Sony’s online cable service is gaining steam with the announced today of a big deal with Viacom that immediately gives the service a library of highly popular stations. Sony will offer 22 networks when it launches including Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and MTV. No release date has been announced for Sony’s streaming services but it is expected to launch latter this year.
This is a huge shot at cable services form a established media company like Sony. The new service gives people the ability to watch shows like MTV Made and The Daily Show without a cable subscription. Viewers will be able to access the service through Sonys PlayStation video game console or through mobile devices like the iPad. Subscribers will have access to live streams and archived shows from some of the most popular channels for people 18-30.
Currently there is no word on Roku, FireTV, or Apple TV support. Many are expecting additional support on one or more of the services by years end. A full list of supported devices are expected when a launch date is released.
There is still very little information about the new services. Will the channels be a la carte or will they be bundled together is currently the biggest question about the service. If they plan to keep to a 2014 launch date we should be hearing something soon.