Last night saw my attendance for Destructoid at the Sony PlayStation launch of its Video Download Service in the UK. A very long overdue, Download Service.
The service we were shown was pretty much as expected. Accessed online, you have the option to buy or rent, with costs varying depending on the title. It's also good to know that the store will be updated frequently (so you would never be far behind on the latest releases), and Sony is offering both high definition or standard definition.
While I can't say I was blown away with the store on the PlayStation 3; after all it isn't exactly ground breaking. The PlayStation Portable service did interest me. I have always had that soft spot for my PSP. While the DS is cute, the PSP feels technological, stylist and powerful in comparison. I love the all around media use of the PSP; I can't watch moves on my DS, and taking a laptop everywhere isn't always practical.
So having that option -- to download the latest movies either to my PS3 and transfer, or directly to the PSP itself and just go -- does appeal to me. I could find myself being a customer. There are, of course, a few little problems -- I can't watch HD on the PSP; I own a PSP Slim + Lite with its tiny battery life that mocks me; and of course Sony memory cards are not cheap.
The rentals offered by Sony started at a little over £2, have to be watched in 48 hours, and would be available for 11 days. Not bad for a cheap night in, or for entertainment on the go. Purchased films are yours to keep at roughly the same price as you would pay in the store, but you get to sit on your ass instead.
It feels good to finally see the service available, but it's disappointing that it took Sony this long to launch in the UK. I always felt that Sony should have had this covered before anybody else. I look at the PS3 and the PSP now and I feel confident in Sony again -- they are finally turning into the all around entertainment systems they were designed to be.
As for the launch party? Yeah, I totally didn't get drunk, break a bed, or make an ass of myself in any way, shape or form. God damn it -- I am a professional!
Contest:
5:40 PM on 11.19.2009
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Also; Seto, I'm surprised to see you wearing trousers, especially as there was an open bar!
I hate to correct you though but the rentals last for 14 days (but 48 hours after you press play) and the movies get updated every Monday. Also HD movies just won't work on the PSP because of the screen resolution.
Oh and I so did not get wasted and rub up against the TVs....
HOT.
SECONDED.
Love me some ginger birds.
Hollie gave me strict orders not to get thrown out :-(
If you dont get it look at image 3
Also, I love redheads so much. For me, there is no such thing as overload. There is only never enough.
Also
http://www.amazon.com/Spongebob-Squarepants-1-Game-Boy-Advance/dp/B0001ZNU56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1258680579&sr=8-1
See? I TOLD you!
looks like you guys partied hard XD you got ur butt on the tv yo!
<a href="http://www.freeannuityrates.com/">Annuities</a>
Annuities
No, Sony Hates everyone
Wierd.
I also got the facebook stuff last night, is it just the options in "account management"? Or is there actually a Facebook veiwing app thingy? or do we still just go through the browser?
Also Facebook wasn't mentioned in the update notes....
Wierd update Sony. Very wierd.
The service sounds pretty cool - 14 days to watch a film you payed a couple of quid for is decent enough, unless you are already on LoveFilm (where there is no time limit). But, then, with Lovefilm, actual physical movement is asked of you, god forbid!
fix rrod