PS4 to stream live cable channels via net

Looks like those talks of Sony having an ace up their sleeve (regarding the Xbox One's cable gui overlay) and wanting to skip the cable box (and companies) and go straight to the content providers to stream through the net are true. This is why Sony didn't go the "plug your cable provider's box in the back route"... because the've been working on cutting the cable middleman out and providing live cable shows via the net (rumored to be the first "pick your channel" a la carte deal)... and they just signed a deal with Viacom!


In a deal that may signal the start of a new era of competition for entrenched cable and satellite providers, Viacom has tentatively agreed to let its popular cable channels — like Nickelodeon and MTV — be carried by an Internet TV service that Sony is creating.

The agreement is believed to be the first of its kind between a major programmer and any of the technology giants that are trying to disrupt traditional modes of TV delivery. If other programmers follow suit, Sony’s as-yet-unnamed service would let paying subscribers receive live cable channels the same way they use on-demand libraries like Netflix or Hulu.

That Viacom — which has more than 20 channels, including big ones like Comedy Central and small ones like Centric — was the first to agree to support Sony’s fledgling service is not necessarily surprising, since the company has a reputation for contentious relationships with cable and satellite companies.

Sony is well-positioned to reach younger Americans because its PlayStation video game console is already hooked up to TV sets in tens of millions of homes. The company has said almost nothing about its intentions, but it has been interested in selling a bundle of channels at least since 2011. Its TV service could also be made available in the future via smartphones, tablet computers and other devices.

Sony hopes to start selling the service in the fourth quarter of 2013 or the first quarter of 2014, said a media company executive briefed on the plans for it. -Via the New York Times

This would be golden if they do it right and offer enough worthy cahnnels. I have been looking for a way to shed F'n comcast rip u off stuff it up ur butt corp n a al-chart is the way I would like to see it.
I wish there was more out on it but it is definitely another good reason to go with the PS4.

I am not a fan of it, but it is good business. Hopefully they can pull together enough of these broadcast companies to give a true a la carte option. I only watch a handful of channels and the rest is just clutter that increases my cable bill. I guess it could be good for console buyers, but I really would rather have all the horsepower dedicated to gaming. Maybe they will sell an add on separate box for this type of service.

Sounds like it could be something that actually could grow into a really nice alternative to cable/sat service.

I just found Crackle the other day. I like these types of services and use them. Combine that with netflix/prime/hulu......and all the other apps that seem to be popping up now and dropping cable isn't so much an issue.

^^^ Hell yes... Crackle is great! Imagine... a PS4 (or other sony device) with the few big cable shows... the big 3... you pay a few bucks a month... they'll undoubtedly get the premiums like HBO/Stars/Showtime... able to watch live! Plus netflix and hulu etc... you won't need cable!