When Sony finally launches its cloud-based Internet television service, the company will have at least 22 networks. The tech giant struck a deal with Viacom, which will make networks like MTV, Vh1, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon available to users.
This deal was actually reported on a year ago, but not announced by the two sides until today. It provides Sony with a good collection of content for the planned service when it is finally made available to consumers.
It is a first-of-its-kind deal, but will likely be a hint of the future. If Internet TV can grow, more media companies will certainly be interested in doing what Viacom has done.
The 22 Viacom networks that will be available include BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons, Spike, TV Land and VH1, BET Gospel, Centric, Logo, CMT Pure Country, MTV Hits, MTV James, mtvU, Palladia, TeenNick, Vh1 Classic and Vh1 Soul. These will also be available in HD.
In addition, users will also get access to the Viacom TV Everywhere mobile app and the on-demand package.
“Viacom always strives to create transformational opportunities that combine consumer value and technological innovation,” Philippe Dauman, President and CEO, Viacom, said in a statement. “Given our young, tech-savvy audiences, our networks are essential for any new distribution platform, and we’re excited to be among the many programmers that will help power Sony’s new service and advance a new era for television.”
“Our new cloud-based TV service will combine the live TV content people love most about cable with the dynamic experience they have come to expect from our network,” Andrew House, Group Executive, Network Entertainment Business, Sony Corporation, added.
Sony still has no exact release date planned for its Internet TV service, but it must be close to ready if Viacom was OK with making the deal official. When it launches, it will have to compete with Apple TV and devices like Roku. Google has also been exploring Internet TV.
image of Jon Stewart courtesy of Tina Kaawaloa/INFevents.com