Sony Computer Entertainment launched its cloud-based TV service, called Vue on Wednesday, March 18.
Back in November last year, Sony Entertainment announced PlayStation Vue, a new TV streaming service developed to give cable companies and Netflix a run for their money by converting the PlayStation gaming console into a versatile entertainment center. This will allow TV junkies to finally find a way out as they will no longer have to pay outrageous cable costs. Now, they can simply choose between three channel packages, each with a different price tag.
According to Examiner, Sony had a soft launch for Vue on Wednesday, March 18, making it available for download in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia. An FAQ on the Sony website reveals that Vue will be ready in other cities soon enough. That said, for now only users in those three major markets can put Vue to test.
LATimes noted that Vue will feature popular networks such as CBS, , CNN, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, Fox, Food Network, NBC, TBS, along with Discovery Communications channels including Animal Planet.
With the PlayStation Vue, Sony is hoping to appeal to the budget-conscious adults, gamer crowd and others who live in the 10 million homes in the United States without a pay-TV subscription.
Not only that, the tech giant has also been developing an app to make the service available to Apple iPad users.
After a seven-day free trial, initial users can consider getting a basic "Access" Vue, which goes for $49.99 a month and offers more than fifty premium channels.
The $59.99 "Core" package on the other hand steps it up by throwing the Comcast Sports Net and Golf Channel but no ESPN.
At $69.99 a month, "Elite" adds in more cartoons, movies and sports. It even has VH1, MTV and the CMT Pure Country channel.
Check out the Full list of channels in each Vue package below.
With Netflix's $7.99 per month bargain, Vue does seem rather pricey, but not compared to cable.
Vue users can make use of the "My Show" feature to automatically save shows in the Playstation's cloud for up to a month. Opposed to some DVR's, the cloud has a lot of room, so even if two shows are airing at the same time, the "My Show" feature has the ability to record them. Sony has few other tricks that will enhance the TV watching experience. "Explore" filters content in order to help users find new program based on what they like and "Favorites" enables users to fast forward through an episode's commercials by bookmarking it.
During the trial run, Vue can only be used on PS4 and PS3 consoles, with an iPad app slated to come later. Starting at $399.99, the PS4 ain't cheap. Even an iPad Mini is $199.99 at most retailers.
That said, it may be more worthwhile to rather invest in these systems than continue paying around $1,000 a year for basic cable alone.
Are you excited about Sony's PlayStation Vue? Do you think it is worth investing in consoles rather than basic cable? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
