Sony will bring the launch of its PS Delivery Network to customers in The Netherlands and Belgium forward to later this year rather than in 2010. In the Vidzone, people will be able to rent or buy movies from major studios on their game console.
Sony announced a November launch for the new service in a limited number of countries (see Broadband TV News passim). It allows owners of the PS3 and PSP to watch movies from 20th Century Fox, Disney-ABC-ESPN Television, Lionsgate, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Starz Media, Universal, Warner Bros and others.
The earlier start for the two Benelux countries comes as no surprise, given that they have a relative high broadband internet penetration as compared with most other European countries. Also, illegal download activities are very high in the two countries.
When downloading to their PS3 game console, people will be able to view the movies on their regular TV screen, while also being able to take the videos on the go with their PSP.
When they rent a movie, a progressive download will start, making it possible to start viewing a movie immediately after rental or purchase.
