IPTV Service to be Available Soon on Sony's PS3 in Hong Kong

111w ago - Today Sony PlayStation Asia made available a Press Release announcing that the IPTV Service (via PCCW TV) will be available soon on the PS3 in Hong Kong.

Press Release: New Way of Watching TV Program IPTV available soon on PlayStation 3 in Hong Kong Offering Exciting TV Programs to Enhance PlayStation® Experience

Hong Kong, December 24, 2009 - Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Limited (SCEH) today announced at the "Asia Game Show x Online Game Show 2009" (AGS x OGS 2009) that SCEH and PCCW are collaborating to offer a new way of IPTV viewing. By simply installing a now TV decoder, PlayStation®3 (PS3™) users will then be able to watch TV programs of now TV, making now TV available on PS3™ *1.

By the innovative technology, a brand new IPTV viewing experience will become available to the PS3™ users in Hong Kong at first quarter of 2010 (calendar year). Registered Hong Kong PlayStation®Network users will be able to enjoy now TV services without the need to install a now TV set-top box but just one PS3™ system.

The new offering enables PS3™ users to benefit from PCCW's sophisticated network and capability to enjoy a new way of TV viewing experience, and bringing extra convenience to the PlayStation®Network users.

This service is substantialized by the "Broadcasting Engine"*2 software as well as Cell Broadband Engine™ and RSX™ technology which gives PS3™ tremendous computational power to enable the play of HD quality streaming services. This innovative crossover in Game & Pay TV platform brings new adventure to users of both PS3™ and now TV.

The collaboration is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and further strengthen the position of the PS3™ system as the most complete home entertainment hub on the market today, enabling consumers to play high-definition games, watch Blu-ray movies, listen to music, view photos, browse the Internet, download content from PlayStation®Network and watch HD*3 IPTV programs as the latest.

Ms. Janice Lee, PCCW's Executive Vice President of TV & New Media, said: "In this era of digital entertainment convergence, we see a growing demand from consumers for seamlessly-integrated and readily available TV services via game consoles.

We are very glad to be able to work with Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Limited and believe the synergies we have identified between PCCW and SCEH will benefit both PS3 game players and now TV viewers alike."

Mr. Tetsuhiko Yasuda, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Asia, said, "We're excited to connect now TV service, the leading pay TV operator in HK, with PS3™, enabling players to watch TV programs by using PS3™.

Beside existing functionï�" such as enjoy high-definition Blu-ray movies, groundbreaking games and online services etc, very soon, PS3™ users will be able to enjoy fascinating TV programs of now TV. We will continue to deliver fun entertainment experiences for many years to come."

Starting from first quarter of 2010(calendar year), the now TV decoder application will be available for PS3™ users to download when users sign into PlayStation®Network*4.

SCE continues to expand the PS3™ platform and create a new world of computer entertainment with the PS3™, building on the strong line-up of new features , contents and game titles.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Limited
Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Limited is a subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. responsible for sales and marketing activities of PlayStation® products in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

*1　Required now TV service subscription from PCCW. Installation and activation of now TV decoder application in the PS3™
console will enable the PS3™ to function as a now TV decoder device for the popular gaming console.
*2 "Broadcast Engine" is developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc.
*3　Available only on selected now TV channel.
*4 PS3 system software must be version 3.10 or later.

"PlayStation" is registered trademarks, and PS3 and PSP are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.