Sony & Viacom internet TV deal an industry first

In a deal that could disrupt traditional modes of TV delivery, Viacom and Sony have agreed to a preliminary deal to launch an online video streaming service on Sony’s platform, with Viacom channels  that include Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and MTV.

According to a report in the NY Times, the new service will offer cable channels and VoD content. It will be available first to customers owning Sony products including its PlayStation games consoles and some Bravia HD TVs.

The VoD service is expected to launch by the end of this year and could then become available on other Sony products, including its mobile devices.

IPTV News reports that under the deal, still to be finalised, live Viacom channels including MTV, Nickelodeon, BET and Comedy Central would be available for the first time on an internet TV service. Mainstream broadcasters have yet to start live streaming of their channels.

The Sony deal follows moves by Google, Microsoft and Apple to offer alternatives to traditional cable TV. The move will see it take on existing OTT providers including Netflix and Hulu.