Sony Launching Provider-Free TV Service PlayStation Vue

Sony has unveiled a new service that will be coming to PlayStation platforms called PlayStation Vue.

PlayStation Vue will be a cloud-based TV service that lets you stream live TV without the need of a contract or provider. The service will support catch-up and on-demand, allowing users to watch shows whenever they want while also having access to live TV.

Sony has already announced a multitude of partners, including the following:

• CBS – At launch, PlayStation®Vue will offer the live linear signal from CBS Television Network’s owned-and-operated TV stations in select leading markets in addition to on-demand prime-time programming.
• Discovery Communications – Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Science, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Discovery Family Channel and 11 more brands.
• Fox – Fox Networks Group’s portfolio of national entertainment programming services, including – FX, FXX, FXM, National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD. Additionally FOX Sports’ national and regional programming services – FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2, BTN, Fox’s regional sports networks, including YES Network and Prime Ticket. The agreement also covers Fox’s owned and operated television stations.
• NBCUniversal – All local offerings from NBC, Telemundo and regional sports networks as well as Bravo, CNBC, E!, NBCSN, Oxygen, Sprout, Syfy, USA Network and more.
• Scripps Networks Interactive – HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, DIY Network and Cooking Channel.
• Viacom – BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, PALLADIA, Spike, VH1 and more.

There was no confirmation of pricing, but it was announced that PlayStation Vue will be launching next year with an invite-only beta taking place in November before its subsequent launch in the first quarter of 2015. The beta will be available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, with iPad and other Sony and non-Sony devices to get support later.

See below for our list of partners and affiliates: