
The idea that consumers will no longer require a satellite dish or cable connection to watch TV is pretty exciting indeed, especially considering the fact that the Vue service appears to be quite lenient regarding how it handles its subscriptions. Basically, you pay a monthly rate that you can cancel at any time. You're not locked into any commitment and all you need to watch is access to a Playstation console. In fact, in future you won't even need that, as the service is being brought to the iPad later in the year and is expected to début on “Other popular devices” in the near future.
Vue offers live and on-demand (think Netflix) content, and is available now in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia
Andrew House, president and global CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment and group executive in charge of the Network Entertainment Business, said “The TV experience needs a revolution and PlayStation Vue changes the rules by embracing how today's viewers want to discover and enjoy content.” He says the service “Modernises the TV viewing experience, taking the best of live TV and on-demand content and bringing it to the PlayStation ecosystem in a way that gives control back to viewers and enables them to spend more time watching their favourite programs and less time channel surfing using outdated menus.” Speaking of which, the menu system is another major selling point for the service.
Almost certainly taking cues from the Xbox One TV service (and why wouldn't it?), the Live TV menus are far more involved than those you'd find on your typical cable or satellite box. The menus can also be personalised so that your favourite channels and shows show up on your Vue homepage. There are also pretty extensive On Demand and Catch Up sections and an innovative Discovery mode, which aims to be an intelligent system helping viewers find content that suits their tastes and preferences. As with Xbox One, shows can also be saved to your system via DVR, but perhaps the most impressive extra feature here is the Cloud DVR, which allows for up to 28 days of unlimited storage. Just imagine all the episode of The Simpsons you could store. In fact. You could potentially keep all of them!
Perhaps the most impressive extra feature here is the Cloud DVR, which allows for up to 28 days of unlimited storage!
Sony Network vice president Eric Lempel, says the idea behind Vue was to "take the burden out of watching television" by streamlining the interactive elements consumers find so frustrating and making the system more intuitive and logical. He adds that every product they release, they iterate,” meaning that whilst “The cable box has hasn't really changed in 10 years” Sony plan to continually add to and improve their service by adding extra “Networks, features and functionalities” as the service progresses. “We're pushing innovation in this space that hasn't existed before,” he says.
As for if and when this service will reach our shores? It's early days yet, and there are added complications in the UK market, including the widespread popularity of Sky and Virgin Media and the sad fact that there are still many of us without the necessary bandwidth to run such an intensive internet-based service. If it does end up over here though, I for one will be the first to get rid of my Tivo box and clear such much needed room under my TV.
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and struggling musician from Kidderminster in the UK.
