Channel 4 4OD to hit PS3
Gamers finally get some 4play
Sony and Channel 4 are in talks to bring 4OD to the PS3.
That's what an unnamed source from Channel 4 told TV trade mag Broadcast.
If the move goes ahead, Channel 4 will be the first UK commercial broadcaster to offer content through the PlayStation platform.
In October last year, 4OD became the first UK channel to offer full length shows over YouTube. It is already available through external services such as Virgin Media On Demand, so the expansion onto PS3 makes sense, for both parties.
For Sony, the move would give the company an edge over Microsoft's Xbox and Sky Player combo, offering customers more content with the probability of lower cost.
Competition is also a factor for Channel 4. The BBC iPlayer features on a number of platforms, including the PS3, so 4OD risks forever playing catch up if action isn't taken. Reports suggest Channel 4 will also follow suit in creating an iPad app.
While there's the possibility that 4OD could form part of a PlayStation Plus subscription, the best option those of us with shallow pockets could hope for is a free download with unskippable ads – pay the dosh or face brainwash.®
COMMENTS
Always playing catch up?
Isn't that the point of the service?
No so fast there buddy.
The website version has ads. You can't skip them either. Sorry to ruin your rant there.
Why Pay
Most people who have Playstations also have computers and will use 4OD over the internet if there is a fee.
Sony do know how to screw things up - so it wouldn't surprise me if they are stupid enough to charge for it.
Let's hope so.
BBC iPlayer is a great addition to the PS3. I use it loads for catching up as it's more convenient than sitting in front of my PC or staring at my laptop screen. If Ch4 do the same thing it may inspire other providers to join in and offer content conduits through similar devices (XBOX, Wii).
We have to sit through adverts anyway when watching anything other than BBC, so watching a repeat of a programme, complete with ads won't be too much of a hardship (as long as we don't have to pay for access, as with Sky).
Yep, thumbs up from me.
Bout time.....
I'm supprised Sony haven't capitalised further on the plaform.
