Sony to Offer HBO Shows on PS3 via PlayStation Network

[Starlight]

Today http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100524-710552.html reports that Sony and Time Warner have struck a deal allowing HBO Originals to be available for download on the PlayStation Network video store, however, the content will not be from seasons that are currently airing.

The reason for the time lag between the show airing and it going up for download is, to quote, "because it won't incentivize cable and satellite subscribers to drop their TV service."

Additionally, http://www.ps3attitude.com/new/2010/05/hbo-content-not-coming-to-pal-territories/ has received confirmation from Sony stating that unfortunately HBO content is not coming to PAL territories.

They also will be raising the price $2 for these episodes, to quote:

"...their agreement will allow PS3 users to pay a premium price to download episodes from 11 HBO series, like "Big Love," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and "Entourage," as they become available for sale in the DVD format roughly 11 months after premiering on the network.

...an episode of the HBO series "True Blood" will be available for download through the PS3 for $2.99, while episodes from most TV dramas on the PlayStation are priced at 99 cents per episode."

Finally, Sony's CEO Jack Tretton stated the following on the deal, to quote:

"HBO is a high-profile content provider, and a real premium service, so we think this really reinforces that the PlayStation is more than just a video-game console now.

It gives consumers that big-screen, HD experience in the home on a device other than cable and satellite, and that's becoming the norm now as opposed to the exception."


More PlayStation 3 News...

[GrandpaHomer]

Hmm - wait eleven months and then pay for something that was already aired "free" on TV or wait 11 minutes and then get it right away for free from "common" sources? Really tough decisions.