Viacom and Sony agrees to stream cable channels
Viacom has agreed to stream their popular cable channels – like Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon – on a yet-to-be-named internet TV service by Sony. The subscription service is a live stream competitor to on-demand libraries such as Netflix and Hulu.
The breadth of content as well as the price has not been finalized, but the service is expected to debut on the upcoming PlayStation 4, though tablets, smartphones, HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players are likely to provide the service as well. A recommendation algorithm will use viewing patterns and movie rentals to find new programming. Rumors for internet TV also include the individualization of advertisements on live TV.
Sony is also negotiating with Walt Disney, Time Warner and CBS to add their channels to the service.
Intel and Google have also been working on internet TV services, with Google’s YouTube already streaming certain live content, most notably President Obama’s speeches.
