Irish broadcaster TV3 has joined forces with consumer electronics giant Sony to ingrain catch-up TV and other interactive features on Sony’s latest connected TVs and Blu-ray media players, Siliconrepublic.com has learned.
As part of collaboration with Sony and DV4, TV3’s catch-up TV and web content will appear as an icon on the video bar on Sony’s latest generation of TV and media playing devices, all of which have Wi-Fi connectivity.
The move follows the successful rollout of TV3 catch-up TV apps on the iPhone, iPad and Android platforms for smartphones and tablets.
TV3’s head of online Peter Clerkin told Siliconrepublic.com that viewers from their living rooms can now go directly to their TVs to access previously shown shows like Xpose, X Factor, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Ireland AM without needing to use a computer.
“Sony is a key player in the market for internet-enabled TVs and if you have a Sony internet-connected device you can now access TV3 shows at any time on the cross media bar.”
Clerkin said the deal currently does not include the PlayStation 3 console – which already has the RTÉ Player – but it would be an ambition to extend TV3’s catch-up TV content into the PlayStation ecosystem.
“We’ve been working with Sony for the last couple of months on this. The project has involved four months of integration and testing and it’s available now today on Sony internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players either by Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.”
I asked Clerkin if the new service will have a social layer. “I’m sure as the platform develops we will aspire to open it up to a lot more social media but at the moment there are no social aspects to it.
“From our perspective, we’re excited about extending our reach into the living room from a digital perspective. Our strategy is to appear on all devices that are internet-enabled and not just your standard everyday PC,” Clerkin said.
In related news, Sony Europe today announced the launch of 3D Experience, a new, free of charge on-demand streaming service offering a range of promotional video clips and trial content in 3D, including highlights of Wimbledon 2011.
The service will be available from 13 July to owners of 3D capable Sony “BRAVIA” LCD TVs immediately after purchase and without registration, and plan to expand to Sony’s 3D capable Blu-ray Disc Player and Blu-ray Disc Home Theatre System. It will initially launch in Ireland, the UK, Germany, France, the US and Canada.
