Time Warner Cable is set to deliver its entire video programming line-up to customers with Sony’s Internet-connected Bravia HDTVs later this year.
The agreement would let Time Warner Cable subscribers tap into the company’s on-demand content without an advanced digital video recorder or set-top box. Pricing and timing of the joint service was not disclosed.
“Delivering cable content over IP will allow consumers new flexibility to view their favorite TV programs on Sony products around the home,” said Phil Molyneux, Sony Electronics USA president.
While the deal doesn’t give non-subscribers access to Time Warner’s VOD programming, it shows that it would be technically possible for the cable company to reach out to viewers who cut the cable but still have Internet access.
For Sony, the deal is part of a strategy to pack as many entertainment options as possible into its Bravia TVs and other Internet-connected devices. Sony already has Netflix’s Instant Watch service, Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube videos and its own library of shows and movies available for purchase or rent.
Sir Howard Stringer, Sony president and CEO told the CES audience that Sony was executing its strategy to be the leading global provider of networked entertainment.
“We are redefining TV. By March more than 50 million TV screens in US homes alone will be connected to a Sony device — be that PS3, Wi-Fi Blu-ray player or Sony Internet TV,” he said. “That’s a significant base of connected products. But our business is no longer just about the sale of hardware. We have an equally if not more significant revenue base for content across these devices.”
Its main connected TV line is the Bravia Internet Video Link platform, partners for which now include Sony’s Qriocity VOD service and Music Unlimited, a multiplatform music service that launches in the US with a library of 6 million tracks.
— “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” launched in the U.K. and Ireland in December 2010.
— Sony is to produce an ad campaign this year with the tagline ‘Television Redfined: Sony Internet TV’.
— The 2011 Bravia LCD HDTV line includes 16 new 3D-capable and 22 Internet-connected models.
— There are 27 new Bravia models in the 2011 line.